Industry News and Advocacy
Federal Water Funding Lapses – NUCA Urges Immediate Reauthorization
On September 30, 2026, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s (IIJA) five-year authorization and supplemental funding expired, putting utility construction projects at risk. NUCA is urging Congress to immediately reauthorize the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, along with highway programs including the Bridge Formula Program, Safe Streets and Roads for All, and MEGA. IIJA delivered more than $43 billion in supplemental water funding, including billions in fiscal 2026 alone for capitalization, lead service line replacement, and emerging contaminants.
Without new support, federal water funding could fall about 60 percent from fiscal 2026 to fiscal 2027. Previously awarded IIJA dollars can still move through pipelines, but states will have far less capacity for the next generation of work. EPA estimates more than $1.25 trillion in water and wastewater needs over 20 years. Lawmakers return to Washington on Nov. 9, after the Nov. 3 midterm elections. NUCA is calling on Congress for multi-year reauthorization and appropriations that keep projects and jobs on track.
Sonderling Confirmed as New Sec. of Labor
The U.S. Senate on Sept. 30 confirmed Keith Sonderling 47-41 to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Labor. NUCA applauds Sec. Sonderling’s confirmation as the department’s leader. He has been serving as acting secretary since Sec. Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned in April. He previously served as a senior USDOL adviser, EEOC commissioner, and USDOL deputy secretary. NUCA looks forward to partnering with Sec. Sonderling on jobsite safety initiatives and workforce development programs that help contractors recruit, train, and retain the people needed to deliver critical infrastructure.
Lisa Chowansky Leading NUCA Government Affairs Committee
NUCA’s Government Affairs Committee welcomes NUCA of New Jersey’s Lisa Chowansky as the new committee chair. Long-time chairman Tom Butler passed the baton to Lisa in mid-September, marking the end of his many years as committee leader. Lisa is president and owner of H.C. Constructors, Inc., a Whitehouse Station, N.J., heavy civil contractor specializing in sitework, underground utilities, and concrete. Her government affairs leadership includes serving as President of NUCA of New Jersey, First Vice Chair of the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce, and as an active member of the NJ Utility and Transportation Contractors Association, ACCNJ, and the NJ Alliance for Action. NUCA’s leadership and the government affairs staff thank Tom for his many years of outstanding service and his inspiring presence at Washington Summit for the last 13 years. Thank you both for your time and work to make NUCA the best industry advocate possible!
Association News
Your NUCA membership delivers business benefits that will help your bottom line. Are you or your employees taking advantage of them? Visit the NUCA membership portal at www.1800members.com/nuca.
Aaron Witt Confirmed As Convention Keynote Speaker! Summer Rate Registration Open
NUCA has big news to share with members about the upcoming NUCA 2027 National Convention! Keynote speaker Aaron Witt, founder of BuildWitt, takes our Convention stage with his powerful talk: “Field First: YOU Are the Solution.” Our industry faces a critical crossroads: massive infrastructure needs, an outgoing generation, and an incoming one still finding its footing. Leadership is nervous. Who steps up? Aaron has the answer. And after traveling across six continents, he’ll show you why it’s YOU. You’ll walk away with five simple, actionable ways to develop and retain the next generation and drive real results.
You won’t want to miss Aaron’s captivating presentation. Register now for NUCA’s 2027 National Convention at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Gold Resort & Spa, Miramar Beach, Florida, March 9-12, 2027. And stay tuned to NUCA for more details about our purpose-built sessions, networking with NUCA National Partners, new Convention events, and more! Register today at nucadigs.com.
New NUCA Benefit! NUCA360: Insurance and Risk Management Built for Our Members
Exclusive to NUCA members and powered by Knight Insurance Group, NUCA360 is a complete insurance and risk management program designed around the real risks of utility and excavation work. Introduced in September , NUCA members nationwide can now access multiple carriers, more coverage options, and stronger competition—plus specialized support no matter the type of company they operate. The result is more than a policy. NUCA Members gain a partner focused on lowering our member’s total cost of risk, improving performance, and supporting long-term growth. Take advantage of your NUCA membership and learn more at NUCA.com/NUCA360.
NUCA Benefit: Turnkey Housing for Construction Teams
NUCA members can now access exclusive, flexible housing through Blueground. Fully furnished units nationwide help construction teams with mobile workforces save money, cut administrative burden, and keep projects moving for stays of 30 days or more. Members receive 50% off upfront fees (cleaning, setup, and admin) on every booking, plus typical savings of 10–20% versus traditional corporate housing. Choose from more than 20 million units to fit any crew size or location. Manage all stays in one portal with consolidated billing, 24/7/365 support, and a dedicated account manager. With 16+ years supporting thousands of companies, Blueground is now a trusted partner for the utility construction industry. Go to promos.theblueground.com/nuca-members/.
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.
