PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT ATTACHED TO FAIRFAX COUNTY ACCOTINK PROJECT

Background

The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, which is responsible for wastewater collection and treatment in Fairfax County, is working on several wastewater infrastructure projects to collect and treat the additional wastewater that is anticipated to come from the northern parts of Fairfax County. The Accotink Gravity Sewer Improvements project is one of these projects.

NUCA recently became aware that Fairfax County Virginia has attached a PLA to the project. It is our concern that PLAs may start to proliferate across the Commonwealth.

Information about the project: HERE

Application for Prequalification: HERE

Key Points on PLAs

Why PLAs are bad for the Virginia taxpayers and the utility construction industry:

• Increase taxpayer-funded construction costs by 12% to 20%, resulting in less school, infrastructure, transportation, utility and affordable housing construction
• Steer contracts to out-of-state contractors and create jobs for out-of-state construction workers at the request of powerful special interests
• Harm the commonwealth and municipality’s small, minority and women contractors, as well as Virginia’s overall construction industry
• Discourage competition from almost 95% of Virginia’s construction workforce
• Increase local taxes and/or result in fewer construction projects and cuts to other programs and public employee salaries