House Infrastructure Committee Advances BUILD America 250 Act

Last month’s Washington Summit also featured the first House committee vote on the big surface transportation bill. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the BUILD America 250 Act by a May 21 vote of 62-2.  The legislation authorizes $580 billion overall, including $474.4 billion in contract authority from the Highway Trust Fund (HTF)—a 23.7% increase over the IIJA’s $383.4 billion baseline.

The bill contains several NUCA-supported provisions to improve work zone safety for both workers and motorists. It gives states greater flexibility to use existing federal highway safety funds for measures such as advanced signage, traffic control devices, temporary barriers, enhanced worker training, and public education campaigns.

A full House vote is expected in June, though the Senate has not yet released its companion version. Both chambers are unlikely to meet the September 30 deadline, so lawmakers are expected to extend the current law at least through the end of the year to avoid disruptions to ongoing surface transportation projects.

Workforce Pell Grants Are Launching In July

Regulations have now cleared the way for last year’s Workforce Pell Grants program to go live, culminating years of advocacy by NUCA’s workforce development program. Enacted in the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts Act (also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), this expansion of Pell Grants to short-term workforce training programs becomes operative on July 1, 2026. The U.S. Dept. of Education regulations were published May 18 in the Federal Register.

Starting this summer, eligible students can use prorated Pell funding for high-quality certificate programs lasting 8–15 weeks (150–599 clock hours). These must prepare participants for in-demand, high-skill roles in construction and related trades—such as welding, carpentry, heavy equipment operation, and more—with strong completion rates, job placement outcomes, and earnings potential. While this talent pipeline will not become available for months, it is a big step towards addressing the industry’s labor shortages.

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!

Access Your NUCA Member Benefits In One Place

Members now have access to a very user-friendly NUCA Member Dashboard at my.nuca.com. This webpage is where you can update your member profile, manage your NUCA committees, register for NUCA events, access your benefits, and so much more! Individual member benefits are now enhanced to include a travel suite that offers exclusive discounts on car rentals, hotels, and GE products. Plus, members can take advantage of discounts on auto, home, pet, renters, travel, and more!

Please log into your NUCA Member Dashboard by visiting my.nuca.com. For questions about logging in or your membership benefits, please contact NUCA’s Lauren Roget at lauren@nuca.com.

NUCA Benefits: The expanded NUCA Advantage member benefits program

Your NUCA membership investment can deliver benefits far in excess of its cost — but only if you ask your human resources office to explore what it offers. Start by forwarding this document to them and ask them to check out NUCA Advantage. Our online portal leads to expanded health care benefits options for your company, as well as payroll, wellness, compliance, benefits administration, 401K programs, online training, OSHA logs and a wealth of free HR benefits available only to NUCA members. Find our expanded NUCA Advantage benefits program at www.NUCAAdvantage.com.

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.

The post NUCA News Summary – June 2026 appeared first on NUCA of South Florida.

Update on the 2026 Surface Transportation Bill

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has not held a markup on its portion of the surface transportation reauthorization bill, marking the latest delay in its long-anticipated reauthorization.  Committee Chair Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) indicated the House panel is now aiming to consider the legislation later this month, possibly even the week of May 18. However, the text of the bill has not yet been released and negotiations remain ongoing.

Lawmakers face a Sept. 30 deadline to reauthorize expiring surface programs. With repeated delays and the House schedule many observers now expect Congress will pass this fall a short-term extension of current authorities to avoid disruption. A key sticking point continues to be the legislation’s top-line funding level. Graves has expressed interest in a range of $500 billion to $550 billion, while Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) is pushing for a higher number. Bipartisan discussions between the two leaders are continuing as they work to bridge the gap. For our industry, these developments underscore the need for sustained advocacy to ensure a robust, long-term reauthorization that delivers certainty for highway, bridge, and transit projects.

NUCA Opposes Gas Tax Holiday Proposal

NUCA and our transportation coalition partners are strongly opposed to proposals under discussion by the Trump Administration and Congress to suspend the federal gas tax. Such plans would have limited, if any, impact on consumer prices, and risk driving up costs on projects designed to improve every community across the country.

