Across the country, 2026 legislative activity is reinforcing a clear trend of states continuing to expand and refine design-build authority. Transportation and Water/Wastewater are leading that momentum, as policymakers look for project delivery methods that can accelerate schedules, manage risk and deliver long-term value in sectors facing aging infrastructure paired with funding pressures and growing demand.
These two sectors are also central to DBIA’s national conversation this spring, with dedicated Transportation/Aviation and Water/Wastewater Conferences bringing together Owners, industry partners and policymakers to translate statutory authority into successful project delivery. The bills highlighted below illustrate how states are aligning policy with practice. Additional state and local legislation will be examined in a companion update. Keep up with pending design-build legislation across the country on our website.
DBIA is closely tracking these developments and working alongside industry partners to support thoughtful expansion of design-build, including progressive design-build (PDB), authority nationwide.
Transportation
Transportation remains one of the most active sectors for design-build legislation, particularly as agencies confront aging assets, supply chain volatility and pressure to deliver projects faster and with greater cost certainty. The legislation in this sector reflects efforts to adopt federal regulations, create financial incentives for design-build and PDB projects, and eliminate pilot program restrictions.
These themes will also take center stage at DBIA’s upcoming Transportation/Aviation Conference, where sessions on progressive design-build adoption, collaboration and innovation will examine how expanded authority is being implemented in practice.
West Virginia House Bill 4808 and Senate Bill 607
House Bill 4808 and Senate Bill 607 would allow airport authorities to use project delivery methods approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for efficient planning, procurement and construction of airport infrastructure. These approved FAA methods include design-build and PDB, clearing the way for broader use for its airport infrastructure.
Senate Bill 607 has passed from the Senate and is currently in the House Committee for Government Organization.
Nebraska Legislative Bill 1126
Known as the Infrastructure Development Investment Program Act, Legislative Bill 1126 would create a new financing program to provide loans and financial assistance for transportation infrastructure projects. Design-build contracting agencies, including those using PDB, would be eligible to seek funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) through the program.
The bill is currently in the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee.
Wisconsin Senate Bill 461
A big change is coming to the procedures of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s (WisDOT) design-build authority. Senate Bill 461 would modify the current WisDOT design-build pilot program, which limits WisDOT to $250 million in total spending across six projects during a fiscal biennium and requires WisDOT to maintain an inventory of suitable design-build projects.
Under the proposed changes, WisDOT would be allowed to spend up to $300 million during each fiscal biennium on a non-fixed number of projects, providing greater design-build flexibility for the department.
As of January 16, Senate Bill 461 has been ordered enrolled as it awaits the Governor’s signature after passing both houses.
Water/Wastewater
States are also expanding design-build authority in the Water/Wastewater sector, where utilities face mounting regulatory requirements, system resiliency challenges and long-deferred capital needs. Policymakers are increasingly recognizing that design-build offers greater efficiency and innovation for this sector.
DBIA’s Water/Wastewater Conference this spring will explore how Owners and industry teams are translating expanded authority into effective procurement strategies and project outcomes, reinforcing the connection between legislative progress and on-the-ground delivery.
New York Senate Bill 8846
New York Senate Bill 8846 is gaining momentum for its potential to broaden design-build authority on sewer and water projects. The bill would enact the “CR Clean Water and Sewer Authority Act,” establishing jurisdiction over the state’s sewer system and giving authority to engage in design-build projects.
The bill is currently in the Senate Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee.
Illinois House Bill 4951
Illinois’ focus on design-build continues with House Bill 4951. The bill would grant each county water commission the authority to use design-build for both the procurement and construction of its projects. If passed, the legislation would expand local-level design-build opportunities in the water/wastewater sector.
The bill currently sits in the House Committee for Public Utilities and has a hearing scheduled for February 24.
Connecting Policy to Practice
As legislative activity accelerates across these sectors and the country, DBIA continues to provide a national platform for transportation, aviation and water/wastewater professionals to engage with policy developments and their impacts on industry best practices.
This year’s Spring Specialty Conferences are designed to bridge that gap between statute and execution. Dedicated sessions will examine state legislative trends, progressive design-build implementation and sector-specific delivery challenges, ensuring expanded authority is matched with informed practice.
Register now to join us for the Water/Wastewater Conference (April 13-15) and Transportation/Aviation Conference (April 15-17) at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas (Dallas area).
Through advocacy, education and national conferences, DBIA helps move expanded authority from statute to success, equipping Owners and industry teams with the tools and insights needed to deliver Design-Build Done Right® across the country.
