December 2024 CO Web

Joseph L. Umbro & Paul N. Umbro

STOPPABLE ROAD BUILDERS

OFFICERS

President

BRIAN COONEY

C. C. Construction Inc.

President Elect

CHRIS VALENTI

GVC Construction, Inc.

Treasurer

QUERINO PACELLA

RJV Construction Corp.

Secretary

DAN HORGAN

R. H. White Const. Co., Inc.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

VINCENT BARLETTA

Barletta Heavy Division

MIKE BISZKO, III

Biszko Contracting Corp.

CALVIN BRANDFORD

CHB Excavating

CHRISTOPHER CLARK

World Insurance Associates, LLC

JULIA D’ALLESSANDRO D’Allessandro Corp.

JERRY GAGLIARDUCCI

Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.

JOE GIOIOSO

P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.

JUSTIN GOODHEART

J. F. White Contracting Co.

DAVID HAMILTON

E. J. Prescott, Inc.

LISA FRENCH KELLEY

W. L. French Excavating Corp.

WILLIAM LEONARD

Aqua Line Utility, Inc.

RYAN McCOURT

McCourt Construction Company

CHIP McDONALD

ATS Equipment, Inc.

MIKE OTTAVIANO

Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc.

ROBBIE OUR

Robert B. Our Co., Inc.

RICHARD PACELLA, JR.

R. M. Pacella, Inc.

JOSEPH F. NOLAN

Executive Director

DECEMBER, 2024

5 President’s Message: Thank You for Another Successful and Productive Year

7 Legislative Update:

• Massachusetts Legislative and Ballot Question Results

• Governor Signs Omnibus Economic Development Bill

• UCANE and Other End-Users of Trucks Continue to Advocate for a Delay of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) Rule

• Clean Energy & Environment Legacy Transition (CELT) Initiative Announced

• News in Brief

23 UCANE’s 2024 Year End Wrap-Up

41 UCANE Interviews: Representative Bill MacGregor (10th Suffolk District)

45 Legal Corner: United States Department of Labor Reports a “Decline in Worker Death Investigations”

47 Walsh Construction Co. Receives 2024 Award from Engineering News Record

49 Public Works Pipeline: An Interview with Matthew Morse, Director of Public Works, Town of Palmer, MA

52 UCANE’s 70th Anniversary Banquet

62 UCANE’s 70th Anniversary Banquet Sponsors

64 Contractor Member of the Year Award: Paul and Joseph Umbro, Umbro & Sons Construction Corp.

67 Associate Member of the Year Award: Bob Ferguson, Jr., Hinckley Allen LLP

73 Get to Know Your UCANE Associate Members: Triumph Modular

77 Safety & Health Corner: Shift Work and Sleep Disorders in Construction: Strategies for Better Sleep Health

81 Technology in Construction: Benefits of E-Invoicing for Contractors

Editors: Joseph F. Nolan & Anne Klayman, Associate Editor: Suzanne Hatch

Magazine Designer/Associate Editor: Sherri Klayman, Head Writer/Assistant Editor: Mike Lenihan

Construction Outlook Chair: Brian Cooney

Editorial Board: Brian Cooney, Chris Valenti, Querino Pacella, & Dan Horgan

CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK published monthly by the Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc., 300 Congress Street, Suite 101, Quincy, MA 02169; Tel: 617.471.9955; Fax: 617.471.8939; Email: jnolan@ucane.com; Website: www.ucane.com. Statements of fact and opinion are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of UCANE and the Construction Outlook editorial board and staff. Subscriptions are included in dues payments for UCANE members. Presorted Standard postage paid at Brockton, MA. POSTMASTER, please send form #3579 to Construction Outlook, Crown Colony Office Park, 300 Congress Street, Suite 101, Quincy, MA 02169.

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Thank You for Another Successful and Productive Year

As the leaves of autumn give way to the snowfalls of winter, we are drawn to the warmth of home and the company of loved ones to celebrate the holiday season. It is a time of gratitude, reflection, and hope—a moment to appreciate the successes of the past year and to look forward to the promise of the year ahead. For UCANE members, it has been another healthy, productive, and impactful construction year, filled with achievements that strengthen our industry and our communities.

This year has been particularly meaningful as we celebrated UCANE’s 70th anniversary. It is both inspiring and humbling to look back to 1954, when a small group of water and sewer contractors came together with a shared vision: to amplify their collective voice on Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill. Their foresight and determination laid the groundwork for what UCANE has become today—a well-organized, informed, and highly respected organization. Over seven decades, UCANE has earned recognition throughout New England and across the nation as a leading advocate for building, maintaining, and funding the critical water, sewer, and utility infrastructure that keeps our Commonwealth thriving.

In 2024, UCANE continued its tradition of impactful advocacy. We worked closely with state and federal delegations to secure expanded support for the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and other vital infrastructure programs. These efforts were further bolstered by funds from the CARES Act and the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, providing a much-needed boost to our industry. Together, these resources have ensured cleaner water and more reliable sewer systems for families and businesses throughout Massachusetts and New England— an achievement that reflects the strength and unity of our association.

Our 70th-anniversary banquet was a highlight of the year, and its theme—family—resonated deeply. For many of our member businesses, family is at the core of everything they do. Like my own family, many UCANE members represent multi-generational enterprises that have thrived for decades, and in some cases, over a century. These businesses, built on the principles of hard work,

determination, and community, embody the very essence of the American dream.

UCANE itself is a family, grounded in a proud history of leadership and commitment that has carried us through generations. This legacy of hard work and vision has shaped an organization that stands as a model of excellence in the construction industry. As we move into the future, we remain focused on building upon this foundation, embracing the opportunities and challenges of the modern era. With rapid advancements in technology and ever-changing communication platforms reshaping how we connect and advocate, UCANE is committed to evolving while staying true to the values that have defined us for 70 years. At the heart of UCANE’s enduring success is a shared commitment to family and to supporting one another. As we face the challenges of tomorrow, we will continue to uphold this guiding principle—moving forward together with resilience, purpose, and unity.

On behalf of UCANE, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our members for their generous support of our events, programs, and initiatives during this momentous year. You are truly the heart and soul of our association, and it is your dedication that drives us to achieve great things.

As we close out 2024, I wish you and your families a joyous and peaceful holiday season, filled with health, happiness, and cherished memories. May 2025 bring a safe and successful construction year for us all and many more prosperous years ahead for UCANE and its members. Here’s to celebrating another 70 years of success, growth, and shared accomplishments! n

Massachusetts Legislative and Ballot Question Results

Massachusetts voters had approximately 40 legislative races and five ballot questions to decide on November 5, 2024. While there was little doubt that the Massachusetts legislature would remain a supermajority for Democrats in both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate, there were a number of races of interest that drew record spending and focused campaigning. In addition, Commonwealth voters had five ballot questions to vote upon with issues ranging from legislative audits (Question 1); requiring the MCAS as a graduation requirement from high school (Question 2); the right to unionize for Lyft and Uber drivers (Question 3); the legalization of psychedelics (Question 4) and raising the minimum wage for tipped workers (Question 5).

Massachusetts House of Representatives (160 Members: 134-Dem; 25-Rep.; 1-Unenrolled). The Massachusetts House of Representatives will remain a supermajority of Democrats with little change in party representation. Specifically, 19 new members will be welcomed into the body at the start of next session. On election day, one Democratic Representative, Pat Haddad, former Speaker Pro Tempore, was defeated by her Republican opponent. No other sitting House member lost re-election for their seat, although Representative Susan Gifford (R-Wareham) and Representative Rady Mom (D-Lowell) lost during their primaries. In short, two Democrat challengers claimed victory in open House districts currently held by retiring Republicans, and two other GOP candidates won in districts now or most recently represented by Democrats. The body will continue to lean moderate to slightly progressive left.

Massachusetts Senate (40 Members: 39-Dem; 5-Rep.) The Massachusetts Senate will also continue to see its Democrat supermajority intact. Repub -

licans lost a hotly contested battle for a seat once held by a Republican, but most recently Democrat Sue Moran (D-Falmouth), when Representative Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth) beat Representative Matt Murratore (R-Plymouth). Taunton City Councilor Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton) pulled off an upset when she beat Joe Pacheco (D-Taunton) for the seat being vacated by a Democrat, retiring Senator Marc Pacheco (no relation). Representative Bill Driscoll will ascend to the Senate after winning his primary battle in September. The Senate will lean progressive left to slightly moderate; it is the more liberal of the two bodies.

With respect to the five ballot questions, the results were as follows:

• Question 1 (Passed). The State Auditor, Diane DiZoglio, a former State Senator and State Representative, filed and fought for this initiative to conduct a wide-ranging audit of the Massachusetts legislature. The legislature may amend this new law in the 2025-2026 legislative session given the potential constitutional issues it raises.

• Question 2 (Passed). The Massachusetts Teachers Association claimed victory in its effort to decouple the student assessment test, MCAS, from being a graduation requirement. The Massachusetts legislature may revisit this law during the next session to implement some sort of requirement that is not an examination.

• Question 3 (Passed). Various unions and drivers for Lyft and Uber fought for the right to unionize as part of their rights as rideshare drivers. The Massachusetts legislature is not expected to tweak this new law as the provisions largely mimic the agreement that Uber and Lyft already

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• Question 4 (Failed). This initiative would have legalized psychedelics in the same manner as cannabis is currently regulated. Voters rejected the ballot initiative by a wide measure; the legis lature is not expected to deal with this topic in the upcoming session.

• Question 5 (Failed). This ballot initiative sought to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers significantly and was soundly defeated by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and its allies. The Massachusetts legislature will not revisit this issue in the next session.

The Massachusetts legislature will swear in Representatives and Senators on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Both bodies are expected to renominate and elect the current Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka, respectively. Committee assignments and leadership posts will be made in late January – early February with bills distributed to the respective committees in late February – early March. The bill filing deadline for the next legislative session is Friday, January 17.

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Governor Signs Omnibus Economic Development Bill

As reported wide and far, Governor Maura Healey signed into law the long-awaited economic development bill, titled the “Mass Leads Act”, that heavily focuses on emerging industries like climatetech, applied artificial intelligence (AI), and the life sciences sector. It is hoped the wide-ranging package will create jobs, support business growth, expand workforce development programs and support rural and regional economic development initiatives.

In particular, the legislation includes a $500 million capital reauthorization of the state’s Life Sciences Initiative over 10 years, an expansion of a tax credit program designed to spur job creation and growth in the life sciences industry, $400 million of bond authorizations for climatetech initiatives and a new tax incentive program to support climatetech companies in Massachusetts. Finally, $100 million in bond authorization is provided to create the Massachusetts AI Hub to boost innovation and attract AI talent to the state.

In other areas, the newly signed economic de -

velopment law will also advance several permitting reforms to expand opportunity and improve predictability for development, including updates to support expedited permitting, allow for permitting extensions, and c reate a permit regulatory office within E xecutive Office of Economic Development (EOED). Further, the bill c odifies and recapitalizes the Rural Development Program within the same agency at $100 million to ensure rural towns receive targeted resources to advance local priorities and unlock economic opportunity. The Rural Development Program received its highest level of funding in FY25.

Of note to UCANE members, the new law includes several investments in fundamentals that will enable more infrastructure supports for future economic growth, including a $400 million reauthorization for the MassWorks program, which supports public infrastructure improvements; $100 million for the Seaport Economic Council to support growth in

continued on page 13

coastal communities; and $250 million for the new Mass Impact Fund to support large, transformational projects that have the potential to yield significant economic impact. The new law also removes a prohibition that prevented vocational skills from more fully training students for acquiring their hoisting licenses. The new law also supports housing and economic development prospects in Devens, the former military base that has been redeveloped into a regional enterprise zone, by eliminating a cap on the number of residential units and square feet of commercial and industrial development that can occur there.

In support of the tourism and cultural economy, the bill reauthorizes the Destination Development Grant Program at $40 million to allow for state investment in tourism assets and commits $50 million for the Cultural Facilities Fund so that the state can continue to partner with nonprofit c ultural organizations in the cultural sector. The bill also establishes a new live theater tax credit designed to support the local and regional theater industry.