“The federal gas tax is the foundation of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), which supports the nation’s transportation improvements,” wrote NUCA and TCC in a letter sent to all members of Congress. “Using it as a political tool is a disservice to those who depend on reliable, well-maintained road, bridge and transit systems.” NUCA and the TCC encourage Congress to focus on legislation that will address affordability: timely passage of a surface transportation reauthorization bill.

Tariff Refund Portal Website Open

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) said U.S. businesses that paid tariffs that the Supreme Court recently ruled were illegal could start applying for refunds on April 20. CBP launched the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal through their Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. Companies applying for the refund must submit what’s known as a “CAPE declaration” (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries), which CBP says will streamline the “submission and processing of valid refund requests for duties imposed” under the Trump Administration.

The system requires importers and authorized brokers to file claims for duties paid that should see them being refunded within 60-90 days of their application. 330,000 importers paid estimated duties of about $166 billion on approximately 53 million items as of March 4, according to the CBP. But as of April 9 only about 56,500 of these importers owed refunds had completed enrollment for electronic payment.

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!

NUCA Assurance: Get more control over your business insurance program

Join like-minded NUCA contractors who have taken control of their claims, managed their risk, and secured better, more focused insurance services for their businesses. NUCA Assurance is a construction-focused group captive owned by NUCA members and designed by insurance experts to deliver the claims control and risk-management support smart construction business owners need. This cost-effective association benefit helps your company purchase workers’ compensation, general liability, and auto liability insurance. Find out how to get more control over your utility construction company’s insurance needs by starting at NUCAAssurance.com.

NUCA Benefits: The expanded NUCA Advantage member benefits program

Your NUCA membership investment can deliver benefits far in excess of its cost — but only if you ask your human resources office to explore what it offers. Start by forwarding this document to them and ask them to check out NUCA Advantage. Our online portal leads to expanded health care benefits options for your company, as well as payroll, wellness, compliance, benefits administration, 401K programs, online training, OSHA logs and a wealth of free HR benefits available only to NUCA members. Find our expanded NUCA Advantage benefits program at www.NUCAAdvantage.com.

NUCA Benefits: Why NUCA Members Should Rethink Their 401(k) Strategy

Managing a 401(k) plan often creates more work than it should especially for NUCA members already stretched thin. That’s why NUCA has now partnered with Voya, AMP Administrator, and Greenline Wealth Management to create the Voyager 401(k) Pooled Employer Plan (PEP), built specifically for utility contractors and their employees.

Voyager simplifies plan administration by pooling multiple NUCA companies into a single structure unlocking access to economies of scale and service. Greenline also conducts a no-cost benchmarking review for NUCA members to identify savings and help reduce fiduciary liability through full outsourcing. Whether you’re offering a plan today or considering one for the first time, Voyager offers a compliant, cost-effective solution designed around your construction business. Schedule your free plan review today by calling 561-405-6609 (option 7), or email info@greenlinewm.com.

NUCA Benefits: NUCA-WINS–Now Featuring AI-Powered Report Generation

We’re excited to announce a major new feature in NUCA-WINS — AI-Powered Report Generation! With this new tool, you can now generate detailed reports instantly using natural language. NUCA-WINS new AI report generator understands your request in plain English and produces accurate, ready-to-share results in seconds — no need for filters, formulas or complex queries. Each report may be immediately exported to your choice of a PDF, CSV or Excel file. This means you can now get insights faster, save hours on manual report prep and share data-driven updates instantly with your team.

It’s live now! Just log in to your NUCA-WINS account and look for the “AI Reports” button in your “Outputs” section. Go to www.nucawins.com to start today.

The post NUCA News Summary – May 2026 appeared first on NUCA of South Florida.

