NUCA NJ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | October 2, 2026 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Federal Water Infrastructure Funding Lapses
Utility Construction Faces Growing Funding Uncertainty
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s (IIJA) five-year supplemental funding period ended September 30, creating significant uncertainty for future water infrastructure projects. The IIJA provided more than $43 billion in supplemental funding for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs), including funding for general infrastructure, lead service line replacement, and emerging contaminants.
While previously awarded funds can continue moving through existing project pipelines, the expiration of supplemental funding means states and communities will have substantially less federal financing available for the next generation of projects. Analysts have warned that federal water infrastructure funding could decline by roughly 60% in FY 2027 without replacement funding.
NUCA is urging Congress to immediately reauthorize and adequately fund the Clean Water and Drinking Water SRFs and WIFIA, while maintaining critical federal transportation programs. With EPA estimating more than $1.25 trillion in water and wastewater infrastructure needs over the next 20 years, the need for continued federal investment is significant.
As NUCA Chief Advocacy Officer Zack Perconti put it: “Utility contractors can only bid what owners are able to fund.” Without sustained federal support, communities face fewer infrastructure projects and contractors face a less predictable pipeline of work.
INAUGURAL DOZER DAY!
Big Machines. Big Fun. Dozer Day®!
NUCA NJ’s inaugural Dozer Day® is coming up next month, and tickets are now available! Join us for a fun-filled family event featuring big equipment, hands-on experiences, and activities for kids of all ages.
Dozer Day® gives children the unique opportunity to climb into the cab and operate real heavy construction equipment – including dozers, excavators, and backhoes—with professional operators guiding them. It’s a fun, hands-on way for kids to experience the construction industry firsthand.
There’s plenty more to enjoy throughout the day, including food trucks, balloon artists, face painting, games, simulators, exhibits, and other activities for kids of all ages.
Dozer Day® is also an important part of our workforce development initiative, giving children and families an opportunity to learn more about construction and the many career opportunities available in the skilled trades.
Tickets Are Now Available!
Bring the family and join us on Saturday, October 24, for NUCA NJ’s first Dozer Day®! Come climb aboard, get behind the controls, and experience a day of construction fun you won’t want to miss.
Purchase Tickets here: https://newjersey.dozerday.org
NUCA NATIONAL HAPPENINGS
Make Plans for NUCA's 2027 National Convention!
Member Only! Early Bird Special: Oct. 1 – Dec. 31
Get ready for sunshine, networking, and an unforgettable convention experience in Miramar Beach, Florida! Join your NUCA colleagues for the 2027 National Convention, March 9-12, 2027, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.
Now is the time to reserve your spot and take advantage of the members-only early bird special rate, available through December 31! Whether you're looking to connect with fellow utility contractors, gain valuable industry insights, or simply enjoy some time on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast, this is an event you won't want to miss.
Register today and reserve your room while the special rate is available.
NUCA National Convention Registration
Hotel Reservation - Sandestin Beach, Golf, Resort and Spa
See you in Florida!
NUCA MEMBER BENEFITS
New Member Benefit for NUCA NJ Members
We’re excited to announce a new benefit for NUCA NJ members through MX Build, a construction management platform designed to help streamline projects from contract to payment.
Members can receive implementation and onboarding waived—up to a $5,000 value, along with 30 days of hands-on implementation support at no cost and 20% off standard subscription pricing for 24 months.
It’s another valuable resource available exclusively to our members!
For more details, click the video here.