The legislation also includes a series of reforms to the Home Improvement Contractor Program (HICP) to better protect consumers, improve access to the program, and reflect the increased c osts of construction. Other measures in the bill include provi -

sions to facilitate the redevelopment of land in Everett for future use as a professional soccer stadium and waterfront park and a directive to merge two quasigovernmental agencies overseen by the EOED, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation and MassDevelopment, to ensure a more coordinated, cohesive approach to supporting small businesses.

The Governor did not veto any sections of the wide ranging bill, but did send back certain provisions related to automotive insurance with an amendment. To view the newly passed act, please visit: https:// malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2024/ Chapter238.

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UCANE and Other End-Users of Trucks

Continue to Advocate for a Delay of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) Rule

November saw the Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection (MassDEP) announced a public hearing on Monday, December 9, for its emergency regulations delaying the implementation of the heavy-duty omnibus (HDO) rule for one year. The move follows similar actions by the States of Oregon and New York as the realization that the well-intentioned rules impacting medium and heavy-duty trucks sales are ahead of technological and infrastructure advances. The Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) rule mandates the sale of a certain percentage of medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks by manufacturers for each year beginning January 1, 2025.

As a result, UCANE continued to urge the Governor to delay the ACT rule in correspondence to both the Governor and MassDEP Commissioner

Bonnie Heiple. In particular, UCANE wrote:

“Simply put, a lack of technological advancements in the development of electric vocational trucks and a lack of needed infrastructure improvements to support the same means that our members will be unable to purchase needed medium- and heavy-duty trucks for the foreseeable future. As emphasized in earlier correspondence, the construction industry in Massachusetts relies on access to new, medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Whether purchasing dump trucks to haul material, vacuum trucks to clear sewers or low boy tractor trailers to bring offroad equipment to jobsites, the construction industry is a regular purchaser of onroad medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Again, the market for medium and heavy-duty electric trucks

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is significantly l ess advanced t han t hat w hich i s available for traditional trucking (i.e. freight) purposes. To this point, electric vocational mediumand heavy-duty trucks do not yet exist in substance or quality to warrant their purchase at this time. At that, even the currently available electric medium and heavy-duty trucks do not have the same range or carrying capacity as their diesel counterparts. Construction companies cannot absorb the purchase of one, non-standard electric truck that is two to three times more expensive in an extremely competitive industry that relies on competitive bidding.

While the effort to reduce emissions from the transportation sector is shared by our members, the continued implementation of the ACT rule in January will harm the construction industry in Massachusetts. This is not hyberbole. Without the requested delay, the Commonwealth, its municipalities and our member companies will most likely see the retention of older, more polluting trucks –despite the fact that new diesel medium- or heavyduty trucks are far c leaner and more efficient than older models.”

At the same time UCANE and other associations continue to push for a delay in the ACT rule, governors from nine (9) of the “opt-in” states that have adopted California’s emissions standards sent a letter to manufacturers urging them to view recent amendments to the ACT rule more favorably. For their part, manufacturers expressed a willingness to meet but highlighted that they remain in compliance with the rules adopted by the various states. This issue, which will have a profound effect on end-users of medium- and heavy-duty trucks in Massachusetts, is complicated by the fact that certain states do not want to act independently in providing relief – despite the clear fact a new diesel truck is cleaner and safer than any truck built before 2010.

Expect to hear more about this issue as the end of year approaches and in the beginning of next year. For more information about the variety of stakeholder outreach to the Administration, please visit: https://smartenergyformass.org. To review the DEP’s public hearing notice, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massdep-public-hearings-comment-opportunities#massdepregulations,-policies-&-programs-.

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Clean Energy & Environment Legacy Transition (CELT) Initiative Announced

According to a press release issued by the Office of the G overnor, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has launched the Clean Energy and Environment Legacy Transition (CELT) Initiative. The initiative, which was inspired by the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre for Energy, Climate, and Marine (MaREI) model, is the result of a collaboration with UMass Lowell and Boston University to advance the clean energy transition, aid cities and towns in their decarbonization efforts, and foster geothermal workforce development.

The CELT Initiative, which is backed by $5.7 million in funding from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), will establish a resource center focused on clean energy. This program intends to promote equity in the state’s clean energy and climate solutions by leveraging university expertise alongside industry innovation, with support from state and community partners. As part of this initiative,

graduate student fellows will be placed in municipalities to assist with clean energy planning and project implementation.

Additionally, graduate students will be deployed in the E xecutive O ffice of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) O ffice of Energy Transformation (OET) to conduct policy and data analysis to enhance the adoption of networked geothermal systems. The CELT Initiative, in collaboration with DOER, will assist communities in reducing carbon emissions, focusing on several areas:

• Equitable Decarbonization: CELT will support state and municipal efforts toward equitable decarbonization by providing on-demand technical assistance to municipalities, community leaders, and industries lacking capacity or expertise. This initiative aims to foster informed local clean energy transitions and enhance municipalities' ability

continued on page 20

Legislative Update continued from page 19 to secure state and federal support.

• Geothermal Energy Projects: Partnering with the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) and Green Communities programs, CELT will help environmental justice communities plan and execute geothermal energy projects. A program will also place graduate students in municipalities to provide training and support, ensuring that smaller communities benefit from these initiatives.

• Diverse Workforce Development: To address the need for skilled workers in geothermal and offshore wind sectors, CELT will analyze workforce needs and develop training programs in collaboration with industry, labor, and educational partners. This includes creating micro-credentials and c ertificate programs to enhance the geothermal workforce in Massachusetts.

• Research and Innovation: CELT will engage in research partnerships with Irish universities to secure funding for projects focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electric costs. For more information about the CELT initiative, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/doc/clean-energy-and-environment-legacy-transition-celt-initiative/ download. continued on page 21

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News in Brief

• Parisella to the Judiciary; New House Leadership Position to Open Up. The end of November saw Governor Maura Healey nominate State Representative Jerald Parisella to serve as Associate Justice of the District Court, making him Governor Healey’s 50th judicial nominee. His nomination will now continue forward to the Governor’s C ouncil for c onfirmation. Having ser ved the people of the 6th Essex District since 2011, Representative Parisella is the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. He also serves as an Attorney at Law at Cherry Tree Title and Law where he focuses on residential and commercial real estate conveyancing, zoning and general estate planning. He also recently retired from the Mass. Army National Guard after 29 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and was a judge advocate, or Army lawyer. Parisella was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his service in the Iraq War in 2011. He has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Emerson College and a Juris Doctor from New England Law School.

• Bonus for Hiring Active Members of the National Guard. On Veteran’s Day, the HealeyDriscoll Administration announced the launch of a new program through the EOED and Department of Revenue to provide a $2,000 tax credit to Massachusetts businesses that hire active members of the Massachusetts National Guard (Guard). The program aims to increase economic opportunities for members of the Guard and encourage more businesses to hire and retain them. The program is available for businesses with 100 or fewer employees that hire and employ active members of the Massachusetts National Guard for at least six months. Applications for this program started Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2024, but the program accept applications on an annual, rolling basis beginning January 1 of each year. More information about this new program can be found at: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/national-guard-hiring-tax-credit-program.

• Fix to State CDL “Look Back” Law Filed. Governor Healey filed legislation aimed at c orrecting an overly protective state law that has caused some longtime CDL holders to face additional scrutiny. Under both federal and state law, drivers who commit certain offenses on the roads may be prohibited from driving a commercial vehicle, either temporarily or permanently. Federal law sets minimum standards for disqualification

from holding a commercial driver’s license that must be followed by all states. As a general rule, a driver who has committed two offenses under federal law must be disqualified for life from driving a commercial vehicle. While federal law requires disqualification only for passenger vehicle offenses occurring after September 30, 2005, Massachusetts state law includes no such limitation. As a result, the Registry of Motor Vehicles is presently required to impose disqualifications on commercial drivers due to passenger vehicle offenses from before September 30, 2005, even though such offenses need not be considered as a matter of federal law. Legislation filed by the Governor would revise Section 9 of Chapter 90F of the Mass. Gen. Laws to exclude consideration of most passenger vehicle offenses that occurred before the federal cut-off date of September 30, 2005, except for multiple instances of operating under the influence. The legislation, which was heard by the Joint Committee on Transportation soon after filing, is expected to move soon. To view the legislation, please visit: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H5109. n

UCANE’s 2024 Year End Wrap-Up

2024 Overview

2024 marked UCANE’s 70th Anniversary—a milestone year that also proved to be one of remarkable success for the organization and its members. UCANE’s tireless advocacy helped pave the way for the 2022 Federal Infrastructure Bill, a historic funding package for utility infrastructure and public works projects. While municipalities across New England began utilizing these funds in 2022, the pace accelerated significantly in 2023, c ulminating in 2024—a record-breaking year for infrastructure project volume. A significant share of these projects was awarded to UCANE contractors. The year also brought relief from the supply c hain and inflation c hallenges that persisted in 2023.

2024 was the first full year under the leadership of UCANE’s new Executive Director, Joe Nolan, who began his tenure in October 2023. Working closely with UCANE’s Executive Committee, Joe provided fresh ideas and leadership while gaining a comprehensive understanding of UCANE’s extensive operations, projects, events, and initiatives. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the UCANE staff, the organization transitioned seamlessly without disruption.

Throughout the year, UCANE members enjoyed numerous opportunities to gather and network at business and social events. Board and Dinner meetings were flawlessly executed, and signature events such as the 2024 Golf Tournament and our 70th Anniversary Banquet were resounding successes.

In addition to its events, UCANE maintained a vigilant presence on Beacon Hill, advocating for the industry and delivering critical member services. In 2024, Executive Director Joseph Nolan met regularly with state agency leaders, municipal officials, and trade partners who share UCANE’s mission of promoting clean drinking water, safe wastewater management, and a healthy environment for all New England residents. Joe was also accompanied by UCANE lobbyist Mark Molloy to key meetings with legislators, leveraging his prior experience navigating the Statehouse to advance UCANE’s goals effectively.

As we close out 2024, we recognize that each new year brings fresh challenges for our industry. UCANE remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening

the industry, ensuring continued infrastructure funding, and upholding its reputation as the region’s most respected trade association.

Legislative Activity

2024 represented the second (final) year of the 2023-2024 legislative session. In the first months of the two-year session, UCANE reviewed over 6,000 pieces of legislation filed at the start of the session, to identify matters of interest to the construction industry, specifically, and as employers, generally. Once legislation was identified, UCANE began monitoring and tracking over 250 different bills. With approximately 60 of those bills, UCANE has taken a more active role, whether testifying, speaking to committee leadership and staff, or developing collateral materials.

Many of the identified bills that would have had a negative impact on member companies were defeated. The legislation ranges from measures establishing overly burdensome regulations, to creating unfair advantages in public bidding laws. Whether by redefining the meaning of “ fraud,” providing that one license-type has priority over another, limiting access to certain manufacturers or other similar matters, UCANE’s staff and our lobbyist, Mark Molloy of Cascade Strategies were able to effectively lobby against these measures by developing position papers and written testimony, visiting legislators with UCANE members, speaking at public hearings, and otherwise informing Beacon Hill legislators about the potential impacts of these bills.

In addition to weighing in on other stakeholders’ filed matters that may harm our industry, UCANE c ontinues to advance its own legislative priorities. Having passed one of its primary bills last session; UCANE filed t wo bills aimed at improving the c onstruction industry in the 2023-2024 legislative session. The two matters were House Bill 803/Senate Bill 453, An Act Relative to Water Infrastructure Funding, and House Bill 3001/Senate Bill 1705, An Act Relative to the Timely Payment of Law Enforcement. In supporting these measures, UCANE met with committee leadership, and testified before the Joint C ommittee on the Environment, the Joint Committee on State Administration, and the Joint Committee on Public Service,

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respectively. While these measures received favorable reports, they were ultimately not passed before the end of the legislative session.

