NUCA ’ s infrastructure advocacy campaign directed towards Congress over the past 18 months delivered an unprecedented level of new funding for water , highway , electric , port , and broadband infrastructure projects . Over $ 200 billion in federal infrastructure funding is now available for industry projects over the next five years .
Accomplishments 2022
Historic Levels of Infrastructure Funding Arriving In States . NUCA ’ s advocacy campaign in 2021 secured the passage of H . R . 3684 , the $ 1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act . NUCA is working with the federal agencies on the guidance necessary to distribute these funds to states . Program implementation will begin in earnest in late 2022 . For example , FY2023 will see $ 2.9 billion from the EPA ’ s two drinking water SDFs programs , up $ 113 million from 2022 . USDOT has already sent to the states $ 75 billion for highway and airports .
NUCA-STAR Company Safety Program Launched . Safety is the utility construction industry ’ s first priority . It is also NUCA ’ s top priority . To help our members create a safer workplace , NUCA introduced in early summer 2022 the NUCA Safety , Training , Awareness and Recognition ( NUCA STAR ) Program ( nuca . com / nucastar ). It was developed by the association ’ s Safety Committee to help evaluate , update , and recognize a member company ’ s safety program and practices . NUCA members who volunteer to participate should see lower incident rates and accidents on their jobsites and in their company facilities .
NUCA Working With White House Infrastructure Office On Supply Chain Issues . The Biden Administration has involved NUCA in their discussions to address the nation ’ s supply chain crisis . We have been working with the President ’ s infrastructure office to remove the material delays affecting project completions . NUCA ’ s assistance is helping their leadership and staff understand the problems our members face today in sourcing materials for projects and the implementation of the new infrastructure law with its specific source requirements .
Washington Summit Advocacy Program . Building upon the success of last year ’ s two Summits , the 2022 Summit brought 95 attendees and Chapter leadership to Washington on May 23-25 . In the 80 meetings held with legislators and their staff , NUCA members found them very open to the association ’ s legislative goals . Our members also urged lawmakers to increase broadband infrastructure and lead pipe replacement funding , and support NUCA ’ s pending legislation on increasing the use of private activity bonds for water and wastewater projects . 22 DITCHMEN • OCTOBER 2022
NUCA leadership and NUCA of Kentucky members met with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) during the 2022 Summit to discuss workforce development and supply chain issues .
NUCA Membership Growth . Around the utility construction industry , it is now seen to be a poor business decision not to be a NUCA member . NUCA membership retention remains strong and new member signups are trending 20 % ahead of 2021 , resulting in 1,900 + companies strengthening the utility construction industry and projected membership growth in 2022 .
NUCA Advantage Benefits Program Continues To Grow . Delivering business benefits whose savings far surpass a member ’ s annual dues , our association member benefits program expanded again with the 401 ( k ) -retirement benefit for employees . NUCA Advantage now offers to members open-access healthcare , dental , and vision coverage , life insurance , retirement plans , human resources apps , payroll solutions , learning management system access , OSHA compliance logs , and much more via www . NUCAAdvantage . com .
New Trenchless Technology Manual Released . Trenchless technology continues to expand at a very rapid rate , as more contractors recognize the efficiency and cost-savings that can be recognized in its usage . NUCA released in spring 2022 the much anticipated “ Trenchless Construction and New Installation Methods ” manual . The updated 148-page , full-color illustrated manual carefully addresses and explains for engineers and planners the most common trenchless installation methods , and is available exclusively from NUCA .