NUCA NJ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER | January 16, 2026

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

NUCA National Fly-In Update

NUCA of New Jersey Executive Director Evan Piscitelli joined a small delegation of NUCA members from across the country for a winter visit to Capitol Hill, where they met with congressional leaders, including Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-9), Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (pictured above). With critical government funding decisions underway, the delegation emphasized the importance of sustained federal investment in infrastructure. NUCA advocated for increased funding for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds, the primary source of financing for municipal and county infrastructure projects in New Jersey. The group also urged robust reauthorization of these programs and the preservation of baseline investment levels in the upcoming surface transportation bill. In addition, members raised serious concerns about the growing reliance on earmarks – one-time grants that undermine the stability of long-term, recyclable funding intended for states. Meetings were held with senior staff from the Senate Commerce Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee, as well as the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and several individual Members of Congress.

Offshore Wind Update – Empire Wind Moves Forward

A federal court ruling issued today cleared the way for offshore wind construction to resume in the Northeast, including New York’s Empire Wind projects. The judge lifted a federal suspension that had paused work, finding that continued delays could cause significant harm to projects already under development. The decision allows Empire Wind to move ahead while broader legal challenges continue, providing renewed momentum for New York’s offshore wind build-out, supply chain investments, and clean energy goals.

IN OTHER NEWS

Tune in to NUCA National 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.

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 :