In addition to advocating for its own legislation, UCANE also supported a variety of initiatives relative to the funding of the Clean Water Trust’s contract-assistance line-item; legislation creating an alternative funding mechanism for water infrastructure; and legislation to more closely study the state’s MBE/WBE requirements.

On the regulatory front, UCANE continues to monitor and weigh in, where appropriate, on regulatory initiatives such as the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck and Heavy-Duty Omnibus (HDO) rules (see more below); the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles with respect to sideguard regulations; the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities with respect to Dig Safe regulations, and the M assachusetts Supplier Diversity O ffice’s updated policies and regulations governing minority and women-owned businesses, among others.

As with every new session, UCANE continues to meet with key policymakers throughout the Com -

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monwealth to inform them about our Association, the Commonwealth’s underground utility infrastructure needs, and the construction industry in Massachusetts in general.

UCANE Successfully Supports Additional Water Infrastructure Funding in the Affordable Housing Bond Bill

When the Legislature debated the Governor’s affordable housing act, UCANE, working with a variety of other associations, urged the Massachusetts legislature to significantly increase funding for the HousingWorks program. The HousingWorks Infrastructure Program (HousingWorks) has made investments throughout the state since 2023 (FY24). The program, patterned after the very successful MassWorks Infrastructure Program (MassWorks), has the potential to be a key facilitator for housing growth. While HousingWorks is relatively new, the model is already a proven and successful one. Supporting the higher amount of funding will underpin the infrastructure needed to make new housing construction a reality. Although the Senate proposed funding this program at $375M with dedicated funding of $100 million for water infra-

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structure specifically, UCANE was pleased when the housing bond bill that landed on the Governor’s desk included its largest allocation ever for this important program at $175 million.

Advanced Clean Truck and Heavy-Duty Omnibus Rules

Under Massachusetts law passed in the early 1990s, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is required to adopt emissions standards developed in California. In 2020, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted two significant emissions r ules that were then slated to go into effect in Massachusetts on January 1, 2025: the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) and Heavy-Duty Omnibus (HDO) rules. Recognizing the impact on the construction industry, UCANE has been working with a broad range of impacted stakeholder groups to seek a two-year delay of these rules. Working with the Construction Industries of Massachusetts (CIM), UCANE sent correspondence to Governor Maura Healey, as well as Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Commissioner Bonnie Heiple outlining the impact these rules will have on the construction industry. Next, UCANE

convened a construction industry stakeholder meeting with the Trucking Association of Massachusetts (TAM) to discuss potential strategies for delaying the ACT and HDO rules. UCANE then reached out to a wide variety of municipalities and organizations focused on municipal construction to seek their input and support. Finally, UCANE has joined with a broad range of stakeholders – ranging from business associations, retailers, lumber dealers, landscapers, energy companies, and others - to discuss efforts as a broad coalition. While UCANE has been able to work with others in delaying the HDO rule, the association continues to advocate for the delay of the ACT rule.

#InvestInWaterMA Campaign Continues

As you may recall, UCANE sought to build a public relations and awareness campaign to ensure that often-overlooked water and sewer projects would get their fair share of attention and funding. The UCANE Board of Directors recognized that if water infrastructure is adequately funded, all underground utilities benefit. We developed and implemented a c omprehensive, integrated campaign to keep water and sewer infrastructure central to the funding discussion, including through building a strong, growing coalition

continued on page 29

DigSafe.com or Call 811

• Pre-mark the location of intended excavation using white stakes, paint or flags.

• In MA, ME, NH, RI and VT, notify Dig Safe® at least 72 hours in advance, not including weekends and holidays.

• Notify non-member facility owners.

• Maintain the marks placed by underground facility owners.

• Use caution and dig by hand when working within 18” of a marked facility.

• If a line is damaged, do not backfill. Notify the affected utility company immediately if the facility, its protective coating, or a tracer wire is damaged.

• Call 911 in the event of a gas leak, or if a damaged facility poses a risk to public safety.

• Know your state’s excavation requirements.

• Go to digsafe.com for educational material and current laws.

of allied groups supporting water/sewer funding. This campaign came together under the banner of #InvestInWaterMA and to date has gained support from major Massachusetts business, environmental, real estate, and biotech associations.

To this end, UCANE continued its #InvestInWaterMA campaign in 2024. While further promoting the campaign via social media efforts throughout the year, the #InvestInWaterMA campaign continues to highlight the importance of investing in our Commonwealth’s water infrastructure system. In the Fall of 2024, UCANE used the #InvestInWaterMA campaign to provide important information to municipalities throughout the Commonwealth about the Clean Water Trust, the state’s Drinking and Clean Water Statewide Revolving Fund programs, as well as key contacts within the agency as part of UCANE’s coordinated day of awareness surrounding the national “Imagine a Day without Water” campaign.

Cape Cod's Water Protection Trust Fund Grows in 2024

As most UCANE members know, municipalities on Cape Cod are under court order to address wastewater issues as a result of a successful lawsuit filed by the C onservation L aw Foundation (CLF).

This is known as the Section 208 Plan. The cost to implement the 208 Plan is estimated to be between $2 billion and $4 billion over the next 20 years. The 208 Plan is critical to protecting Cape Cod’s drinking water, its beaches, and its coastal industries from excess nitrogen loads created primarily by failed septic systems.

The establishment of a Cape Cod Water Protection Trust was heavily promoted and supported by UCANE and others in order to establish a funding source to help pay for the sewer infrastructure on Cape Cod, which was mandated in the Section 208 Plan. The 2.75% tax assessed to all short-term rentals (hotels, motels, homes) on the Cape is dedicated to assisting the 15 Cape Cod towns in funding wastewater projects. In 2024, the Cape Cod Water Protection Trust adopted a new model for providing subsidies, which cover 25-percent of the project cost. Disbursements will shift from a “principal forgiveness” model to one which provides a portion of the subsidy over the term of the loan.

To date, the Trust has awarded $200 million to Cape Cod communities to fund new water quality and wastewater projects and certain pre-existing wastewater debt. With nearly all the Cape Cod towns hav-

continued on page 30

Wrap-Up continued from page 29 ing submitted their 208 Plans through 2024, and becoming eligible for funding, there was a multitude of sewer and water projects put out to bid on Cape Cod this past year. Almost all of those projects were won by UCANE contractors and more projects are expected for 2025. The implementation of Section 208 will improve the health and well-being of people living on the Cape and will ultimately mean greater opportunities for UCANE contractors for many years to come.

UCANE and Municipal Officials Collaborate on Federal Infrastructure Bill Implementation and Address Upcoming 2025 ATC and HDO Regulations

UCANE continued its advocacy efforts with municipal organizations and officials to secure increased investment in water infrastructure through the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, stimulus and surplus funds, the Clean Water Trust, and other revenue sources. As part of these efforts, UCANE maintains regular meetings with the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), Massachusetts Highway Association (MHA), and Norfolk-Bristol-Middlesex Highway Association (NBM).

In 2024, UCANE worked with Public Works Directors to advance the initiatives of a Task Force established in 2021. The Task Force focuses on standardizing key sections of bidding documents to create a level playing field for all bidders. Clear and fair specifications help reduce c laims, benefiting both contractors and project owners.

In addition, UCANE collaborated with municipal partners to assess the anticipated impact of the new 2025 Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) and Heavy-Duty Omissions (HDO) regulations. These regulations are expected to affect the availability of heavy- and medium-duty trucks, which could challenge both public and private sector operations, including construction projects and road maintenance. UCANE and its partners are working to address these potential issues proactively to minimize disruptions.

UCANE remains committed to partnering with public works and municipal officials to t ackle c hallenges facing the industry and to ensure the success of critical infrastructure projects.

Wage Theft Legislation

There remained a significant effort to pass wage theft legislation in 2024. While UCANE recognizes that wage theft hurts workers and responsible employers, the continued on page 31

proposed legislation goes too far and could unfairly punish a contractor for the actions of any tier of subcontractor, regardless of the general contractor’s knowledge of such actions. UCANE supports the enforcement of the many existing laws already in place on this issue and was part of a coalition that successfully lobbied for alternative measures to combat the non-payment of wages. This legislation did not pass in the 2023-2024 legislative session. UCANE, which submitted written testimony in opposition to this legislation, will continue to work with other stakeholder groups to protect its members from this unfair legislation during the upcoming legislative session.

Water Infrastructure Alliance

UCANE continues to be an active member of the Water Infrastructure Alliance (WIA). Comprised of construction, environmental, and engineering companies that promote clean water investment in Massachusetts, the WIA continues to raise awareness before the legislators about the need for investing in water infrastructure. In particular, the investment needed is close to an estimated $21 billion for water and sewer needs over the next 20 years. It has been almost 10 years since the passage of Chapter 259 of the Acts of 2014, which introduced a wide range of provisions to assist

the water and sewer funding needs of municipalities, and of the State in general. As described above, the WIA and its membership strongly advocated for additional funding for water infrastructure and climate resiliency measures, which resulted in higher funding for the MassWorks program ($400 million); HousingWorks ($175 million) in addition to funding through a variety of other legislative vehicles.

UCANE, which continues to be a driving force in the WIA, provides research, information, testimony, and advocacy materials for other members. As well, UCANE continues to participate in public relation campaigns for water infrastructure, including being a sponsor of the national “Imagine A Day Without Water” campaign for the eighth consecutive year. Finally, UCANE will be working with other members of the Water Infrastructure A lliance to file c omprehensive water infrastructure funding legislation for the 20252026 legislative session.

Water Infrastructure Advisory Council Returns

As part of the groundbreaking legislation of 2014 that focused on water infrastructure within the Commonwealth, UCANE was able to work with other orcontinued on page 32

Wrap-Up continued from page 31

ganizations in securing the creation of a Water Infrastr ucture Advisory Council to regularly meet and assess the Commonwealth’s progress in closing the water infrastructure funding gap. After a few years of dormancy, UCANE worked with other stakeholder organizations to convince the Healey-Driscoll Administration to revive this important group in 2024. Subsequent meetings in the Fall of 2024 led to a variety of meetings designed to ascertain priorities as the Healey-Driscoll Administration assembles the next environmental bond bill, which is due for consideration during the 2025-2026 legislative session.

Construction Outlook Magazine

2024 was another outstanding year for UCANE’s monthly publication, Construction Outlook magazine. Its growing circulation reaches not only UCANE members but also municipal DPW Directors in all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns, public agencies involved in infrastructure work and construction regulations, all State Legislators, C onstitutional O fficers, and members of the Congressional delegation.

Construction Outlook provides an excellent platform for UCANE members to advertise their services, showcasing their expertise to a wide and influential audience. The content published in the magazine also serves as a valuable resource for creating engaging material that is shared across UCANE’s social media campaigns, further expanding our reach and reinforcing our members' visibility in the industry.

This year, the magazine continued its popular series of interviews featuring legislative leaders, municipal DPW officials, and UCANE Board and Safety Committee members. Each month, Construction Outlook provided readers with essential updates on safety, legal, legislative, financial, and IT issues critical to their businesses and the construction industry at large.

Several member companies were prominently featured on the magazine’s cover, accompanied by in-depth stories showcasing their histories and highlighting the challenging, complex projects they have successfully completed. These features celebrated the expertise and accomplishments of UCANE’s members, reflecting the strength and diversity of our industry.

Recognized at the State House, in Washington, DC, and throughout the construction sector, Construction Outlook has solidified its reputation as the premier publication for the underground construction industry, reinforcing UCANE’s leadership and advocacy for its members.

Asbestos Removal Training Course

UCANE continues to offer its contractors both the 8-hour Class II Asbestos Training Course and the 4-hour Refresher Course (required every five years) in partnership with ATC Associates, Inc. of West Springfield, MA. Both courses are approved by OSHA and the Department of Labor Standards and were jointly developed by UCANE, MassDEP, and MWWA. These courses provide critical safety training and ensure environmental compliance, protecting both workers and the environment from asbestos-related hazards.

