As firms continue to struggle to find experienced workers, federal funding bolsters investment in infrastructure and elevates firm revenue.

Firms across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas are eyeing opportunities for infrastructure to play a key role in restarting the economy, and stimulus funding could help offset tax revenue shortfalls.

More than 100 architecture firms are now requesting more development of Revit as Autodesk admits it hasn't been investing in building out the platform in recent years.

With little if any federal momentum to move major investment, the young professionals say industry needs to rev up its own advocacy and creative solutions.

In early February, Monsanto broke ground on a $975 million expansion at its Luling, La., operation. 

The idea that a poor U.S. infrastructure endangers the economy has a long history.