Highway Bill Introduction This Spring

The House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over Federal surface transportation programs continue to develop legislation to reauthorize these programs, which expire on September 30, 2026. NUCA’s government affairs team has learned that committee leaders are working with Congressional leadership to negotiate top-line funding level for the multi-year highway bill, which is the largest infrastructure bill Congress considers.

The House T&I Committee Chairman Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) continues to work for introduce of a bill in late April. Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) recently acknowledged that while she shares Chairman Graves’s desire to complete the legislation before the programs expire, it may be difficult to hit the Sept. 30, 2026, deadline. Given the size and complexity of the bill, it is possible that lawmakers may not pass the bill until after it expires on Sept. 30, requiring an extension.

Washington Summit, May 19-20: Make Your Mark In Congress

This is the year to come to Washington, D.C. and introduce your business and your Chapter to your lawmakers! Our legislative agenda is moving this year within the surface transportation bill and State Revolving Fund reauthorization, accompanied with other industry priorities. It’s easy to attend: Your Chapter will arrange your meetings with lawmakers, and we’ll provide the briefing materials. Capitol Hill Day will be Wednesday, May 20. Our headquarters hotel will be located this year at the Holiday Inn Capitol Hill, 550 C St. SW, Washington, DC 20024. If you haven’t attended a Washington Summit, this is the year! Attendees can also enjoy a Night Out with Washington Nationals baseball on May 19 (they’re playing the N.Y. Mets, with the game an additional $25 per person). Summit registration is now open at WeDigAmerica.org.

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!

NUCA Assurance: Get more control over your business insurance program

Join like-minded NUCA contractors who have taken control of their claims, managed their risk, and secured better, more focused insurance services for their businesses. NUCA Assurance is a construction-focused group captive owned by NUCA members and designed by insurance experts to deliver the claims control and risk-management support smart construction business owners need. This cost-effective association benefit helps your company purchase workers’ compensation, general liability, and auto liability insurance. Find out how to get more control over your utility construction company’s insurance needs by starting at NUCAAssurance.com.

NUCA Benefits: The expanded NUCA Advantage member benefits program

Your NUCA membership investment can deliver benefits far in excess of its cost — but only if you ask your human resources office to explore what it offers. Start by forwarding this document to them and ask them to check out NUCA Advantage. Our online portal leads to expanded health care benefits options for your company, as well as payroll, wellness, compliance, benefits administration, 401K programs, online training, OSHA logs and a wealth of free HR benefits available only to NUCA members. Find our expanded NUCA Advantage benefits program at www.NUCAAdvantage.com.

NUCA Benefits: Why NUCA Members Should Rethink Their 401(k) Strategy

Managing a 401(k) plan often creates more work than it should especially for NUCA members already stretched thin. That’s why NUCA has now partnered with Voya, AMP Administrator, and Greenline Wealth Management to create the Voyager 401(k) Pooled Employer Plan (PEP), built specifically for utility contractors and their employees.

Voyager simplifies plan administration by pooling multiple NUCA companies into a single structure unlocking access to economies of scale and service. Greenline also conducts a no-cost benchmarking review for NUCA members to identify savings and help reduce fiduciary liability through full outsourcing. Whether you’re offering a plan today or considering one for the first time, Voyager offers a compliant, cost-effective solution designed around your construction business. Schedule your free plan review today by calling 561-405-6609 (option 7), or email info@greenlinewm.com.

NUCA Benefits: NUCA-WINS–Now Featuring AI-Powered Report Generation

We’re excited to announce a major new feature in NUCA-WINS — AI-Powered Report Generation! With this new tool, you can now generate detailed reports instantly using natural language. NUCA-WINS new AI report generator understands your request in plain English and produces accurate, ready-to-share results in seconds — no need for filters, formulas or complex queries. Each report may be immediately exported to your choice of a PDF, CSV or Excel file. This means you can now get insights faster, save hours on manual report prep and share data-driven updates instantly with your team.

It’s live now! Just log in to your NUCA-WINS account and look for the “AI Reports” button in your “Outputs” section. Go to www.nucawins.com to start today.

The post NUCA News Summary – April 2026 appeared first on NUCA of South Florida.