UCANE is currently scheduling classes for 2025 for contractors in both Eastern and Western Massachusetts. Companies should get their employees trained now, before it’s required on a jobsite. Contractors interested in having their employees trained should contact Suzanne Hatch at shatch@ucane.com.

Over the past 12 years, more than 1,200 individuals have received Asbestos Cement Pipe (ACP) Worker Safety C ertificates through UCANE. This includes attendees from over 60 construction companies, as well as representatives from MassDEP, MWRA, MWWA, and various municipalities.

continued on page 33

100 Wales Avenue-Rear Avon, MA 02322

Office: 508-583-2029

Plant: 508-587-6953

226 Nicks Rock Road Plymouth, MA 02360

Scale House: 508-732-9148

Asphalt Plant: 508-732-9140

MassDEP, MWRA, BWSC & BPW

UCANE maintains strong relationships with leadership and decision-makers at MassDEP, MWRA, the Boston Water & Sewer Commission (BWSC), and the Boston Public Works Department (BPW). We attend MWRA Advisory Board meetings and hold regular meetings with these agencies to stay updated on key topics such as budgets, capital planning, and infrastructure projects.

A series of meetings in early 2024 further strengthened our relationships with these agencies. UCANE introduced our new Executive Director, Joseph Nolan, and welcomed MassDEP’s new Commissioner, Bonnie Heiple. We also met separately with John Sullivan at BWSC and Fred Laskey at MWRA. Additionally, a productive meeting with BPW Chief of Streets, Jascha Franklin-Hodge, and his team resulted in fruitful negotiations aimed at improving capital planning objectives and addressing bidding challenges for both the City of Boston and UCANE contractors.

At UCANE’s March 2024 Dinner Meeting, we hosted the heads of MWRA, BWSC, and MassDEP, who each presented their annual forecasts for 20242025, detailing the upcoming projects to be bid and their respective agencies’ funding commitments. This

important information was also published in Construction Outlook magazine.

Moving forward, UCANE will continue to work closely with these agencies to promote our shared goals of increased infrastructure investment and to keep our membership informed about upcoming capital construction programs.

Construction Roundtable with the Attorney General

In 2024, UCANE continued its active participation in construction roundtable meetings with the Massachusetts Attorney General and her staff from the Fair Labor Division. These meetings serve as a valuable platform for discussing a range of issues critical to the construction industry.

Key agenda topics included areas of enforcement emphasis, the potential impact of various legislative proposals such as wage theft legislation, and the ongoing review of bid protest decisions. Other important discussions covered prevailing wage issues, the abuse of the sick leave law, and ensuring compliance with MBE/WBE goals. These meetings remain an essential part of UCANE’s efforts to advocate for a fair and effective regulatory environment for our members. continued on page 34

OSHA & Safety-Related Issues

Workplace safety remains a top priority for UCANE. In 2024, we continued to keep our members informed on the latest safety issues, changes in safety legislation at both the state and national levels, and best practices for maintaining a safe jobsite. UCANE broadcasts email alerts to all members whenever important safety news breaks, and our Safety Corner articles in Construction Outlook magazine, written by safety professionals within our membership, highlight relevant safety topics. Safety updates are a key agenda item at every UCANE Board meeting.

In June 2024, UCANE participated in National Trench Safety Stand Down Week for the seventh consecutive year. This OSHA-endorsed initiative focuses on emphasizing trench safety through toolbox t alks and other safety activities with field c rews. By the end of the week, 20 UCANE member firms paused work at 331 construction sites to hold discussions on trench safety, engaging a record-breaking 2,586 employees. This participation accounted for 10% of the total workforce in the nationwide safety event, solidifying UCANE’s position as the Number One Trade Association participant in the country, a

distinction we take great pride in.

UCANE’s Safety Committee met regularly throughout 2024. The committee, composed of safety professionals from within our membership, hosted Peter Barletta from the Region 1 OSHA office, who provided updates on OSHA’s latest activities, including its continued Trench Emphasis Program, hot weather requirements, and changes to enforcement policies. Guest speakers also addressed other important topics, including the latest in buried pipe locating equipment, updates on Dig Safe regulations and DPU citations, and a debate on the use of “hardhats vs. helmets.” Cybersecurity experts presented identity theft and AI scams targeting the construction industry, offering valuable insights on how to identify and mitigate such risks. Additionally, the committee shared the latest information on employer responsibilities regarding drug and alcohol testing policies and mental health awareness.

National Legislative & Industry Initiatives

UCANE continues to be an active member of the Clean Water Construction Coalition (CWCC), a national group comprising 28 member associations rep -

continued on page 35

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resenting over 11,000 contractors across the country. CWCC maintains a strong presence in Washington, DC, advocating for clean water funding and critical infrastructure needs. In 2024, Executive Director Joe Nolan and UCANE officers met with CWCC representatives and members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to discuss both local and national water infrastructure issues.

CWCC’s advocacy efforts led to the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which secured significant funding for water and utility infrastructure projects nationwide. Massachusetts received over $1 billion for water infrastructure, with additional funds allocated for other utility projects. These funds began arriving in 2022 and will continue through at least 2028, providing important opportunities for UCANE members.

UCANE will continue to collaborate with CWCC and the new Administration in Washington, DC, to ensure that New England receives its fair share of these funds, supporting the successful completion of essential infrastructure projects in the region.

Membership

UCANE continues to grow, attracting both contractors and Associate Members to our ranks. Our contractor members, representing companies of all sizes, play a vital role in building and maintaining the utility infrastructure that keeps New England running. In addition, Associate Members—businesses that provide essential products and services to the construction industry—recognize the unique value UCANE offers as a platform to build relationships and support the utility construction sector.

In 2024, UCANE welcomed over 15 new members to our roster, which now totals more than 250 members. This growth includes several of New England’s largest and most successful contractors, alongside a variety of Associate Members who have chosen to join UCANE for its networking opportunities, advocacy efforts, and commitment to promoting the utility construction industry.

As we move into 2025, we will continue our outreach efforts to attract additional respected and highperforming companies to our organization. With the help of our current members, we aim to expand our membership base further, creating a stronger and more unified voice for the industry. Together, we will continue to deliver the resources, connections, and advocacy that make UCANE the premier trade association for the utility construction industry.

continued on page 37

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Member Communications Social Media and Digital Engagement

UCANE remains committed to keeping members informed with timely updates on legislative, safety, and funding-related issues. Recognizing the evolving digital landscape, we are continuously improving how we communicate and engage with our members and industry stakeholders.

In 2024, UCANE’s Industry Directory was once again distributed to all municipal DPW Directors across the state. This essential resource includes an “Emergency Services” section, providing quick access to contact information for UCANE members who can assist during local emergencies.

UCANE’s website has become an indispensable tool for our members, offering seamless access to important information on seminars, meetings, and events. It also features a digital version of Construction Outlook magazine, a comprehensive list of advertisers, and direct links to their websites. In 2025, we are working to make this platform even more user-friendly, incorporating mobile-first designs and advanced search capabilities to ensure members can quickly find the resources they need.

We continue to expand our outreach to public officials, stakeholders, and members through an active presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook. By integrating real-time updates, project highlights, and member achievements, our social media channels foster deeper engagement with our audience and elevate UCANE’s visibility across the industry.

Strategic Branding and Communications in 2025

As we move into 2025, UCANE is adopting advanced branding and communication strategies to remain at the forefront of the construction industry’s technological shift. These efforts include:

• Enhanced multimedia content: Utilizing videos, infographics, and interactive posts to provide members with accessible and visually compelling updates.

• Targeted outreach campaigns: Employing analytics-driven strategies to tailor messaging for different member groups and industry stakeholders, ensuring the right information reaches the right audience.

• Live engagement: Hosting webinars, live Q&A sessions, and virtual events to encourage partici -

pation and dialogue on key industry issues.

• Integrated communications: Aligning our print, digital, and social media c hannels under a unified branding strategy to reinforce UCANE’s identity and mission.

UCANE is committed to ensuring that our members remain informed, connected, and wellprepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing industry. In 2025, we will continue to build on these initiatives, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative communication practices to enhance the value we provide to our members and the broader utility construction community.

College Scholarship Program

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our members at UCANE’s Annual Scholarship Auction and those who funded Memorial Scholarships, we were proud to award 12 $2,000 college scholarships in 2024. These scholarships support well-deserving students who are the children and grandchildren of UCANE members and their employees.

This year’s recipients, along with their parents, attended a special UCANE dinner meeting where

continued on page 39

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they were honored for their achievements. Adding to the memorable evening, Boston Bruins analyst and former NHL star Andrew Raycroft delivered a motivational and inspiring keynote address.

UCANE members take immense pride in our Scholarship Program, which completed its 50th year in 2024. The program continues to highlight the importance of education and demonstrates our collective commitment to the future leaders of our community. Year after year, these exceptional students impress us with their maturity, accomplishments, and ambitious goals.

UCANE's Many Charitable Endeavors Include:

• National Brain Aneurysm Fund (BAF)

• Tunnel2Towers in honor of those who served our Country.

• Marisa’s Mission in Memory of Marisa Federico.

• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of MA in honor of the Federico Family.

• The Diabetes Foundation in honor of the Benard Family and McCourt Family.

• The Joe Andruzzi Foundation to assist Cancer patients in honor of Joe Andruzzi.

• The Mystic River Herring Run & Paddle to support the Mystic River Watershed Association.

• The Pan-Mass Challenge through Joel Lewin (Hinckley Allen, LLP); Tom Descoteaux (R. H. White Construction Co., Inc.); and Bob Magliozzi (L. Guerini Group, Inc.).

• The “Rodman Ride for Kids” through Rodman Ford Sales, Inc.

• The Alzheimer’s Association in honor of the Richard Pacella Family.

• The McCourt Foundation in Memory of Frank and Richard McCourt.

• The Massachusetts Hospital School in honor of the John F. Kennedy Family.

• The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) through Dan Mahoney (MBO Precast, Inc.).

• Brigham and Women’s Hospital

• Supported many other local and national charities throughout the year. n

R epR esentative Bill M acGR eGoR

(10th suffolk DistRict)

Representative Bill MacGregor never actually expected to find himself in politics and government. He studied Economics and got a job in financial services in 2001. While working, he went to school at night and got a graduate certificate in Commercial Real Estate Finance. Starting in 2004, he worked on the debt side of real estate, assessing the borrower’s degree of risk for a loan to the appraised value of the property. When the great recession of 2008 occurred, he found himself looking for a job and anyone and everyone in financial services were also looking. In order to pay the bills, he was working as a Home Health Aide and then his childhood friend, Matt O’Malley announced that he was running for Boston City Council. When Representative MacGregor wasn’t working as a Home Health Aide, he volunteered on Matt O’Malley’s campaign. After the campaign, Matt offered him a job. He didn’t plan to stay long. He first started part time, then worked as one of his aides, then Director of Constituent Services, and later his Chief of Staff. When his first daughter, Eloise, was born, he left City Hall to work as a loan officer, and did that from 2021 to 2024. When his predecessor, Ed Coppinger, resigned from his position in February of 2023, his wife reminded him that he had always said that if he ever ran, it would be for State Representative for his community. However, they just had their second daughter who was five months old, so he wasn’t sure being on the campaign trail was the best decision. After going back and forth and having several discussions with his friends and family, he decided to run. He put in a lot of work and had a great campaign, and the rest is history.

A: Q:

As costs continue to rise, please give your thoughts on how the state will continue to support local aid to cities and towns to help support basic municipal services, specifically water, wastewater, and the underground utility infrastructure.

Even during difficult fiscal times, the legislature has continued to provide crucial funding to cities and towns for local aid. We have great fiscal policy analysts in the House that work hard to ensure everyone is getting what they need through line-items and earmarks. The Governor also recently signed legislation that would make us eligible for increased federal infrastructure funding - a bill that came through the House Committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight, which I sit on. I was proud to support the legislation, and plan to continue working with the Commonwealth’s municipalities, particularly Boston and Brookline, to make sure they continue to receive the resources needed from the state on infrastructure.

