The 2026 ACEC Annual Convention and Legislative Summit

As part of the 2026 ACEC Annual Convention and Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., ACEC Louisiana members once again joined engineering leaders from across the nation to meet with members of Louisiana's Congressional Delegation and their staff to discuss federal policies impacting the business of engineering and the future of America's infrastructure.

This year's meetings occurred at a pivotal time as Congress begins work on reauthorizing several major federal infrastructure programs set to expire on September 30, 2026. Our discussions focused on ensuring continued investment in transportation and water infrastructure, modernizing federal permitting processes, and preserving qualifications-based procurement policies that promote successful project delivery.

Transportation Infrastructure: Reauthorization of Federal Surface Transportation Programs

With current federal surface transportation programs nearing expiration, we urged members of our delegation to support a robust, long-term reauthorization package that provides funding certainty for state and local transportation agencies.

Priorities included:

• Sustained long-term funding commitments for roads, bridges, transit systems, rail programs, and ports.
• Uniform procurement requirements that ensure all funding recipients utilize qualifications-based selection (QBS) when procuring engineering services.
• Expanded use of negotiated lump-sum contracts and modern project delivery methods that encourage innovation and efficiency.
• Reforms and technical assistance programs that streamline local grant administration and accelerate project delivery.

We emphasized that engineering firms are increasingly leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced digital design tools to improve project outcomes. Federal policies should support contracting approaches that allow firms to maximize these innovations for the benefit of taxpayers and infrastructure users.

Water Infrastructure: Investing in America's Future

Congress is also preparing to reauthorize key federal water infrastructure programs and consider the next Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). ACEC Louisiana highlighted the critical need for continued investment in drinking water, wastewater, flood protection, navigation, and coastal infrastructure.

Priorities included:

• Reauthorizing and increasing funding for State Revolving Funds (SRFs) and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA).
• Addressing the growing backlog of water infrastructure projects nationwide.
• Supporting passage of a 2026 WRDA bill that increases funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program.
• Ensuring procurement policies for engineering services recognize the value of qualifications-based selection and negotiated contracting.

These investments are particularly important for Louisiana, where reliable water infrastructure, flood protection systems, navigation channels, and coastal restoration projects are vital to both public safety and economic competitiveness.

Permitting Reform: Delivering Infrastructure Faster

Another major topic during our Congressional meetings was the need for meaningful permitting reform.

While environmental stewardship remains critically important, the current federal permitting process often delays infrastructure projects for years, increasing costs and postponing public benefits. ACEC Louisiana supported common-sense reforms that would maintain environmental protections while improving project delivery.

Priorities included:

• Eliminate duplicative agency reviews and clarify the scope of major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Establish more predictable timelines for judicial review while providing greater certainty once permits are issued.
• Expand the use of digital tools and technology to modernize the permitting process.
• Strengthen interagency coordination at the outset of project reviews.
• Expand successful programs such as FAST-41 by lowering project eligibility thresholds and making streamlined permitting tools available to more infrastructure projects.

These reforms would help deliver critical transportation, water, energy, and resilience projects more efficiently while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Building Relationships That Deliver Results

Beyond discussing policy priorities, these meetings continue to provide invaluable opportunities to strengthen relationships with Louisiana's Congressional Delegation and their staff. We were able to share perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing engineering firms, infrastructure owners, and the communities we serve.

Every meeting reinforced the importance of maintaining open communication between ACEC Louisiana and our federal policymakers. We left Washington encouraged by the engagement and support shown by our delegation and appreciative of their willingness to serve as resources for our industry.

As always, if your firm is experiencing challenges related to federal programs, regulations, contracting requirements, or infrastructure funding, please do not hesitate to reach out. ACEC Louisiana remains committed to ensuring the voice of Louisiana's engineering industry is heard in Washington and that our members have a strong advocate on federal issues affecting the business of engineering.