David Howell Elected NUCA Chairman of the Board

NUCA’s Board of Directors formally inducted David Howell as our new Chairman on February 13 at their Annual Meeting held in Tucson, Arizona during the 2026 National Convention. “This coming year we will continue the efforts that the last few Chairmen have been leading and that is the advancement and modernization of our organization,” said Howell in his acceptance speech. “The one thing we cannot do is to ever rest on our laurels…We will continue to work together on funding, regulation, damage prevention, safety, and workforce development. My goal is that as part of our efforts we also work to find ways to provide for the future generations with the same opportunities I was able to take advantage of that NUCA has offered.”

Howell currently serves as NUCA’s Vice-Chairman. He has also represented multiple NUCA Chapters on the association’s executive committee, including the chapters in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.  Howell is the Vice President of Business Development for Midwest Mole. Also elected to the leadership team at the 2026 NUCA Annual Meeting was Jason Clark as Vice-Chair, Kirk Blomgren as Treasurer, and Victor Serrambana as Secretary. Kevin Cripps, the former NUCA chairman, now becomes Immediate Past Chairman.

House Hearing on Drinking Water SRFs

Over the last month, Congress has slowly begun its work on its 2026 water infrastructure agenda. On Feb. 24, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a subcommittee hearing, “From Source to Tap: A Hearing to Examine Challenges and Opportunities for Safe, Reliable, and Affordable Drinking Water.”

Lawmakers examined the use of $50 billion in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds allocated to the EPA for water infrastructure via the State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs. Both Democrat and GOP lawmakers stressed aging infrastructure, a projected $625 billion need over 20 years for maintenance and upgrades, and emerging threats like PFAS contamination, lead pipes, cybersecurity risks, and workforce challenges. NUCA calls for continued strong federal support and stable funding for the SRFs to address modern challenges, while noting federal aid alone cannot solve the problem.

US Customs Agency Not Ready To Reimburse Tariff Costs

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on March 6 that it needs an extra 45 days to establish an automated system for processing refunds on Trump-era tariffs recently invalidated by the Supreme Court. The agency is working to disburse approximately $166 billion in collected duties to over 330,000 eligible importers. In a court filing, CBP’s Brandon Lord explained that the volume of refunds is unprecedented, requiring reprogramming of the agency’s entry tracking system. The Supreme Court ruling called for automatic refunds with interest, but CBP cannot comply immediately. Around 2,000 lawsuits have already been filed by importers seeking refunds.

USDOL Proposes New Independent Contractor Rule, Repealing Biden-Era Regulations

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced on February 26 a proposed rule to clarify worker classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The proposal would rescind the 2024 Biden-era final rule—which used a six-factor “totality of the circumstances” test often seen as favoring employee status—and replace it with a streamlined “economic reality” test similar to the 2021 Trump-era rule.

The DOL aims to provide greater clarity and predictability for workers and employers. NUCA has applauded the DOL for revising the regulations to better clarify independent contractor standards.

Association News

Your NUCA membership delivers business benefits that will help your bottom line. Are you or your employees taking advantage of them?

NUCA Assurance: Get more control over your business insurance program

Join like-minded NUCA contractors who have taken control of their claims, managed their risk, and secured better, more focused insurance services for their businesses. NUCA Assurance is a construction-focused group captive owned by NUCA members and designed by insurance experts to deliver the claims control and risk-management support smart construction business owners need. This cost-effective association benefit helps your company purchase workers’ compensation, general liability, and auto liability insurance. Find out how to get more control over your utility construction company’s insurance needs by starting at NUCAAssurance.com.

NUCA Benefits: The expanded NUCA Advantage member benefits program

Your NUCA membership investment can deliver benefits far in excess of its cost — but only if you ask your human resources office to explore what it offers. Start by forwarding this document to them and ask them to check out NUCA Advantage. Our online portal leads to expanded health care benefits options for your company, as well as payroll, wellness, compliance, benefits administration, 401K programs, online training, OSHA logs and a wealth of free HR benefits available only to NUCA members. Find our expanded NUCA Advantage benefits program at www.NUCAAdvantage.com.