Q: A:

Representing the 10th Suffolk District, which is comprised of parts of the City of Boston, and the Town of Brookline, what are the biggest challenges for your district and the accompanying region with regard to continued economic growth?

We have definitely seen challenges as the district continues to expand economically. There is a severe lack of affordable housing in the district, making moving here difficult. There is also an overall unaffordability that has threatened to push out long term residents and local businesses. Many of our residents are seniors, relying on fixed incomes, who cannot afford prices that are constantly rising.

Q:

The #InvestInWaterMA campaign, sponsored by UCANE, highlights the importance of water infrastructure to a wide variety of industries. Will you please share a sampling of some of

continued on page 43

Interview continued from page 41

the specific industries in your district that benefit from our investments in water infrastructure?

Our district is home to West Roxbury Crushed Stone Quarry, the only quarry in the city of Boston, and quarries heavily rely on a reliable water supply to properly function. UCANE’s investment in water infrastructure ensures this industry can manage dust and debris during extractions and maintain equipment, among other functions. UCANE’s investment in projects that replace water mains across the district benefit almost every industry. Schools, restaurants, emergency responders, and residents all benefit from access to a reliable source of uncontaminated water.

looking for training to start their first job, folks interested in learning new skills to make a change in their career, and everyone in between. I think meeting our growing workforce needs starts with bolstering those programs - both with awareness funding - and making sure people are well compensated for their work with strong union support.

Will you please share some of your other legislative or regulatory priorities during the current or upcoming legislative session?

Please share your thoughts on how the construction industry might be able to meet its growing workforce needs as older members of the industry retire.

Q: A:

The Commonwealth is home to so many great organizations that provide quality, comprehensive workforce training programs to people interested in any trade, including construction. I’ve seen a variety of people engaging in these programs - young people

The 10th Suffolk has people from all walks of life, and it’s always been my goal to introduce and support legislation that reflects that. The House has done great work to support early childhood education and families, and I’d like to be a part of continuing that with funding and policy changes that better reflect the needs of our youngest learners. I’m also a huge supporter of our seniors and will be working on continuing some of the critical funding we’ve secured for 10th Suffolk seniors and beyond. I’ve got some legislative ideas to support our veterans and first time homebuyers that I’m hoping to introduce as well. n

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United States Department of Labor Reports a “Decline in Worker Death Investigations”

The Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc. (UCANE) and its members recognize the importance of worker health and safety. Among other things, UCANE has established a cooperative agreement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to promote workplace safety, conduct Competent Person, Confined Space Entry, and Asbestos Pipe Removal safety seminars, and regularly keep members informed of other training opportunities as well as safety stand downs. This list is by no means exhaustive; suffice it to say that UCANE and its members have long and proudly prioritized worker health and safety issues.

The reality is that construction work often entails significant human health and safety r isks, including risks of fatal injury. In a bit of good news, OSHA recently issued a press release announcing that the Department of Labor (“DOL”) has reportedly seen a “decline in worker death investigations.” That is, as of the beginning of November, 2024, “[f]ewer workers are dying from hazards where [OSHA] has focused its enforcement resources.” In other words, “[p]reliminary data” shows a “decrease in fatalities [that OSHA] is mandated to investigate,” including “significant reductions in fatal injuries from trench collapses and falls.” According to OSHA, these are “two of the leading causes of death among construction industry workers.”

OSHA reported that in Fiscal Year 2024, it investigated 826 worker deaths, representing “an 11 percent reduction from 928 in the previous year.” According to OSHA, when COVID-19-related deaths are excluded, “this is the lowest number of worker fatalities OSHA has been mandated to investigate since FY 2017.” According to OSHA, this number of worker death investigations has now decreased two years in a row.

When it comes to trench collapses, OSHA reported that “worker deaths in trench collapses declined nearly 70 percent since calendar year 2022.” As for falls – the “leading cause of serious workrelated injuries and fatalities in the construction industry” – OSHA reported a decrease “of almost 20 percent.” OSHA also indicated that preliminary data suggests fewer fatalities in state jurisdictions as well.

While this report is encouraging, OSHA also noted that “we still lose more than 5,000 workers each year in largely preventable incidents.” As a result, while progress has been made, OSHA made clear

Christopher Morog Partner

Robert T. Ferguson Partner

Legal Corner continued from page 45 that its “work is far from over.” According to OSHA, “stronger enforcement” has played a significant role in these reduced numbers.

Notably, OSHA also made clear that “[r]educing worker deaths means embracing an approach that makes worker health and safety a core value in every workplace.” This means that employers should adopt and implement effective compliance policies and programs to promote worker health and safety. There are numerous steps that contractors can take to further the interests of worker health and safety. Importantly, simply adopting a policy or program is not enough; contractors should embrace a culture of compliance, regularly train their employees, provide personal protective equipment, and enforce their policies and procedures when appropriate, to name a few. If and when a government agency arrives to inspect a given worksite, there are numerous best practices that contractors should follow. Of course, no set of facts is the same and what might be reasonable or appropriate i n o ne s ituation m ay n ot s uffice i n a nother. Contractors should plan ahead and consult safety professionals and knowledgeable counsel to attempt to position themselves to address worker health and safety issues most effectively. n

UCANE CONTRACTORS IN THE NEWS

Walsh Construction Co. Receives 2024 Award from Engineering News Record

UCANE contractor Walsh Construction Co. was recently named winner of an ENR New England Best Project Award. Annually the prestigious magazine selects projects in multiple categories and evaluates them on the design and construction quality, ability of the project team to overcome challenges and achieve safety goals, and the recipients’ contributions to the industry and the community. This year ENR presented 19 awards in 13 main categories for projects recently completed throughout the six New England states.

Walsh’s award was for “Best Project in the Water/ Environmental” category. The winning project was Nut Island Headworks Odor Control Improvements located in Quincy, MA and owned by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Designed by the internationally known engineering firm, Hazen and Sawyer, the $60M project was a complex and tedious challenge. It involved completely renovating, replacing, and upgrading all parts of the screening operation, the air scrubbing/exhaust operations, and the mechanical and electrical components at an existing sewage screening facility. Working within the confines of the mostly underground facility, Walsh also had to c oordinate nearly $ 30M worth of filed subcontract work, all while keeping the 300 million gallons per day (MGD) facility in full operation.

Further complicating the project was the fact that Walsh mobilized to the project in March of 2020, just in time to be greeted by the COVID 19 pandemic. The pandemic brought with it not only unprecedented impacts to construction projects, but to our society as well. Despite the auspicious beginnings of the Nut Island Headworks project, the Owner, Designer, and General Contractor rallied together as a team and completed the daunting project on-time and without any major incidents.

Project Category:

Water/Environment

Regional Award Level: Best Project

Project Name: Nut Island Headworks Odor Control Improvements

Location: Quincy, Massachusetts

General Contractor: Walsh Construction Co.

The Team

Owner

– MWRA

Designer – Hazen and Sawyer Contractor – Walsh Construction Co.

In accepting the award, Walsh’s Boston office manager, Chuck Parrish said, “The project was a great example of how owners, designers, and the contractor can team together to do a complex Design-Bid-Build project. Special thanks to our talented subcontractors, the MWRA staff, Hazen & Sawyer, and all the many skilled craftspeople at Walsh Construction who contributed to the successful execution of this project.”

CONGRATULATIONS

to UCANE Contractor Walsh Construction Company!

Note: Walsh’s Award-winning project was highlighted in a December 2020 feature story in Construction Outlook magazine.

COMPONENT

An IntervIew wIth MAtthew Morse DIrector town

Will you please tell us a little bit about your professional training and background pri or to attaining your current position?

I consider my background in Public Works a bit of a success story. While my education is in Construction Management with licensure in Construction Code from Spr Community College, my work experience in Pub lic Works began as a Heavy Motor Equipment Operator for the City of Holyoke DPW. From there, I c limbed the internal ladder, as the Construction Supervisor in the engineer ing division, and eventually serving as the Out door Superintendent of Public Works. Working my way from an entry level position to accepting the position of Director of Public Works for the Town of Palmer has been a very rewarding journey for me.

Are there any boards or committees you currently serve on in your Town?

work towards creating a passenger rail-stop here in Palmer. We believe this will stimulate our local omy, especially if we can locate a stop station in our downtown district.

Will you please give our readers some information on the size and population of Palmer and some statistics on the various infrastructure that your Department is responsible for maintaining?

Palmer, Massachusetts is geographically located along the Mass. Turnpike (Rte. 90) b etween Worcester and Spr ingfield w ith a population of just over 12,000 residents, and almost 32 square miles in geographical size. Our Public Works Department consists of four different divisions: Highway, Parks, Cemetery, and Wastewater.

With a total of 35 hard-working employees, the Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining 86 miles of public roadways, 15 parks, the High School grounds, and all Town of-

I am currently serving on the Town of Palmer Capital Improvement Planning Committee. I am also serving on the Pathfinder Regional Technical High School Horticulture Department Advisory Board, and I am a member of the Town of Palmer’s West-East Rail-Stop Steering Committee. The Rail-Stop Committee is working hard to ensure the Town of Palmer has a seat at the table while the State is exploring the expansion of the rail system from the eastern part of the state to the west. Palmer has been called the “Town of Seven Railroads” for over 100 years due to its strategic location where multiple freight lines converge. The Committee’s objective is to continued on page 50

Public Works Pipeline continued from page 49

fice grounds, as well as four public c emeteries. We operate and maintain a grade six wastewater plant, 10 pump stations, 60 miles of sewer mains, and the Town’s stormwater system. We also manage t wo landfill sites, a c ompost facility, and a residential recycling facility.

In addition, the DPW is responsible for prepping and maintaining all the athletic surfaces for two high schools; youth and adult, baseball, so ftball, f ootball, so ccer, a nd fi eld ho ckey leagues. Finally, the DPW coordinates all ice and snow removal operations within the Town using a combination of equipment and trucks

available in-house, as well as from local contractors.

What percentage of homes and businesses in Palmer are serviced by municipal water and sewer systems?

The Town of Palmers wastewater plant was constructed in 1979 and designed to process 5.6 million gallons a day. Since our sewer separation project, between the year 2000 and 2002, eliminating the stormwater flow into our plant, the flow has drastically reduced our processed gallons to approximately 1.6 million gallons a day. We currently serve approximately 6,000 (50%) of Palmer’s residents. The Town of Palmer also services two neighboring towns, we take on 100% of the sewer flow from the Town of Monson, where they service approximately 3,500 residents, and we also service a small portion from the Town of Belchertown. In total, our wastewater system is currently servicing approximately 11,000 residents.

Water distribution is unique here in the Town as Palmer has a rich history of having our own villages, Depot Village, Thorndike, Three Rivers, and Bondsville. The villages began to develop their distinctive characters in the 18th century, and by the 19th century two rail lines and a trolley line opened the town to population growth. Today, each village has its own post office, all but Thorndike have their own fire station, and all four villages have their own water distribution systems that are not under the Towns jurisdiction.

What do you see as the most pressing infrastructure needs for the Town in the next year or two? Are there any projects coming out to bid

continued on page 51

Public Works Pipeline continued from page 50

in 2025 that UCANE Contractors might be interested in bidding?

We are currently working on an asset management plan for our stormwater system. With most of our system dating back to the 60s and 70s, we have been seeing an uptick in drain line failures over the last few years. Up until the last few months, we have been experiencing a large amount of rainfall resulting in an overtaxing of our system. With the added stress on the system, failures are surfacing. As with any infrastructure improvement project, funding is always the toughest part. We have been searching for both federal and state grants that fit t he m old for t his project, in addition to having discussions about the possibility of implementing a stormwater fee, as many other towns are currently doing. Costs related to our state MS4 stormwater discharge permit are also rising, adding to the need for funding on our stormwater system. It is our goal to implement an operations and maintenance plan, that will address these concerns.

The Town has quite a few projects that are planned to be solicited for bids in 2025. Public works partnered with our community development office on an infrastructure project on Maple Street and Maple Terrace, in our Three Rivers section of town. This project includes updating the sewer lines, water lines, drain lines and related structures, sidewalks, curbs, and pavement. This project is funded by the Community Development Block Grant.

