HEADLINES

Don't wait until the last minute! Click here NOW to register for NUCA's 2009 Fall Board & Committee Meetings in Vancouver, British Columbia, this September 23-25. (No registration fee will be charged for this event.)
 
ATTENTION ALL SAFETY PROFESSIONALS! Mark your calendars now for this year's NUCA Safety Directors Forum, which will be held December 2-3 at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Click here for more information.
 
HOUSE TAKES UP TRANSPORTATION REAUTHORIZATION

Last week, the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit approved a $500 billion bill to reauthorize the nation's surface transportation program, which is set to expire on September 30. The legislation would almost double federal investment in surface transportation programs, providing $337 billion for roads and highways, $99.8 billion for public transit, $12.6 billion for highway and motor carrier safety, and a whopping $50 billion for high-speed rail corridors that would link major metropolitan regions.
 
In addition to the legislation's price tag, the major issue on the table is how to proceed. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood has suggested enactment of an 18-month extension of the current surface transportation bill to pursue what they consider "critical reforms" to several transportation programs. Key T&I lawmakers want to pass a full reauthorization bill as soon as possible. Highways Subcommittee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) said an extension "means no state will start a project that takes more than 18 months, [therefore] major projects are off the table." Full T&I Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) and Ranking Member John Mica (R-FL) also expressed their commitment to moving forward with this bill despite the Administration's request. (NUCA and fellow members of the Transportation Construction Coalition fully agree with the T&I Committee leaders.) Although several amendments were proposed, all were deferred to further discussion in full committee, which is expected to consider the measure before Congress leaves for the month-long August recess. 
 
(This Missouri DOT archive photo isn't a composite. An engineer is actually standing on an overpass crossing I-70.) 
 
 
GAO REPORT ON CLEAN WATER TRUST FUND

The widely anticipated report from the General Accountability Office (GAO)--Clean Water Infrastructure; A Variety of Issues Need to Be Considered When Designing a Clean Water Trust Fund--has just been made available to industry and the public. The report identifies three main issues that would have to be addressed if and when Congress gets serious about establishing a dedicated source of revenue for water/wastewater infrastructure through a trust fund: 1) how a trust fund should be administered and used; 2) what type(s) of financial assistance would have to be provided; and 3) what activities should be eligible to receive funding from a trust fund. The findings of the report are based on the results of a GAO questionnaire sent to 28 stakeholder groups (including NUCA) that represent the wastewater and drinking water industries, state and local governments, engineers and environmental groups.

The report clearly indicates that a trust fund is needed, with most questionnaire respondents of the opinion that it should be administered through an EPA partnership with the states. However, opinions about how a water trust fund should be paid for differ greatly. The GAO report evaluates the following potential funding sources: a variety of excise taxes on several products (certain beverages, fertilizers and pesticides, flushable products, pharmaceuticals, water appliances and plumbing fixtures); a corporate income tax; and a water use tax. NUCA will continue to work with other interested stakeholders and key lawmakers as we begin what will no doubt be a long road to establishing an effective and viable clean water trust fund. 

JOIN US IN VANCOUVER BC THIS SEPTEMBER!

NUCA's Fall Board Meeting is always an opportunity to combine important association business with pleasure. That is especially true this year as we cross the border into Canada. Vancouver, British Columbia offers a wealth of local attractions to explore once the day's meetings have adjourned. If sightseeing isn't your thing, you can always hit the golf course, slopes or casino. And then there's the host hotel. Located downtown on the shores of Burrard Inlet, the Fairmont Waterfront is surrounded by coastal mountains and lush city parks. State-of-the-art conference facilities, health club, outdoor heated pool, herb garden, complimentary bikes and fine cuisine are only a few of the amenities.  

Click here NOW to register for NUCA's 2009 Fall Board & Committee Meetings in Vancouver, British Columbia, this September 23-25. (No registration fee will be charged for this event.) And, don't forget to secure a passport if you don't already have one! Travelers to and from Canada are required to have a passport or other accepted document to enter/re-enter the United States. Photo courtesy of whatahotel.com.

NUCA PUBLICATIONS 

Utility Contractor Magazine

NUCA Report a weekly e-newsletter bringing you the latest in industry news, highlights of upcoming events, and valuable resources available to you through NUCA. 

Washington Report, a bi-weekly electronic report of news and commentary on legislative happenings and issues of interest to underground utility contractors.

Safety Newsletter, a bi-monthly newsletter of safety guidelines and best practices.

Water News Update, daily blog designed to raise awareness about America's deteriorating water/wastewater infrastructure and mobilize the public to demand that Congress do something about it.

FEATURED EVENTS

2009 Fall Board Meeting
September 23-25, 2009
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Click here for more information

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Safety Directors Forum (SDF)
December 2 - 3, 2009 
New York New York Hotel
Las Vegas, NV
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Utility Construction EXPO '10
January 10-13, 2010
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
Orlando, FL

Click here for more information

FEATURED NUCA STORE ITEM 

Pipelayer Installation Training Series - Chapter 1: Job Layout
The NUCA Foundation proudly announces the release of “Job Layout,” the next CD in the five-CD Pipe Installation Training Series.  This interactive, 60-90-minute, computer-based training CD is divided into sections on Safety, Material Layout & Handling, Production & Timing, Tools and Protecting the Installation.--that a “student” must successfully navigate before taking an exam.  The training CD is designed for easy comprehension by semi-experienced pipe crew members.  Click here to order

Click here to view the Pipelayer Installation Training Series promotional video (Please Note: Based on the bandwidth of your computer, this video can take up to 5 minutes to upload)

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