NUCA Benefits: Why NUCA Members Should Rethink Their 401(k) Strategy

Managing a 401(k) plan often creates more work than it should especially for NUCA members already stretched thin. That’s why NUCA has now partnered with Voya, AMP Administrator, and Greenline Wealth Management to create the Voyager 401(k) Pooled Employer Plan (PEP), built specifically for utility contractors and their employees.

Voyager simplifies plan administration by pooling multiple NUCA companies into a single structure unlocking access to economies of scale and service. Greenline also conducts a no-cost benchmarking review for NUCA members to identify savings and help reduce fiduciary liability through full outsourcing. Whether you’re offering a plan today or considering one for the first time, Voyager offers a compliant, cost-effective solution designed around your construction business. Schedule your free plan review today by calling 561-405-6609 (option 7), or email info@greenlinewm.com.

NUCA Benefits: NUCA-WINS–Now Featuring AI-Powered Report Generation

We’re excited to announce a major new feature in NUCA-WINS — AI-Powered Report Generation! With this new tool, you can now generate detailed reports instantly using natural language. NUCA-WINS new AI report generator understands your request in plain English and produces accurate, ready-to-share results in seconds — no need for filters, formulas or complex queries. Each report may be immediately exported to your choice of a PDF, CSV or Excel file. This means you can now get insights faster, save hours on manual report prep and share data-driven updates instantly with your team.

It’s live now! Just log in to your NUCA-WINS account and look for the “AI Reports” button in your “Outputs” section. Go to www.nucawins.com to start today.

The post NUCA News Summary – March 2026 appeared first on NUCA of South Florida.

Starting in August 2024, the program offers students the opportunity to earn their OSHA 10 certification, a valuable asset for future employment. Classes will take place at Park Vista High School every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m., ensuring accessibility for interested students in the local community. Join us as we pave the way for the next generation of skilled professionals in the field of underground utility infrastructure!

Click here to register online!

The post Underground Utility Career Training for High School Students appeared first on NUCA of South Florida.

Please Note: Grandchildren, nieces and nephews are not eligible for the NUCA of South Florida Scholarship Program. 

The 2024 NUCA of South Florida Scholarship applications for high school, undergraduate and trade school are online.  The deadline for applications is June 3, 2024.

The Annual Scholarship Awards Night will be held on July 24, 2024 at Maggiano’s in Boca Raton.  Attendance at the Awards Night is strongly recommended.I have attached links for all of the 2024 Scholarships offered to YOU for being a member of NUCA of South Florida. 

NUCA National Scholarship
Deadline May 30, 2024

ASJMSF/NUCA of Florida Scholarship
Deadline May 15, 2024

The post NUCA of South Florida Announces Opening of 2024 Scholarship Applications appeared first on NUCA of South Florida.

(Fairfax, Va.) – The chief executive officer of the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), Doug Carlson, issued the following statement on the reintroduction of the “Fair and Open Competition Act” in the 118th Congress:

“Rep. James Comer and Sen. Todd Young should be applauded by all NUCA members and their hard-working employees for introducing legislation to promote fair and open competition in business. Competition is a basic building block of modern American business operations, promoting efficiency and reducing costs.”

“The Fair and Open Competition Act protects government construction contracts from project labor agreement mandates and will allow all contractors, including small, women, and minority-owned businesses, to have a fair opportunity at competing to rebuild and improve this nation. All companies need to have a level playing field when competing for the projects to build America.”

“This industry’s hard-won infrastructure legislation is facing enough implementation challenges this year. Passing the Fair and Open Competition Act will help this industry and its employees equitably compete for the contracts to build and repair America’s neglected underground infrastructure. NUCA strongly supports its passage this session.”

The post Fair Competition Efficiently Builds America’s Infrastructure appeared first on NUCA of South Florida.

Register your company at www.dcnonline.org.

