Engineering firms are meeting unprecedented regional infrastructure growth demand

The hum of progress is a familiar sound across Grand Forks and the surrounding region, but lately, it’s been amplified. From the sprawling data centers demanding ever-increasing power to the critical need for safer drinking water, our communities are experiencing unprecedented growth and demanding upgrades to the infrastructure that supports it. Engineering firms are feeling the pressure, grappling with a surge in requests for modernization, expansion, and early-stage consulting – a challenge that stretches far beyond simply having enough hands on deck. This isn’t just about building new things; it’s about ensuring the reliability and safety of the systems we all depend on every day.

The Growing Demand: A Regional Strain

Infrastructure engineering firms across the region are experiencing unprecedented demand driven by aging electrical grids, surging power needs for data centers, and critical public water safety updates. Jeff Heinemann, vice president and general manager of the renewables sector at Ulteig, explains that the needs across multiple markets are putting new demands on the electrical grid that haven’t been seen in decades. However, he notes that demand isn’t the primary issue. “The bigger question is whether the industry has the people, equipment, and delivery capacity to keep up with it,” Heinemann said. “Across the industry, there is more infrastructure that needs to be built than available resources to build it.” Major equipment procurement can now take years, permitting processes are lengthy, and experienced engineers, project managers, technicians, and scientists remain in high demand.

The strain isn’t limited to electrical grids. Matthew Weeks, senior professional land surveyor at Interstate Engineering, notes that approximately 90% of their work currently involves new construction, a significant shift from rebuilding existing infrastructure. This includes substation upgrades and expansions, new electrical transmission lines, and preliminary work related to data centers. “We have worked on numerous substation upgrades and expansions as well as new construction, new electrical transmission lines and have been involved in some construction staking related to a new generation facility,” Weeks said.

The need for rapid turnaround times is being addressed through innovative technologies. Houston Engineering is utilizing drone-captured point cloud data to accelerate design processes, allowing engineers to focus on complex problem-solving rather than data collection. “Those tools collect large amounts of data in a short period of time, increasing turnaround time for the design engineers,” Weeks explained.

Addressing Lead Contamination: A Public Health Imperative

The urgency surrounding water safety is underscored by the 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) requirement. This federal regulation mandates that communities inventory existing lead service lines and develop a plan to replace them within 10 years. Dan Korf, project manager and civil engineer with Houston Engineering, highlights the city of Fargo’s proactive approach, stating, “The city of Fargo has been a leader in proactively addressing these replacements, and Houston Engineering, Inc. has been pleased to assist the city with their efforts.” Over 2,000 lead service lines have been inventoried in Fargo, with replacements slated to begin in the 2026 construction season.

“Ensuring compliance with the EPA rule and providing healthier and safer drinking water to the residents of Fargo will be a high priority in the upcoming multi-year project,” Korf said. The replacement project, funded through the North Dakota State Revolving Fund, aims not only to ensure compliance with EPA regulations but also to enhance water distribution efficiency and improve flow rates for residents. Because the EPA identifies that there is no safe level of lead exposure, removing lead lines protects public health while enhancing Fargo’s water distribution efficiency, reducing maintenance costs and improving flow rates for residents.

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

New technologies and tools are impacting infrastructure design and construction. Tools such as LiDAR, drones, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and remote sensing are helping to clarify existing conditions early on, allowing for prompt resolution of environmental, permitting, right-of-way, and construction issues. Automation and artificial intelligence can process large datasets faster, freeing engineers and designers to focus on complex problem-solving and critical judgment. “Having efficient processes for review of historical records, GIS, data-driven inventories, and other relevant tracking tools is critically important,” Korf explains. The ability to combine accurate historical data with current designs is proving invaluable, particularly in the context of lead service line inventories.

Early Collaboration: A Key to Success

Historically, engineering efforts often began after major infrastructure investment decisions had already been made. The trend is now shifting towards earlier planning, with developers, utilities, construction contractors, and large energy users seeking engineering partners to evaluate site locations, assess grid capacity, and understand permitting requirements before construction even begins. “When these discussions happen up front, teams have more options and more flexibility,” Heinemann observes. “When they're addressed one at a time, issues tend to surface later, when they're harder and more expensive to solve.”

Heinemann emphasizes that power generation and transmission need to be planned together. Regardless of the energy source — coal, natural gas, advanced nuclear, wind, solar, storage or a combination of resources — reliable transmission infrastructure is essential to deliver power to consumers. “Reliable generation and a reliable grid go hand in hand,” he said. Furthermore, he notes that state leaders, regulators, utilities, and communities are increasingly asking tough questions about cost, reliability, timing, and local impact – a positive sign of a more thoughtful and collaborative approach to infrastructure development.

Future Investments: A Regional Imperative

Infrastructure investments over the next 5-10 years should prioritize both the renewal of aging infrastructure and targeted projects that promote community advancement. A broader mix of generation projects is being seen today than just a few years ago. Wind and solar continue to be part of that mix, battery storage projects are increasing and natural gas is getting more attention as utilities and large energy users look for dependable power to support load growth.

“I don't think this is an either-or discussion anymore. Most utilities are looking at the full mix of resources and asking what combination best supports reliability, affordability and the needs of their customers. The answer will vary by utility and by region,” Heinemann said. “Regardless of how power is generated, it still has to connect to the grid and reach the customer; transmission, substations and interconnection infrastructure remain a critical part of the solution.”

Community Response and Resources

While direct quotes from residents regarding these infrastructure challenges are not readily available in the provided source material, the proactive approach of the city of Fargo, as highlighted by Dan Korf, speaks to a community commitment to addressing these concerns. The prioritization of lead service line replacement demonstrates a recognition of the importance of public health and safety. The collaboration between the city and Houston Engineering underscores a shared responsibility for ensuring the well-being of Fargo’s residents.

For residents interested in learning more about infrastructure projects in the region, several resources are available. The City of Grand Forks website provides information on local government initiatives and projects. The North Dakota State Revolving Fund offers details about funding for water infrastructure improvements. The Ulteig website showcases their work in the region, while the Interstate Engineering website provides further insights into their services. Residents can also find information through the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce, which often highlights local business and development initiatives.

Closing paragraph: The challenges facing our region's infrastructure engineering firms are significant, but they also present an opportunity. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing long-term planning, we can ensure that Grand Forks and the surrounding area remain a vibrant and thriving place to live, work, and raise a family. The commitment to continuous improvement and investment in our infrastructure is not just an economic imperative; it's a testament to our belief in the future of our community.