NUCA of Metropolitan Washington D.C.: Underground Utility Construction

OUR MISSION: NUCA of Metro DC is a powerful group of contractors, suppliers, engineers, utility owners and supporters, dedicated to promoting the utility contracting and excavation industry through safety, education, advocacy and industry relationships. Representing utility contractors, excavators, suppliers, manufacturers, and other providers in the water, sewer, gas, electric, telecommunications, treatment plant, and excavation industries.

NEW MEMBER Campaign is underway!

New members join today and pay for 1 year and get 15 months!

Membership good through Dec 31, 2024.

Contact us at ed@nucaofdc.org or 202.607.7658.

Join NUCA of DC

UPCOMING EVENTS

Don’t miss out on the various training, education and networking opportunities throughout the year with NUCA of Metro DC. Registration is now open for these events and more. Come and see what NUCA of DC Membership can do for you!

NEWS & RESOURCES

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

Networking & Advocacy Reception- TONIGHT!!

NUCA National is hosting a networking & advocacy reception tonight to discuss NUCA’s advocacy plans.

Date: Wednesday, August 16

Time: 6:00- 8:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Location: The Hard Shell (Bellgrade)

1140 W Huguenot Rd, Midlothian VA

For more information about the event: Click HERE

RSVP to NUCA National

DC PLUG: Comments Needed

Introduction:

DDOT/Pepco joint power line undergrounding program, DC PLUG, is undergrounding primary electrical feeders throughout the city in wards 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8. This is through a unique partnership between the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Pepco. The installation of the conduits and manholes is contracted by DDOT, while pulling the cable and splicing will be completed under a Pepco contract.

Background:

Washington Gas has raised concern about the miles of undergrounding work occurring around their 50-100 year old cast iron pipes and have asked DDOT to ‘cease and desist’ due to concerns with safety. The designs have met the recommended requirements regarding separation. Washington Gas has not, thus far, provided guidance on how to safely work around their facilities. The only solution they have provided is to wait until they relocate their facilities. Due to the time this may take, waiting for their relocations is not a viable option.

Discussion:

There are aged cast iron pipes all over the city. There must already be best practices working around these facilities. We are reaching out to experts in the construction industry and would like to learn from NUCA membership.

Questions:

How are contractors currently working safety around these cast iron facilities?
Have contractors been asked to perform their construction in specific ways to mitigate any safety concerns around cast iron facilities?

Time sensitive!

Comments due to Christy at ed@nucaofdc.org or 202-607-7658 by Monday, July 10!

2023 Trench Safety Stand Down
June 19-23, 2023

What is a Safety Stand Down?
A Safety Stand Down presents the opportunity for employers to talk directly to employees and others about safety. These Stand Downs will focus on trench & excavation hazards and reinforce the importance of using trench protective systems and protecting workers from trenching hazards.

How to Conduct a Trench Safety Stand Down
Companies will conduct a Trench Safety Stand Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity to draw attention to the specific hazards related to working in and around trenches/excavations. We ask that member companies provide to NUCA feedback about their Stand Down, such as when it was held, how many workers participated, how you shared information with employees. NUCA will collect the information, publicize the overall total number of participants, and publish the names of the companies that held a Trench Safety Stand Down.

Recognition of Participation
For participants in the 2023 TSSD, NUCA will provide a Certificate of Participation which will be e-mailed to all participating companies, and helmet stickers will be physically mailed to the address provided on the form you will complete below. Please allow at least several weeks for our safety team to process your submission.

NUCA will publish the list of names of participating organizations on the NUCA website and in our printed publications after the conclusion of the event. Please feel free to send in any photos taken during your stand down to nuca@nuca.com. They may be published in our publications to encourage other companies to follow your company’s lead and emphasize trench safety all year long.

More information

NUCA of DC was well represented at the recent NUCA Washington Summit. Members from all over the country traveled to Washington to meet their Senators and Representatives on a number of issues important to NUCA members. Click here for list of issues. Thank you to the following NUCA of Metro DC members who were instrumental in the success of the day: President Gabrielle Alfonso of DCI; Vice President, Kevin Kram of Muller; Treasurer Gabe Santos of Blueridge; Chair, Government & Industry Relations Committee, Dave Cantwell of ReAgg; Member of the Government & Industry Relations Committee Gina Schaecher of Rees Broome; and, President Emeritus Dan Buckley of Garney Construction. Thank you all for your commitment and dedication!!

There have been recent changes to the DC dig law that will significantly impact the excavation community and One Call Concepts/Miss Utility are close to implementing system updates to reflect the ticket processing changes. Please note, there are other changes that do not pertain to ticket processing and it would be in the best interest of excavators to review the law in its entirety to ensure they’re in compliance. Please check out the changes: District One Call Ticket Changes 2023

NUCA of DC representatives attended the NUCA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. It was nice to network with NUCA and Chapter leadership from all around the country!!

DC City Council Legislative Calendar

The laws and regulations affect you and your business. Keep track of what’s happening and what NUCA of DC is doing with the council!

