Industry News and Advocacy
Surface Transportation Bill Update
Congress entered its month-long summer recess in early August without taking final votes on the surface transportation bill. Legislation to reauthorize the programs or provide a short-term extension must be enacted by October 1, 2026, to avoid a shutdown of the Federal-aid highway and Federal Transit programs. The five-year BUILD America Act includes $474.4 billion in contract authority from the Highway Trust Fund for federal highway and bridge, public transportation, and roadway safety programs.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee advanced the NUCA-supported BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8850) on May 21, but the full House did not act before its August recess. Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) wants full reauthorization by September 30 but has acknowledged that a short-term extension may be needed. She plans to release legislative text and hold a committee markup in September. NUCA and other organizations have urged Congress to maintain full funding to avoid project delays.
Workforce Pell Grants Launched July 1
Effective July 1, the new Workforce Pell Grants program, championed by NUCA for a decade, expands federal Pell eligibility to high-quality, short-term construction training programs for the first time. Enabled by the NUCA-supported 2025 “Working Families Tax Cuts Act,” students in trade school programs can now use Pell Grants for 8- to 15-week certificate programs in welding, heavy equipment operation, pipeline construction, carpentry, and other skilled trades. This program will help utility contractors address the industry’s persistent workforce shortage. Our members’ advocacy efforts over several Washington Summits helped make this law become a reality.
SRF Reauthorizations Awaiting Fall Action In Congress
As of August 10, reauthorization of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) was included in the Senate’s Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) (S. 4949).
The bipartisan bill, supported by NUCA, was introduced July 13 and unanimously ordered reported by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on July 15. It reauthorizes the programs for four years (FY2027–2030) at elevated levels: CWSRF at $3.5 billion annually ($14 billion total) and DWSRF starting at $3.75 billion in FY2027 and rising to $4.5 billion by FY2030 ($16.5 billion total). It also reauthorizes WIFIA and adds provisions addressing PFAS, lead, cybersecurity, and resilience. The House advanced its companion WRDA (H.R. 9497), also supported by NUCA, unanimously from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on July 14. That version focuses on Army Corps projects and does not include the EPA SRF reauthorizations.
Both bills await floor consideration after the August recess. Differences in the legislation, particularly the Senate’s EPA provisions, would need reconciliation in conference before final passage, expected before the year runs out in December.
Association News
Your NUCA membership delivers business benefits that will help your bottom line. Are you or your employees taking advantage of them?
Safety & Damage Prevention Conference: Registration Now Open, Sept. 15-18
Don’t miss your chance to join the industry’s top safety professionals at the NUCA Safety & Damage Prevention Conference, September 15-18, 2026, at the iconic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
Immerse yourself in three powerful days of timely discussions designed to tackle the real challenges facing utility construction today. The agenda features critical sessions on transportation accidents, risk management, mental health in the workplace, the latest OSHA updates, emergency preparedness, rethinking trench safety (presented with NUCA National Partner United Rentals), a compelling panel on drugs in the industry, and a fresh 811 update.
This year’s conference shines a spotlight on the most pressing safety and damage prevention issues impacting our industry. You’ll gain actionable insights, practical strategies, and fresh ideas to strengthen safety practices and reduce incidents back at your company. Connect and recharge during two dynamic networking events, including the prestigious STAR Award presentation. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of regulations, protect your team, or drive real improvement in damage prevention, this is the must-attend event of the year. Register today at nuca.com/safety-damage-prevention-conference/ and secure your spot in Louisville!
Dig Into Savings This Summer with NUCA’s Mid-Year Membership Offer
New and returning utility construction and excavation contractors can join NUCA for the remainder of 2026 at up to 50% off standard national dues. As the leading national voice for the underground excavation industry, NUCA delivers powerful advocacy, safety leadership, workforce development resources, damage-prevention programs, and nationwide networking that strengthen operations and keep your company ahead of regulatory and market changes. NUCA members gain access to training, expert consultation, timely insights, cost-saving discounts, and connections with industry leaders. Whether you’re reconnecting or exploring membership for the first time, this limited-time rate is an excellent opportunity to invest in your company’s success at a significantly reduced cost. Ready to join? Contact membership@nuca.com or visit www.nuca.com/membership today.
NUCA Annual Awards Nominations Open
NUCA Annual Awards submissions are awaiting your nominations! Make a submission to recognize the most outstanding work of our industry, recognizing exemplary work and leadership in our space. Don’t miss the chance to earn the recognition of your peers for the great work you’ve done in 2026.
Award Categories Include:
Ditch Digger of the Year
Associate of the Year
Several Chapter Excellence Awards
William H. Feather Safety Awards
Top Job Project Awards
Awards will be presented at the NUCA National Convention Awards Gala taking place at Miramar Beach, Florida, March 9-12, 2027. All nomination materials must be submitted no later than January 15, 2027, for consideration. Award rules and submission forms are available at www.nuca.com/awards.
Toolbox Talks: It’s never been easier to promote safety to your employees
Toolbox Talks are for NUCA and industry members to use and distribute to their employees to assist them in promoting safety in the workplace. Toolbox Talks reinforce company safety rules, warn of dangerous conditions and describe safe workplace procedures. While these toolbox talks are not a substitute for training, they are designed to reinforce training and remind employees of the many hazards and safe working procedures on the jobsite. Each of these Toolbox Talks can be downloaded as a PDF, and many are available in both English and Spanish languages. Go to NUCA.com/toolbox-talks and browse the wealth of safety knowledge available to NUCA members.
