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Industry News and Advocacy
Dozer Day Program Acquired By NUCA
NUCA and the Nutter Foundation announced on July 11 a new partnership to promote “Dozer Day®,” the innovative workforce development program that has introduced thousands of young adults to the nation’s utility construction industry. “Dozer Day provides an unforgettable experience for children, sparking their interest in engineering, construction, and teamwork. We are fortunate that our partnership will continue the special Dozer Day experience for more children and young adults in more American towns," said NUCA chief executive officer Doug Carlson.
Over the next several years, NUCA will work with its Chapter network and other organizations and businesses to grow the events in untapped communities and regions, delivering this educational opportunity to thousands more. Several Dozer Day events are planned for this fall at four NUCA Chapters (Nebraska, Middle Tennessee, Washington State, and Kansas City Region).
U.S. House Passes 2024 WRDA Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives passed on July 22 on a 359-13 vote the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA, HR 8812). WRDA legislation traditionally authorizes studies and projects overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers and sets policies for navigation and transportation, flood control and stormwater management, hydropower, recreation, water supply, emergency management, and other critical water resource infrastructure.
“NUCA applauds Congressional action to move this important legislation forward for the sixth consecutive Congressional session. WRDA projects are foundational to America’s water infrastructure and are vital to the health of our communities and our economy. NUCA strongly supports this bipartisan legislation and calls on Congress and the Administration to swiftly sign it into law. The sooner these projects see dollars, the faster our members can get to work making them a reality,” remarked NUCA chief executive officer Doug Carlson in his statement. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
OSHA Releases Heat Injury and Prevention Rulemaking
OSHA released on July 2 its proposed standard for heat illness and injury prevention for indoor and outdoor settings. Elements of the OSHA proposal include training requirements for supervisors, heat safety coordinators, and employees. Covered companies will have to develop and implement a work site heat injury and illness prevention plan (a written plan must be created for employers with more than 10 employees). These plans would include an initial heat trigger at 80°F, among other requirements.
NUCA and the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC) asked for OSHA for carve-out for specific construction activities, but these were not included in this draft. NUCA and CISC are drafting a response to this OSHA rulemaking notice and will respond in the 120-day comment period open to the public.
EPA Clean Water Survey Released
The EPA released in mid-May the latest need for investment to meet Clean Water Act water quality objectives over the next 20 years. The "2022 Clean Watershed Needs Survey" (CWNS) released in May reported that there are $630.1 billion needs in clean water infrastructure for improved or new wastewater, stormwater, wastewater treatment, and nonpoint source control. $347.7 billion in wastewater needs include repairing existing pipes and pump stations. Six states--New York, California, Florida, Virginia, Louisiana, and Georgia--accounted for 42% of nationwide needs. The last CWNS was released in 2012.
Individual state needs and a report summary are found online at www.epa.gov/cwns/clean-watersheds-needs-survey-cwns-2022-report-and-data.
Association News
NUCA Advantage: Make It Yours Today!
Your NUCA membership investment can deliver benefits far in excess of the dues cost--but only if you ask your human resources office to explore what it offers. "We worked with Theresa to switch from our previous benefits broker after we heard about Memberfy from NUCA. She went above and beyond to help us find a plan that worked best for us. The application process was simple, and the rollout of benefits to our employees was seamless!" testified Luke Miller of Colorado Pavement Solutions about their helpful NUCA Advantage experience. NUCA Advantage leads to expanded healthcare 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 out about our expanded NUCA Advantage benefits program at www.NUCAAdvantage.com.
NUCA Choice: Your Choice For Commercial Insurance Coverage
Our newest business benefit may provide the insurance answer your company is seeking. NUCA Choice delivers to NUCA members commercial insurance options for auto, crime, property, general liability, marine, surety, umbrella, and workers' compensation. NUCA Choice is offered in partnership with FCCI Insurance Group, and offered to all NUCA members where FCCI writes business. Members can consult with FCCI's local risk control team and use the FCCI Risk Solutions Network, a cloud-based platform to help participants stay compliant, manage risks, and educate employees to build a safer workforce. To find out more about NUCA Choice, start at www.NUCAChoice.com to find a FCCI agent in your area.
In 2024, Share The Details About Trenchless Tech Efficiency
Are you seeking to know more about horizontal direction drilling, or auger boring, or wish your city’s administrators did, too? NUCA's "Trenchless Construction and New Installation Methods" manual can help your estimators, engineers, and project managers recognize that trenchless technology could deliver large cost savings to your excavation projects. The 148-page, full-color illustrated manual carefully addresses and explains the most common trenchless installation methods. This year, buy a copy for your local planning department as a professional gift to introduce their staff to these cost-efficient subsurface construction methods. The manual is available exclusively from NUCA and can be ordered online at www.nuca.com/trenchlessmanual.
2024: NUCA's 60th Anniversary!
NUCA turns 60 years old in 2024, and we'll be celebrating throughout the year this important association milestone. Since the beginning in April 1964, our association has been instrumental in promoting the interests of the underground utility and excavation contracting industry before legislators and regulators, and has worked tirelessly to secure more funding for America’s aging underground infrastructure. Over the past 60 years NUCA has been the strongest force in improving safety and business conditions throughout the $152 billion American utility construction industry. Join us throughout this year in celebrating this shared achievement!
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