NUCA NJ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | May 15, 2026

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

NUCA NJ to Appropriators: It’s Not Just About Funding

NUCA NJ continues to engage with Congress and federal agencies to ensure policymakers understand that funding alone is not enough to deliver critical water infrastructure projects. While billions of dollars have been approved in recent years for utility and water system improvements, many projects across the country are struggling to move from funding authorization to actual construction.

A recent EPA Inspector General audit found that a significant portion of federally awarded earmark funding remains unspent months after allocation. The issue is not a lack of need or willingness to build, but rather the growing administrative and operational challenges facing local project sponsors and contractors. Permitting delays, workforce shortages, procurement requirements, inflationary pressures, and increasingly complex federal compliance standards are all slowing the ability to move projects forward.

NUCA NJ has been actively communicating these concerns to lawmakers as Congress develops future infrastructure and water funding legislation. Our industry understands firsthand that successful infrastructure investment requires not only appropriations, but also practical implementation policies that allow projects to advance efficiently from planning to construction.

Through ongoing advocacy efforts, meetings with legislators, and participation in national transportation and infrastructure policy discussions, NUCA NJ is working to ensure Congress recognizes the real-world obstacles facing utility construction and the importance of streamlining processes, strengthening local capacity, and supporting the contractors responsible for delivering these essential infrastructure projects.

UPCOMING EVENTS

2026 Washington Summit:

Bring Your Voice to Congress

It's not too late! Make this the year you head to Washington, D.C. to connect your business and chapter directly with lawmakers. NUCA anticipates the introduction of State Revolving Fund reauthorization legislation this spring, alongside broader surface transportation bill activity – making this a critical time to engage.

Join the New Jersey contingent traveling to D.C. to meet with legislators and advocate for our industry. This is your opportunity to speak on the issues that matter most to your business, share real-world insights, and help shape policies impacting the utility construction sector.

By participating, you’ll stay informed on key legislative developments while ensuring New Jersey’s priorities are clearly heard on Capitol Hill.

SUMMIT REGISTRATION

NUCA has reserved a special room rate at the Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – National Mall.

HOTEL REGISTRATION

Please contact [email protected] with questions.

Watermark – Summer at the Shore

Networking Event

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Join us for our annual Watermark Summer at the Shore Networking Event at one of the area’s most iconic beachside venues. Enjoy a relaxed evening of networking, great conversation, and ocean views while connecting with friends, colleagues, and industry professionals. Complimentary appetizers and drinks will be served.

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!