Public works was awarded two MassDOT grants this year, the Complete Streets Grant, and the Shared Streets Grant. Combined, these two grants will fund nine projects throughout town, including new sidewalks, pedestrian crossing ramps and crossing lights, decorative lighting, paving, painting, and signage. These projects are projected to be out to bid in 2025 as well.

John Hoadley and Sons Inc.

Works Specialist

John Hoadley and Sons Inc. Water Works Specialist Tel:781-878-8098 Fax:781-878-5298

Tel: 781-878-8098 Fax: 781-878-5298

“Our Products Are the Most Trusted Names in the Industry”

� U.S. Pipe

“Our Products Are the Most Trusted Names in the Industry”

● Cultec Chambers

• U.S. Pipe

� Mueller Fire Hydrants

• Mueller Fire Hydrants

� Mueller Tapping Sleeves & Valves

• Mueller Tapping Sleeves & Valves

� Smith Blair Clamps & Couplings

John Hoadley and Sons Inc.

Water Works Specialist

Tel:781-878-8098 Fax:781-878-5298

“Our Products Are the Most Trusted Names in the Industry”

� U.S. Pipe

• Cultec Chambers

� Mueller Fire Hydrants

● National Pipe & Plastics

• National Pipe & Plastics

� Mueller Tapping Sleeves & Valves

� Smith Blair Clamps & Couplings

● ADS Pipe & Chambers

• Smith Blair Clamps & Couplings

• ADS Pipe & Chambers

● General Foundry Castings

Mechanical Services

Mechanical Services

• General Foundry Castings

� Tapping Sleeves & Gates Installed / Cut

• Tapping Sleeves & Gates Installed / Cut

We were also recently awarded funds from the Community One Stop for Growth program, awarded by t he s tate’s E xecutive O ffice o f Economic Development from the Rural Development Fund. T his g rant w ill fi rst f und t he design, and the second round would fund the construction of a sewer system to replace a temporary sewer siphon installed in 1969 in our business district just off the Mass. Pike exit. We plan to replace the siphon system with a new pump station, along with replacing 1,600 feet, and adding 1,500 feet of sewer main. Current development and near future development is dependent on the upgrade to the system in this area.

● Cultec Chambers

● National Pipe & Plastics

● ADS Pipe & Chambers

● General Foundry Castings

Mechanical Services

� Tapping Sleeves & Gates Installed / Cut

� Line Stop / EZ Valves

� Cutting of Chilled Water Lines & Steam Lines

Pressure Testing & Disinfection of New Mains

Installation & Testing of Backflow Preventers

� Line Stop / EZ Valves

• Line Stop / EZ Valves

• Cutting of Chilled Water Lines & Steam Lines

� Cutting of Chilled Water Lines & Steam Lines

• Pressure Testing & Disinfection of New Mains

� Pressure Testing & Disinfection of New Mains

Large Diameter Hydraulic Pipe Cutting

Hydrant Installation & Repair

Electronic Leak Detection

• Installation & Testing of Backflow Preventers

� Installation & Testing of Backflow Preventers

• Large Diameter Hydraulic Pipe Cutting

� Large Diameter Hydraulic Pipe Cutting

• Hydrant Installation & Repair

“Water-Sewer-Drain Supplies at a Competitive Price” www.hoadleyandsons.com 672 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370

• Electronic Leak Detection

� Hydrant Installation & Repair

� Electronic Leak Detection

“Water-Sewer-Drain Supplies at a Competitive Price” www.hoadleyandsons.com 672 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370

“Water-Sewer-Drain Supplies at a Competitive Price”

www.hoadleyandsons.com 672 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370

Another project that is expected to be solicited for bids in 2025 is the replacement of two culverts. We were awarded a grant from the State DER for this project and we are currently working on getting an RFP out for design. This project will replace a culvert on Bacon Road and one on West Ware Road. n

Marriott Cople y Place Hotel • Nov ember 2, 2024

UCANE Celebrates 70th Anniversary in Spectacular Style

UCANE commemorated its 70th Anniversary with an extraordinary banquet at the Boston Marriott Copley Place Hotel, an evening that epitomized excellence and camaraderie. More than 540 members and guests gathered to honor this milestone, reflecting on the past construction season while celebrating the association’s remarkable legacy and accomplishments.

The night featured the highly anticipated Contractor of the Year and Associate Member of the Year awards, alongside dazzling entertainment, exquisite dining, and exciting prize giveaways. As UCANE’s premier annual event, this year’s banquet exceeded all expectations, with attendees marveling at its breathtaking décor and the unforgettable atmosphere.

Banquet continued from page 53

A Night of Elegance and Entertainment

Guests were welcomed with a vibrant social hour featuring a seafood bar, Mediterranean platters, and passed hors d'oeuvres, c omplemented by passes wine and five bars, including specialty martini stations. The Grand Ballroom doors then opened to reveal a visually stunning setup: royal blue and white rosette tablecloths, elegant floral c enterpieces, and an eye-catching stage backdrop. A 13-piece band set the tone as guests found their seats.

UCANE President-Elect Chris Valenti kicked off the formal program, celebrating the association’s 70-year legacy and recognizing award recipients. Executive Director Joe Nolan followed, delivering heartfelt remarks about the organization’s unity, growth, and future. He also introduced the 2024 Board of Directors.

Honoring Excellence

This year’s Contractor of the Year Award went to Paul and Joseph Umbro of Umbro & Sons Construction Corp., whose family offered touching acceptance remarks. The Associate Member of the Year Award was presented to Bob Ferguson of Hickley Allen LLP, recognizing his outstanding contributions. continued on page 56

Banquet continued from page 55

Festivities to Remember

Event host Anne Klayman guided the evening, announcing activities and prize drawings, and encouraging guests to visit photo booths and enjoy thoughtful gifts placed at each table. The dining experience featured a sumptuous four-course meal, paired with high-energy performances by the band Radiance and later by SandyRedd, a star from The Voice, who entertained the crowd at 10 p.m.

Prizes added excitement throughout the night, with lucky winners taking home coveted items such as a 65-inch Smart TV, an Apple Watch, Celtics tickets, elegant jewelry from David Yurman and a chance to win $25 million. For a sweet retreat, attendees indulged in the gourmet sundae bars and of course our candy buffet of take-home treats.

continued on page 58

Banquet continued from page 57

A Celebration of the UCANE Community

This milestone event was made possible by the dedication and support of UCANE’s members and sponsors. Their unwavering commitment has cemented UCANE’s reputation as New England’s most respected contractor association. (A complete list of sponsors can be found on pages 62 & 63.)

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this unforgettable celebration. Here’s to another 70 years of success, growth, and unity! n

Photo’s by JuliArt Photography

Photo’s by JuliArt Photography

Hot Seafood Bar

United ConCrete ProdUCts, inC.

Cold Seafood Bar

ConCrete systems, inC.

Photo Booths/Green Screens

United ConstrUCtion & Forestry, LLC

Martini Bar

Pat & doUg diCerbo - northwestern mUtUaL

Phoenix CommUniCations, inC.

Passed Wine Service

e. J. PresCott, inC.

Custom Dance Floor

barLetta heavy division

Candy Buffet

worLd insUranCe assoCiates, LLC

Entertainment

Core & main

dagLe eLeCtriCaL Const. CorP.

w. L. FrenCh exCavating CorP.

gvC ConstrUCtion, inC.

United rentaLs trenCh saFety

Band

aqUa Line UtiLity, inC.

barLetta heavy division

bidadoo, inC.

Core & main

geoengineers

hinCkLey aLLen, LLP

mCCoUrt Const. ComPany

rJv ConstrUCtion CorP.

sCraP it, inC./miniChieLLo bros., inC.

shea ConCrete ProdUCts

tayLor oiL northeast, inC.

Sundae Bar ats eqUiPment, inC.

C.C. ConstrUCtion, inC.

deFeLiCe CorPoration

dig-it ConstrUCtion, LLC

gagLiardUCCi Const., inC.

garrity asPhaLt reCLaiming, inC.

robert b. oUr Co., inC.

tim ZaneLLi exCavating LLC

Decorations

bisZko ContraCting CorP. north ameriCan Crane & rigging LLC

PawtUCket hot-mix asPhaLt

U.s. PiPe

United rentaLs trenCh saFety

Invited Guests

miLton Cat (10)

Program Book Sponsor tonry insUranCe groUP, inC.

Program Book Advertisers

aLbanese d&s, inC.

barLetta heavy division

ConCrete systems, inC. Core & main

Pat & doUg diCerbo - northwestern mUtUaL iUoe-LoCaL 4 miLton Cat

Phoenix CommUniCations, inC.

e. J. PresCott, inC.

starkweather & shePLey insUranCe brokerage, inC. traveLers

United ConCrete ProdUCts, inC. United ConstrUCtion & Forestry, LLC

vermeer aLL roads

C. n. wood Co., inC. & komatsU

worLd insUranCe assoCiates, LLC

All Signage

roadsaFe traFFiC systems, inC.

Centerpieces

CLeanbasins, inC. CULLen, mUrPhy & Co., P.C.

desanCtis ins. agenCy, inC./aCrisUre

eCi teChnoLogies, LLC

LorUsso heavy eqUiPment, LLC

LUdLow ConstrUCtion Co., inC. mCwane dUCtiLe raPid FLow, inC./ vaCUUm exCavation, inC. sPs new engLand, inC.

sCitUate ConCrete ProdUCts CorP. starkweather & shePLey insUranCe brokerage, inC. wes ConstrUCtion CorP. w. waLsh ComPany, inC.

Ladies’ Gifts

aLbanese brothers, inC. aLbanese d&s, inC. badger dayLighting

a. r. beLLi, inC. CeLCo ConstrUCtion CorP. JaCk doheny ComPany Fed. CorP.

P. gioioso & sons, inC.

s. m. LorUsso & sons, inC. r. m. PaCeLLa, inC. sCitUate ConCrete ProdUCts CorP.

r. h. white Const. Co., inC.

Prizes & Surprises

t. L. edwards, inC.

LorUsso heavy eqUiPment, LLC

massaChUsetts ready mix LLC mCCoUrt ConstrUCtion ComPany ohs training & ConsULting, inC. oCean state oiL raPid FLow, inC./ vaCUUm exCavation, inC. triUmPh modULar r. ZoPPo CorP.

Party Favors desanCtis insUranCe agenCy, inC./ aCrisUre the dow ComPany

i. w. harding Const. Co., inC. marois brothers, inC. mersino dewatering miLton Cat

Social Hour

aLLied boLt & sCrew CorP. badger dayLighting baLtaZar ContraCtors, inC. dennis k. bUrke, inC. Citrin CooPerman & Co., LLP d’aLLessandro CorP. darmody, merLino & Co., LLP the dow ComPany gZa geoenvironmentaL, inC. hiLb new engLand hUb internationaL new engLand

J. J. kane aUCtioneers

mCLaUghLin CheveroLet nationaL trenCh saFety

J. a. PoLito & sons Co., inC.

qUaLiFied Pension serviCes, inC. rJv ConstrUCtion CorP. raPid FLow, inC./ vaCUUm exCavation, inC.

t-qUiP saLes & rentaLs, inC. triUmPh modULar

J. F. white ContraCting Co.

Plaques

LawrenCe-LynCh CorP. miLton Cat PodgUrski CorP. triUmPh modULar

Umbro & sons Const. CorP.

Presentation Bouquets

a. F. amoreLLo & sons, inC.

C.J.P. & sons Const. Co., inC. L. gUerini groUP inC. kJs, LLC northeast shoring eqUiPment, LLC

tweLve Points retirement advisors

thank yoU to aLL oF oUr

sPonsors who are sUPPorting oUr 70th anniversary banqUet!

A.

Paul C.

Paul N.

and Joseph P.

Paul

Umbro,

Umbro,

Cabral,

Umbro.