Thank you in advance for your commitment to helping the recovery and rebuild efforts for our fellow Floridians.   

The post Register with Disaster Contractors Network to Help Homeowners with Post-Storm Needs! appeared first on NUCA of South Florida.

“Late Friday night, after years of advocacy by NUCA members, the U.S. House passed on a 228-206 a historic milestone for our nation’s water infrastructure. Never before has the American utility construction industry been given by Congress resources of this magnitude to improve thousands of communities across America.”

“Our member’s visits to lawmakers this week urging this bill’s enactment paid dividends to this nation that will be realized across the 21st century. With this legislation enacted into law, we can repair broken water mains, replace harmful lead service pipes, build new water systems, and deliver clean water to millions of American citizens. And this bill will expand access to high-speed broadband to households and businesses across the country.”

“This bill and its funding resources are an extraordinary achievement. Our industry is grateful for the work of House infrastructure leaders such as Reps. Peter DeFazio and Frank Pallone, Jr., who supported this bill and our industry members throughout this fight. We’re eager to begin work on building the subsurface infrastructure strengthening our nation’s economic foundations of the next 100 years.” 

The post NUCA Delivers Infrastructure Win For The Nation appeared first on NUCA of South Florida.

NUCA’s leadership is monitoring this unprecedented demand by the U.S. Government on America’s utility contractors and our employees, and upon this nation. To date, the three Covid-19 vaccines have reached 177 million Americans through voluntary demands by individuals.

• Our industry is not against the successful Covid-19 vaccine programs, but we have very serious concerns about our government mandating its adult citizens to undergo a medical procedure or face serious financial or personal consequences. NUCA trusts our members know what is best for their employees and their jobsite environments. Safety is paramount in our member’s operations, and we exercise all caution to keep them safe and have been doing so since the Covid-19 pandemic emergency was declared in early 2020.

• Applying it to large companies with 100 employees or more is questionable for our industry. Our larger companies for most projects employ subcontractors who may only employ a few people, but all work together in confined spaces. Questions will arise as to the usefulness of this mandate to keep employees free of Covid-19 risks if they, for example, cannot social distance because of the confined spaces found in excavations.

• Our member businesses also have concerns about the costs that businesses are expected to shoulder for this government mandate. Who will pay for these new requirements, and will the federal government share in these expenses? Who will pay for compliance costs and administrative requirements, especially for those undergoing weekly testing?

• Utility construction businesses also have to be concerned about this policy affecting their contracts if they are unable to have enough employees available to perform work because of government mandates. Some of our members are already facing this dilemma in performing work for federal contracts.

• Our association is concerned about the precedent being set by this policy. 100 employees today could by executive order or emergency regulation turn into 50 employees tomorrow, and continue even lower if the Administration so chooses. We have regulatory standards in place today that serve the administrating rulemaking function very well, and the use of an emergency standard for this policy is shortsighted, especially since Covid-19 has been known for over a year-and-a-half and the vaccines have been available for since the beginning of the year.

• Finally, the Administration’s action is guaranteed to face legal challenges in multiple courts, potentially leading to injunctions placed on the policy being carried out while it is addressed by the judiciary. Before this happens, our industry believes it is the responsibility of the federal government to provide answers to these questions and many others before introducing another mandate on American businesses still struggling to recover from the pandemic’s effects. 

NUCA remains strongly committed to monitoring this governmental demand and will be reacting to it as this proposed policy’s effects unfold over the following weeks and months. The Biden Administration has given no formal timetable for its implementation through an OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard, only hinting at “weeks ahead.” 

We will take the best course of action available through the three branches of government to protect our member’s interests. Our members rely upon us to represent their businesses in Washington, and we will do so by using all means at our command. 

We remain committed to keeping our members informed about this demand by the Biden Administration and will keep you informed about this situation through our regular member communications. 

Thank you for your continued support of NUCA and our essential American industry.

The post NUCA’s Response To Our Membership On Government Mandated COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for Industry appeared first on NUCA of South Florida.