The Economic Perspective 9/11/2026
The Latest Trending Economic, Environmental and Infrastructure News Curated for You by The Balmoral Group
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Happy Friday!
Welcome back to another edition of the Economic Perspective. We hope everyone is enjoying the slowly cooling weather and the start of the football season!
Uncertainty is the name of the game currently. While data center construction and space-related investments are at an all-time high, increasingly we see reports of projects (commercial and residential) being cancelled because costs have accelerated to the point that completed values will no longer exceed costs. Highlighting uncertainty in macroeconomic conditions, this week we saw both Netherlands move their gold out of the U.S. due to geopolitical instability, and Norges Bank, the world's largest sovereign wealth bank, reduce their Treasury holdings by $80 B for similar reasons. The next few quarters could be a wild ride in financial markets.
In this week's Economic Perspective, we have articles covering rules changes on waters of the United State, new grant opportunities in North Florida, a Gulf Coast survey released by NOAA, and more. Our data visualization features information on rising construction material prices.
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Narrower Waters of the United States Rule Proposal
The EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have proposed a new rule that would clarify what waters and wetlands are subject to the federal Clean Water Act. The proposed rule would restrict definitions of “relatively permanent” waters and “continuous surface connection.” “Relatively permanent” would be limited to “perennial” waters where water flows everyday of the year. Rules are currently under review, and agency groups are accepting public comments about potential rules. Read more about the rules and where to find more information on public comments here.
2021 Infrastructure Law and Transportation Spending Extended to December
On September 2nd the White house signed into law a bill that will extend most transportation funding through December 11th, including an extension of the 2021 infrastructure law. This has pushed back the September 30th expiration but, unfortunately, does not continue support for $13.5 billion in highway and public transportation funding. Stakeholder groups have pushed back on Congress, but no action has been taken to date. However, congress has until December to finalize long-term funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2027, and stakeholder groups will use this time to continue pushing for the reinstatement. Read more here.
Applications open for Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Programs
The Florida Forest Service announced that non-industrial private forest owners from eligible counties can apply for the 2026 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program, which provides incentive payments for forest management activities such as thinning, prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and the planting of longleaf or slash pine instead of loblolly pine (the pest’s preferred species). The program has been offered since 2005, and has helped treat and prevent southern pine beetle damage for approximately 222,000 acres of forests, and will increase reimbursement rates to account for rising costs experienced by forest owners. Read more about this program and the list of eligible counties here
US House Targets Chameleon Carriers
Chameleon carriers are when trucking companies shut down and resume operations under new names to evade discipline for safety regulation violations. This phenomenon has been an ongoing issue and is being targeted by bipartisan lawmakers in the House for reform. A new bill, the REVOKE Act, will help close this issue by requiring carriers to maintain an active USDOT number, and allow the DOT Secretary to immediately deactivate a number if the carrier lacks registration. This bill follows other efforts to improve highway and transportation safety from bipartisan efforts by keeping unsafe carriers off the road. Read more here.
NOAA Gulf Coast Survey
NOAA completed a fully autonomous survey off the Florida Gulf Coast, collecting data to update nautical charts and assess hazards from storms. The area has experienced numerous major tropical storms over the past several years, leading to an increased risk of navigation hazards. In addition to the survey along the Florida coast, which was completed in the 1950s, the autonomous vessel delivered itself to a boat ramp where it was picked up. Areas surveyed included offshore of Tampa Bay, Pensacola, approaches to Morgan City, LA, and Mississippi Sound, MS. You can read more about the survey here.
3D Printed Concrete
3D printed concrete has achieved significant milestones, including the construction of 10 new U.S. Army barracks to house 560 soldiers; the 3D printing was completed in 58 days, and construction was completed four times faster than traditional methods. The tallest building using 3D print construction is now Tor Alva ("The White Tower") in Mulegns, Switzerland at 98 feet tall. A new tower crane 3D construction printer can print vertical construction to 328 feet tall. While investors and companies working with 3D printed concrete remain skeptical on widespread adoption, they argue that it fills a need of repeatable building types and a partner ecosystem that can absorb the technical risks. Read more here and here.
Data Visualization of the Week
Construction Material Prices See Further Price Increases in August
Last month saw a 1.2% price increase on construction input costs. Nonresidential construction input prices also saw a 1.2% increase. Compared to one year ago, prices have increased by 8.9%, while crude oil and unprocessed energy materials have experienced similar increases. With crude prices jumping back to $100/bl and the ongoing trade conflict with Canada, prices are expected to continue to see increases as pressure is put on iron, steel, copper wire and cable, and other products. Contractors remain optimistic about profitability, but this could change over longer months as prices continue to climb. Read more here.
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