UCANE’s Contractor of the Year Award is the highest honor bestowed on a member by their peers. Previous recipients are some of the most respected men and women who continue, year after year, to work for the betterment of our industry. They each represent the high standard of business excellence that our Association has come to expect, and t his year’s r ecipients fi t t his h igh s tandard perfectly.

When we reached out to this year’s recipient, he requested that the award be shared with his father and his uncle, and posthumously with another uncle who had passed, but who equally shared in the success of their family run business.

Our members voted Paul and Joseph Umbro UCANE’s 2024’s Contractor Members of the Year. Both brothers are so family oriented, that they wanted to be certain that we mentioned their father, Natale and their brother Anthony.

Paul and Joe have never forgotten how Umbro & Sons Construction Corp. began and why it is recognized as one of the most experienced and professional underground utility contractors in Massachusetts. Born in 1929, Natale Umbro grew up in Calabria, Italy and as a young man made his way to America. In Boston he joined various companies as a laborer working on water and sewer projects, and soon through hard work and dedication to his job he was promoted to foreman and then supervisor.

During this time, he met the love of his life, Georgette and together they raised their three

sons, Anthony, Paul, and Joseph. In 1973, with decades of experience and knowledge of underground utility construction, Natale founded Umbro & Sons, initially working out of his Brentwood Street home in Allston, MA. In the early 1980’s Natale moved the company to a dedicated location in Roxbury while taking on larger, m ore d ifficult, a nd m ore c omplex w ater and sewer projects in the Metro Boston area. It was then that he coined the company motto “We Dig Boston.”

With his son A nthony in the office, and Paul and Joseph in the field, the c ompany was operating smoothly, until the tragic and untimely passing of Anthony to cancer at the age of 50 in 2005. Paul and Joe worked closely together to sustain the company and keep their crews working.

Today, Umbro & Sons Construction Corp. has Paul and Joe’s sons working to keep the company strong and its future bright.

Umbro & Sons has been a proud member of UCANE for nearly 45 years, and have contributed so much to its success. We at UCANE thank them for their dedication and commitment.

It was a great pleasure to present UCANEs 2024 Contractor of the Year Award to Paul and Joe Umbro and to see the look of pride on the faces of their family. We look forward to sharing many more years of wisdom and support from the Umbro family. n

UCANE’s Associate Members are the business men and women who sell and service machinery, supply materials, finance, bond, insure, litigate, and support our contracting companies. We are fortunate to have some of the best and most well-respected companies in our industry as members.

Bob is a trusted legal counselor, a litigator, and longtime member of Hinckley Allen’s nationally recognized tier-1 construction and public contracts group. Hinckley Allen has been UCANE’s legal counsel for more than 40 years. They have represented our members and have gained a valued reputation for service in both the private and public construction sectors at the local, state, and federal levels.

Bob, is known for his responsiveness and candor. He has handled bid protests and other procurement matters, including drafting and negotiating contracts. His expertise in handling claims, disputes, mediation, arbitration, litigation, civil and administrative appeals is second to none. Our members have also turned to him on matters involving project development and permitting issues, and his experience with OSHA matters has proven invaluable.

Bob has authored amicus briefs to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court on Massachusetts Construction Manager Risk Statutes and the Prompt Payment Act. He is an annual contributor to Thompson Reuters Massachusetts practice series on construction law and he co-authors a monthly article for UCANE’s Construction Outlook Magazine.

Bob and his wife Shalissa met in law school at Villanova University and have been together

Bob and Shalissa Ferguson

for 20 years. They have been married since 2008 and have three children, Bobby, Pauline, and Bryn. When Bob is not practicing law, he can be found at an ice rink with his kids as either the Coach or Assistant Coach for their various teams. Bob and family have such an ardent love of the sport of ice hockey, during the winter months, Bob is known for building an ice rink in his backyard, so the kids can continue honing their skills on ice.

We were proud to present UCANE’s 2024 Associate Member of the Year Award to Robert Ferguson, Jr.

UCANE wishes to congratulate Bob Ferguson, Jr. on being awarded the 2024 Associate Member of the Year. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our industry for so many years. n

UCANE’s 70th ANNivErsAry

UCANE’s 70th ANNivErsAry

With over two decades of experience across diverse industry sectors, Je brings his insights and experience with complex transactions, as well as an extraordinary ability to resolve disputes to Hinckley Allen’s nationally ranked Construction & Public Contracts Group.

CONTACT: Je D. Bernarducci

617-378-4155

JBernarducci@hinckleyallen.com

UCANE’s 70th ANNivErsAry

Advantage Drug Testing is a new UCANE member specializing in drug-free workplace programs and FMCSA compliance. Company President, Ted Dawson brings 17 years of experience advising employers on the FMCSA regulations and compliance programs.

G et to K now Your uCA ne AssoCiAte M e Mbers

Ted Dawson Owner, President

Advantage provides complete drug and alcohol programs with on-site and 24-hour emergency response services. Driver qualification file management systems and on-site FMCSA physical exams are available to ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations.

Temporary Mobile Offices and Permanent Modular Systems

Temporary Mobile Offices and Permanent Modular Systems

Advantage supports over 300 employers with managing FMCSA drug-free workplace programs, including many UCANE members. UCANE member companies have provided the insightful comments below.

Triumph Modular is a leader in the Northeast Region for leasing mobile offices, modular buildings and classrooms, and storage containers. Their Littleton location has been servicing the needs of contractors and owners throughout New England for over 40 years. Triumph also works with engineers and architects to design and build turnkey permanent custom modular buildings.

Triumph Modular is a leader in the Northeast Region for leasing mobile offices, modular buildings and classrooms, and storage containers. Their Littleton location has been servicing the needs of contractors and owners throughout New England for over 40 years. Triumph also works with engineers and architects to design and build turnkey permanent custom modular buildings.

Boston Region Branch (HQ)

194 Ayer Road

UCANE MEMBER Since

2000

The Dow Company: “Since 2006, they have provided the drug and alcohol testing services we need to ensure compliance and save time for our team.” – Mike Dow

Boston Region Branch (HQ)

DCAMM Certified Littleton, MA 01460 Website: www.Triumphmodular.com

194 Ayer Road

UCANE MEMBER Since 2000

DCAMM Certified Littleton, MA 01460

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Website: www.Triumphmodular.com

Eastern MA and RI Western MA and CT NH, ME, and VT Jim Quinn

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Shannon Barrett Shari Peracchi

Eastern MA and RI Western MA and CT NH, ME, and VT

–

Albanese Brothers: “We prefer to work with local businesses we can trust, and I can’t say enough about Advantage Drug Testing. Since 2009, they have consistently provided us with the support we need. They are always ready and willing to answer questions and come to our job sites when requested. Advantage Drug Testing is an integral part of our team.”

Phone: 978-431-1000

Marcella

Albanese

Jim Quinn Shannon Barrett Shari Peracchi Phone: 978-431-1000

UCANE Editors recently learned of the retirement of Terry Buckley who has worked for Triumph for 25 years and who has been their UCANE Representative since 2000.Terry is a familiar face to many UCANE contractors who were looking for office trailers and containers and more. UCANE congratulates Terry for his successful career and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement. Terry introduced a new Buckley to UCANE at a recent UCANE event. Daughter Jaclyn Buckley has joined the Triumph team and is following in Dad’s large footsteps in the leasing and sales business. We had a chance to speak to Jaclyn about Triumph Modular and her role with the company.

Karagosian

Construction Outlook magazine editors recently learned of the retirement of Terry Buckley, who has worked for Triumph Modular for 25 years and who has been their UCANE Representative since 2000. Terry is a familiar face to many UCANE contractors who were looking for office trailers and containers and more. UCANE congratulates Terry for his successful career and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement. Terry introduced a new Buckley to UCANE at a recent UCANE event. Daughter Jaclyn Buckley has joined the Triumph team and is following in Dad’s large footsteps in the leasing and sales business. We had a chance to speak to Jaclyn about Triumph Modular and her role with the company.

Scituate Concrete: “They answer my questions in a timely manner, come on-site for our random testing and help keep us informed of and in compliance with, regulatory changes like the Clearinghouse. I have had only positive experiences when working with ADT.” – Leanne

UCANE Editors recently learned of the retirement of Terry Buckley who has worked for Triumph for 25 years and who has been their UCANE Representative since 2000.Terry is a familiar face to many UCANE contractors who were looking for office trailers and containers and more. UCANE congratulates Terry for his successful career and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement. Terry introduced a new Buckley to UCANE at a recent UCANE event. Daughter Jaclyn Buckley has joined the Triumph team and is following in Dad’s large footsteps in the leasing and sales business. We had a chance to speak to Jaclyn about Triumph Modular and her role with the company.

Albanese D&S: “Since 2006, Advantage has consistently provided excellent compliance support for our business, answered our questions and sent technicians to our office and job sites. The office staff is great, providing friendly and knowledgeable customer service.” – Gilda Albanese

Q. Congratulations on your new position at Triumph Modular. Will you tell us a little bit about your position and duties at Triumph and about your education and training that led you to this career?

Q1. Congratulations on your new position at Triumph Modular. Can you tell us a little bit about your posi tion and duties at Triumph and about your education and training that led you to this career?

Q1. Congratulations on your new position at Triumph Modular. Can you tell us a little bit about your posi tion and duties at Triumph and about your education and training that led you to this career?

A. I have worked as a Triumph Modular Sales Associate since April 2023. In my role, I assist individuals, businesses, municipalities, and many contrac tors who are seeking temporary office, classroom, or storage primary focus is on collaborating with clients involved in construction projects, but my services also extend to special events, schools, and more.

Shea Concrete: “Since 2010, Advantage has been providing us with excellent service. With both on-site testing capability and FMCSA compliance support, I have found the company to be a valuable resource.” – Greg Stratis

I have worked as a Triumph Modular sales associate since April 2023. In my role, I assist individuals, businesses, municipalities, and many contractors who are seeking temporary office, class room, or storage solutions. My primary focus is on collaborating with clients involved in construction projects, but my services also extend to special events, schools, and more.

I graduated from Franklin Pierce University in May 2022 with a Bach elor of Arts degree. With my background in Digital Media Design, I initially worked as a graphic designer and customer service representative at a lo cal awards company.

My father offered me the opportunity to enter sales at Triumph, and although I was initially hesitant to move away from graphic design, I decided to give it a

I have worked as a Triumph Modular sales associate since April 2023. In my role, I assist individuals, businesses, municipalities, and many contractors who are seeking temporary office, class room, or storage solutions. My primary focus is on collaborating with clients involved in construction projects, but my services also extend to special events, schools, and more.

continued on page 74

UCANE is strengthened when members give other members an opportunity to bid!

Triumph Modular continued from page 73 chance. Looking back, I am very glad I followed in my father’s footsteps and embraced this new path at Triumph.

Q. Triumph’s corporate headquarters remains in Littleton, Massachusetts. What areas do you cover from that location and are there other offices in the New England area?

A. I manage the Boston South Territory, which includes the city of Boston and surrounding towns, extending down to Randolph, MA. Triumph operates across all New England and Mid-Atlantic states, as well as in Michigan and Ohio.

We have a Greater Boston Branch located in Littleton, and our Northern New England Branch oversees operations in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, also based in Littleton, MA. Beyond New England, we operate two branches in Pennsylvania, and our newest branch recently opened in Detroit.

Q. Please tell our readers about Triumph Modular’s history and ownership and how they became such a successful company.

A. Triumph Modular has been around for over 40 years, starting in 1981. Based in the Northeast, we became a go-to source for innovative modular space and portable storage solutions. As a family-owned business, we focused on working closely with owners and architects to create both temporary and per-

manent commercial buildings, earning a reputation for our award-winning designs.

Q3. Can you tell our readers about Triumph Modular’s and how they became such a successful company?

A big moment for us was on September 14, 2021, when Tecno Fast, a leader in modular solutions from Chile, bought Triumph. This move was Tecno Fast’s first step into North America, and since then, we’ve made some exciting changes while sticking to our core values. We’ve upgraded our fleet of mobile offices and expanded our service area from around 200 miles to nearly 800 miles!