Keep track of the DC Council Meetings. Click here for calendar!

2023 DC Council Calendar

2023 NUCA Washington Summit

May 15-17, 2023
(Capitol Hill Visits May 17)

As NUCA members, we must ensure that legislators understand the important role that our industry plays in keeping the country healthy, clean, and prosperous. We want you to share your stories to persuade Congress that they must act to improve our nation’s underground infrastructure. Only you can deliver your personal expertise to your lawmaker’s offices–they need to hear about your experiences. Those personal stories persuade lawmakers, especially when you are their constituents.

Join NUCA of DC as we meet and educate our representatives. No need to have prior experience–all are welcome. We will meet as a group and provide all the materials you need.

https://wedigamerica.org/ For more information on National Meeting.

Email ED@nucaofdc.org to join NUCA of DC on the Hill!!

More Information

NUCA Member Benefit: NUCA Assurance

A construction-focused group captive owned by NUCA members and designed by insurance experts to deliver the claims control and risk-management support smart business owners need. Members purchase workers’ compensation, general liability, and auto liability insurance through NUCA Assurance.

Join like-minded NUCA contractors who have taken control of their claims, managed their risk, and secured better, more focused insurance services for their businesses.
NUCA Assurance members are vetted to ensure they are financially sound, so you know you’re joining forces with the best in your industry.

More Information

Mayor Bowser Releases the DC Build Back Better Infrastructure Task Force Report at the Launch of the Regional Street Smart Campaign

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Mayor Muriel Bowser released the DC Build Back Better Infrastructure Task Force report, which outlines key recommendations for how the District can use the more than $3 billion in funds coming to DC from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The report also provides updates to the public on the task force’s work, including 17 project proposals. The recommendations will guide the District in planning and implementing transformative, equitable, sustainable, and achievable projects. Specific recommendations in the task force report include:

Transforming the North Capitol Street corridor into an urban boulevard that is safer and more inviting for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Redesigning the DC295/I-295 corridor to reconnect communities isolated by the dividing line of the highway and adjacent railroads.
Ensuring a clean, healthy, and resilient environment by having District buildings go “net zero” and expanding recreational options along the Anacostia River.
Preparing the District for a more technologically innovative future by expanding broadband infrastructure in Wards 5, 7, and 8.
Setting up District residents for better paying jobs by creating new job training programs, like a Green Jobs Academy.
Making sure procurement processes are as efficient as possible to maximize opportunities for District businesses to work on BIL projects

More…

More Information

Maryland Prevailing Wages Bill Summary – HB 174

Requires certain investor-owned gas, electric, or combination gas and electric companies to require certain contractors and subcontractors to pay their employees not less than the prevailing wage rate for certain projects involving the construction, reconstruction, installation, demolition, restoration, or alteration of any underground gas or electric infrastructure of the company, and any related traffic control activities.

Bill applies to all contractors and subcontractors
Law was signed into law in the 2021 Session and requires contractors to pay prevailing wages to employees.
Applies to all projects involving construction, reconstruction, installation, demo etc. or any underground gas or electric infrastructure. “Public Works” include alleys, roads, sewage, waterwork and ditches.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW BILL

NUCA is Nationwide! Check out the discount programs, safety education opportunities, locations of other chapters and national members, federal advocacy efforts and MUCH MUCH MORE!

NUCA National

2023 ANNUAL PARTNERS

Click here to learn more about our Annual Partner Program

2022 NUCA of Metro DC AWARDS

Contractor of the Year

Kevin Kram

Muller, Inc

Falls Church, Virginia

Associate of the Year

Jonathan Wright

Watt Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald, LLP

McLean, Virginia

2022 NATIONAL AWARDS

NUCA’s Top Jobs competition recognizes challenging, innovative, or unique projects completed with excellent results.

Ditchdigger of the Year
Lauren Atwell
Petticoat-Schmitt, Jacksonville FL

Associate of the Year
Robert Krzys
Benjamin Media, Richfield, OH

Click here to see the William H. Feather Safety winners
Click here to see the Excellence in Underground category winners

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

The Applications for the 2023 William H Feather Safety Awards will be accepted in early 2024. The winners will be announced at the NUCA National Convention in 2024.

Past NUCA of Metro DC winners include:

Anchor Construction
Mabey, Inc.
B. Frank Joy, LLC

CHAPTER MERIT AWARDS

Jeffrey Hanson Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Chapter Executive
Linda Goslee, Executive Director
NUCA of the Carolinas

Outstanding Leadership by a Chapter President
Adam Terry, Immediate Past President
NUCA of Kentucky

Annual Publication | Periodical Publications | Educational Programs
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Legislative/Government Affairs
NUCA of Las Vegas

National Community Service Award
NUCA of Middle TennesseeWorkforce Development Chapter Grant
NUCA of Middle Tennessee

GT Atlantic Clay Shoot to Benefit Construction Angels

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2023 NUCA Fall Convention & Exhibit Oct 25-28 Naples, Florida