EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

CONGRESS RETURNS

VOTE ON SRFs EXPECTED THIS WEEK

Congress is back in session and facing a January 30 deadline for government funding. House leadership is expected to bring a bipartisan spending package to the floor this week that would fund the Energy, Commerce, Interior, and Justice departments through Oct. 1.

The Interior bill provides FY2026 funding of $1.638 billion for the Clean Water SRF and $1.126 billion for the Drinking Water SRF, but earmarks would divert $892 million (54%) and $715 million (64%) of those funds, respectively.

NUCA supports investment in critical water infrastructure but warns that using SRF funds for earmarks weakens the revolving loan model and limits resources for states. Funding levels match FY2025 and do not account for inflation or the estimated $1.2 trillion needed by 2040. NUCA is urging Congress to boost funding and reauthorize both SRFs at higher levels this year.

To reinforce this message, NUCA NJ Executive Director Evan Piscitelli will be heading to Capitol Hill next week to advocate for maximum SRF funding and reduced reliance on earmarks, emphasizing the importance of preserving the revolving loan model for states and local communities.

NUCA BACKS OFFSHORE WIND DEVELOPMENT

Last month, NUCA urged the Trump Administration to reverse its pause on several East Coast offshore wind projects. NUCA Chief Advocacy Officer Zack Perconti said halting projects over undefined “radar clutter” concerns undermines energy independence, national security, and threatens up to 58,000 jobs. NUCA emphasized that offshore wind strengthens an all-of-the-above energy strategy and could deliver more than 52 gigawatts of clean, affordable power to Eastern U.S. communities.

Offshore wind – particularly along the Northeast coast and in New Jersey – represents a major opportunity to strengthen America’s energy mix, create jobs, and support the utility construction industry through critical onshore and offshore infrastructure work. NUCA is actively advocating for the advancement of offshore wind as part of an all-of-the-above energy strategy capable of delivering more than 52 gigawatts of clean, affordable power to Eastern U.S. communities.

Back to top

IN OTHER NEWS

TUNE IN TO NUCA'S GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS WEBINAR

The NUCA Government Affairs Committee will host a webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 2:00 p.m. ET to brief members on NUCA’s legislative agenda. The webinar will cover the status of FY2026 appropriations impacting State Revolving Fund programs, updates on the 2026 surface transportation bill, and other legislative issues expected to move on Capitol Hill this session.

REGISTER HERE

Back to top

NUCA NATIONAL HAPPENINGS

NUCA NATIONAL CONVENTION 2026

February 10–13, 2026 | Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa | Tucson, AZ

Register today for the 2026 NUCA National Convention in Tucson, Arizona! Join industry leaders, innovators, and peers from across the country to explore the future of utility construction, gain valuable insights, and make the connections that move your business forward.

Enjoy dynamic sessions, networking events, and our National Equipment Operator Championship and golf tournament, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson.

The NUCA hotel room block closes next Monday, January 12th, so be sure to :

REGISTER HERE 

Back to top