NUCA NJ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | April 24, 2026 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Proposed SRF Cuts Spark Concern as Congress Prepares Response
The White House has proposed sweeping cuts to federal water infrastructure funding in its preliminary FY2027 budget, including a 52% reduction to overall U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding and a more than 90% cut to the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs).
Because SRFs serve as the primary financing mechanism for water infrastructure projects nationwide, cuts of this magnitude would have immediate and far-reaching impacts. Projects that are fully designed and ready to move forward could be delayed indefinitely as funding queues tighten. Utilities—particularly small and mid-sized systems—may be forced to scale back, phase, or defer critical improvements, especially those not directly tied to regulatory compliance. Without access to low-cost SRF financing, many would turn to higher-cost borrowing, increasing pressure on ratepayers and further slowing project delivery.
The result would not necessarily be fewer planned projects, but a significantly slower system—longer timelines, rising construction costs, and a widening gap between infrastructure needs and available funding.
However, there are strong indications that Congress will not adopt cuts of this scale. Lawmakers from both parties have consistently supported SRF programs, recognizing their essential role in delivering safe and reliable water infrastructure. As in previous budget cycles, Congress is expected to push back and restore funding to more sustainable levels, though final amounts will be determined through ongoing negotiations.
With the appropriations process now underway and a September 30, 2026 deadline to finalize the federal budget, the coming months will be critical.
NUCA NJ will be actively advocating to ensure Congress restores—and maximizes—funding for these vital programs, helping to keep water infrastructure projects moving forward across New Jersey.
UPCOMING EVENTS
NUCA has reserved a special room rate at the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – National Mall.
Please contact [email protected] with questions.
Don’t wait - the room block ends today!
Safety & Damage Prevention Conference:
Registration Now Open
Join the industry’s leading safety professionals at the NUCA Safety & Damage Prevention Conference, September 15–18, 2026, at the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
This three-day event delivers timely, practical sessions addressing today’s biggest challenges in utility construction. Topics include transportation accidents, risk management, mental health in the workplace, OSHA updates, emergency preparedness, trench safety (with NUCA National Partner United Rentals), a panel on drugs in the industry, and the latest 811 developments.
Walk away with actionable strategies to strengthen safety practices, reduce incidents, and stay ahead of evolving regulations. Plus, connect with peers during two networking events, including the STAR Award presentation.
Don’t miss this essential industry event!
HELP NUCA NEW JERSEY GROW
NUCA NJ MEET & GREET!
Wednesday, May 6th, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
ANGELINA'S KITCHEN
415 Main St.
Woodbridge, NJ
If you're a new member or considering joining, please come to a casual Meet & Greet at this new favorite spot in Woodbridge, NJ. Come meet some of our Board Members, ask questions, and get to know what we're all about.
IN OTHER NEWS
NUCA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS WEBINAR
The NUCA Government Affairs Committee will hold a webinar on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 2:00pm ET to update the membership on our legislative agenda. This webinar will explain our agenda at Washington Summit, so if you're planning to travel to D.C. with your chapter for the May Washington Summit, you won't want to miss this event. There will be updates on the 2026 surface transportation bill, the status of SRF reauthorization, permitting reform, the 2026 Congressional election cycle, and other items of interest to our industry. Take advantage of your NUCA NJ membership and make sure to tune in!