Triumph Modular has been around for over 40 years, starting we became a go-to source for innovative modular space and family-owned business, we focused on working closely with both temporary and permanent commercial buildings, earning winning designs.

Today, we’re still operating as Triumph Modular under Tecno Fast’s ownership, combining our local expertise with their innovative products to serve many different industries.

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Ferguson offers a complete line of products to cover all your water, sewer and storm water management needs, and our relationships with the waterworks industry’s top vendors give our customers peace of mind through unmatched customer service, on-time delivery, and industry leading fill rates.

Q2. Triumph’s corporate headquarters remains in Littleton, Massachusetts. What areas do you cover from that location and are there other offices in the New England area?

Q. What does the company offer to contractors and others that separates Triumph from its competitors and has allowed them to become such a major player in the modular office industry?

I manage the Boston South Territory, which includes the city of Boston and surrounding towns, extending down to Randolph, MA. Triumph operates across all New England and Mid-Atlantic states, as well as in Michigan and Ohio.

A. As a DCAMM-certified contractor and a recognized LEED builder, Triumph Modular has been efficiently producing temporary and permanent turnkey projects for decades. We are committed to updating our existing fleet and modernizing both the interior and exterior of our mobile offices and modular buildings. We are always working to keep up to date with the latest codes. Most recently, standardizing all new from factory units to comply with the latest Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code.

We have a Greater Boston Branch located in Littleton, and our Northern New England Branch oversees operations in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, also based in Littleton, MA. Beyond New England, we operate two branches in Pennsylvania, and our newest branch recently opened in Detroit.

approach has made us a trusted partner to contrac tors, schools, and businesses throughout New Eng land. We value each other's strengths and use each other as resources to work together towards our common goal of satisfying our customer. Everyone at Triumph truly cares about the projects we take on. Each department is dedicated to making sure our customers receive not just great service but also top-quality products. Great team camaraderie at Triumph translates to our customers as a reliable company to work with.

Q3. Can you tell our readers about Triumph Modular’s History and ownership and how they became such a successful company?

IF YOU LIVE FOR IT, WE’LL HELP YOU PLAN FOR IT.

Triumph Modular has been around for over 40 years, starting in 1981. Based in the Northeast, we became a go-to source for innovative modular space and portable storage solutions. As a family-owned business, we focused on working closely with owners and architects to create both temporary and permanent commercial buildings, earning a reputation for our awardwinning designs.

Patrick Di Cerbo CFP®, MSFS Wealth Management Advisor 518-281-8200 pat.dicerbo@nm.com www.patdicerbo.com

Shift Work and Sleep Disorders in Construction: Strategies for Better Sleep Health

The construction industry is often characterized by irregular work hours, including night shifts and extended periods of overtime. As a result, many construction workers face unique challenges related to shift work and its impact on sleep health. This article examines the consequences of shift work on sleep, discusses the prevalence of sleep disorders among construction workers, and provides practical strategies to promote better sleep health.

Understanding Shift Work and Its Effects

Shift work refers to work schedules that fall outside the traditional 9-to-5 hours, including night shifts, rotating shifts, and long hours. While shift work is common in various industries, construction workers may experience disrupted circadian rhythms due to irregular hours, leading to a host of sleep-related issues. Circadian rhythms are the physical, mental, and behavioral changes that humans and other organisms experience over a 24-hour cycle. Light and dark have the biggest influence on c ircadian r hythms, but food intake, stress, physical activity, social environment, and temperature also affect them. In humans, nearly every tissue and organ has its own circadian rhythm, and collectively they are tuned to the daily cycle of day and night.

Circadian r hythms i nfluence i mportant f unctions in the human body, such as sleep patterns, hormone release, appetite, digestion, and body temperature.

Common Effects of Shift Work:

• Sleep Disruption: Irregular schedules can make it difficult for workers to maintain a c onsistent

sleep pattern, leading to insomnia and fragmented sleep. For example, a construction worker may be physically exhausted from an irregular work schedule, yet when he gets home, he may not be able to sleep or stay asleep; this leads to further exhaustion.

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Nancy Hughes, President OHS Training & Consulting, Inc.

• Cognitive Impairment: Lack of sleep can affect alertness, decision-making, and overall performance on the job, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

• Mood Changes: Sleep deprivation can contribute to irritability, anxiety, and depression, impacting workers' mental health.

Prevalence of Sleep Disorders in Construction Workers

Research indicates that construction workers may be at a higher risk for sleep disorders compared to the general population. Common sleep disorders include:

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep can lead to chronic sleep deprivation.

• Sleep Apnea: A respiratory disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, often associated with obesity (a condition which is widespread in the construction workforce).

• Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD): A specific c ondition affecting those who work nontraditional hours, characterized by excessive sleepiness and difficulty sleeping when needed.

Strategies for Better Sleep Health

To mitigate the negative impact of shift work on sleep health, the following strategies can be implemented:

1. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time, even on days off, to stabilize your internal clock.

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Make your sleep space dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or white noise machines to enhance sleep quality.

3. Limit Exposure to Light Prior to Sleep: Reduce exposure to bright lights in the hours leading up to sleep. Use blue light-blocking glasses if using electronic devices and consider dimming lights.

4. Avoid Stimulants Before Bed: Limit caffeine and nicotine intake in the hours leading up to sleep. These substances can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

5. Avoid Alcohol: When one drinks alcohol, it acts as a central nervous system depressant, meaning that it can cause brain activity to slow down. As a result, alcohol can behave like a sedative, increasing feelings

Safety Corner continued from page 77 continued on page 80

Safety Corner continued from page 79 of tiredness and relaxation; this is why alcohol helps one to fall asleep. However, during the night, as the amount of alcohol in one’s blood drops, waking up is likely. Therefore, when consumed in excess, alcohol can lead to shorter sleep duration and a poorer quality of sleep.

6. Incorporate Relaxation Techniques: Engage in relaxation practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga before bedtime to help ease the transition to sleep.

7. Use Napping Wisely: If fatigue is a concern, consider short naps (20-30 minutes) during breaks to recharge without disrupting nighttime sleep.

8. Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity can promote better sleep. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days, but avoid vigorous workouts close to bedtime.

9. Seek Medical Advice if Necessary: If sleep problems persist, consult a healthcare professional who can help assess for sleep disorders and recommend appropriate treatments or interventions.

Sleeping Pills

Some workers rely on sleeping pills to help them adjust to shift changes. One of the more commonly prescribed sleeping pills is Ambien (zolpidem). Zolpidem is only FDA approved for short-term use because it is highly addictive. Once addicted, an individual cannot sleep without it. Moreover, zolpidem has some unusual side effects such as sleepwalking, sleep cooking, and sleep driving. It goes without saying that walking, cooking, or driving while asleep can be quite dangerous.

Conclusion

Shift work presents significant challenges to sleep health, particularly in the construction industry. By understanding the risks and implementing effective strategies, construction workers can improve their sleep quality and overall well-being. Prioritizing sleep health not only enhances individual productivity and mood but also promotes a safer work environment for everyone on the jobsite. n

Blair Chenault, B2W Software a Trimble Company

Benefits of E-Invoicing for Contractors

Today more than ever, contractors utilize e-invoicing to benefit their construction businessthrough streamlined payments and enhanced transparency. Specifically, e-invoicing helps businesses navigate complex invoicing workflows, accelerate payment cycles, and meet compliance guidelines.

Adopting e -invoicing c an significantly elevate profits and overall business processes for contractors, helping them scale their business and improve their competitiveness. This article takes a deeper dive into the benefits of e -invoicing for contractors.

Advantages of E-Invoicing: E-invoicing is valuable for construction business owners because it seeks to optimize business processes by reducing manual labor and creating time for existing employees to focus on other essential work. Advantages of implementing e-invoicing technology include:

Streamlined Workflows and Payments: E-invoicing streamlines the payment process for incoming and outgoing invoices by eliminating manual tasks associated with paper-based invoices. According to Adobe Acrobat, the cost to process an invoice ranges from $15 to $40 per invoice. Mailing costs, office supplies and labor have a significant impact on the processing costs. E-invoicing can reduce the cost and also improve c ash fl ow by eliminating time lost to invoicing errors, addressing errors, misplacing invoices, and following up on late invoices.

Adopting software with automated validation checks and electronic transmission minimizes the risk of human errors, ensuring accurate invoices are delivered promptly. This reliability enhances operational efficiency and c ustomer satisfaction, which leads to more construction contracts for your business.

Contractors should still keep internal checks and balances processes in place when paying invoices, and take advantage of any discounts that may be available for paying these statements electronically.

Increased Visibility and Compliance: E-invoicing provides enhanced visibility into the invoicing cycle, allowing your company to track the status of invoices in real-time. These

solutions often incorporate compliance features that ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards. This transparency reduces non-compliance risk and facilitates better financial management and decision-making for all project stakeholders.

E-Invoicing for Contractors, Subcontractors and Supplier: Consider these advantages for contractors, subs and suppliers who utilize e-invoicing technology.

Contractor E-Invoicing: Contractors c an more efficiently manage project billing by automating invoice generation, approval workflows, and payment processing. This automation reduces manual errors, administrative time spent on billing, and also speeds up the invoicing cycle.

The right digital invoicing platform can integrate seamlessly with the existing project management systems used by contractors. This integration allows for real-time synchronization of project data – such as work progress, milestones achieved and approved changes – directly into the invoicing process. Contractors can then generate invoices based on this data, improving accuracy and reducing discrepancies.

Subcontractor E-Invoicing: Electronic invoicing systems enable subcontractors to submit invoices digitally, track their status in real-time, and receive timely notifications about approvals and payments. This streamlined process reduces paperwork, speeds up payments, and improves efficiency.

E-invoicing also facilitates faster approval and payment cycles between subcontractors and prime contractors. Timely payments improve subcontractors' c ash fl ow management, allowing them to meet financial obligations, pay their own suppliers promptly, invest in business growth without delays and spend more time in the field working on projects.

Supplier E-Invoicing: Businesses that provide materials or

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Technology in Const. continued from page 81

services to c onstruction projects c an benefit from supplier e-invoicing solutions. They can create and submit electronic invoices directly to their customers or project partners, eliminating the need for manual paperwork and reducing processing time. Suppliers may also set up auto-pay options with contractor approval – for example, on known monthly quantities of items.

Automated billing also minimizes errors and disputes, increases transparency in financial transactions and leads to overall smoother transactions. This fosters trust, collaboration, and long-term partnerships based on mutual benefits and streamlined operations.

Best Practices for Implementing an E-Invoicing Solution: E-invoicing offers a multitude of efficiencies, and it’s important to choose the best technology solution for your particular needs. To avoid the frustration and cost associated with making the wrong choice, here are best practices to follow as you implement e-invoicing solutions for your construction business.

• Assess your needs: Take the time to assess your company’s requirements. Consider factors such as transaction volume, complexity of invoicing processes, integration needs, and regulatory compliance.

• Check the solution’s compatibility with your business: Ensure the technology integrates with your existing systems to avoid data discrepancies and inefficiencies.

• Review security features: Prioritize solutions that offer robust security features like data encryption, secure transmission protocols, and multi-factor authentication.

• Determine if it has a user-friendly interface: Evaluate the solution’s interface from the perspective of both users and administrators in your company. Look for features like customizable dashboards, automated workflows, and c omprehensive reporting tools.

• Explore costs and return on investment: While cost is important, focus on the overall return on investment rather than just upfront expenses. Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including any implementation costs, subscription fees, maintenance, and potential savings f rom increased efficiency and reduced errors.

• Assess the vendor’s reputation: Research the vendor’s experience in the industry, factoring in case studies, testimonials, and reviews from reputable third-party sites. A reliable vendor with a proven track record is more likely to deliver a seamless experience and long-term satisfaction.

Now, it’s time to get out there and find the ideal e-invoicing technology solution for your business! n

Whether it’s trade shows, conferences or back to collaborating at the office, Webster can quickly execute what you need.

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