Pandemic Highlights the Importance of UCANE Members’ Work Six months into the COVID-19 Virus pandemic and the nation is still grappling with the effects of social distancing, quarantining, wearing masks, the closing of company offices, and the work-from-home options. While all of these measures are being followed, there is one industry that must continue “business as usual” while following some major safety and health regulations to keep the virus from spreading. The underground clean water and drinking water construction companies, which comprise the UCANE family, are just such companies. While it has been a unique and challenging situation to say the least, it has also highlighted the perseverance and dedication of UCANE members, as well as the essential nature of the work our member company’s perform.
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ater, wastewater, and utility infrastructure have been critical throughout the pandemic, as people are required or encouraged to stay at home. That is why many projects continued throughout the crisis as the Governor deemed utility infrastructure projects essential. Not only does this infrastructure allow people to stay at home, but access to clean water and utilities is also crucial to the companies researching to find treatments and (hopefully soon) a vaccine for COVID-19. We often refer to our underground infrastructure as “out of sight and out of mind,” but the crisis has emphasized the importance of our industry. Not only has Massachusetts confirmed that our state’s underground infrastructure is critical and essential, but our nations’ citizens have also expressed a very similar opinion. A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Water Alliance done in early March BEFORE the crisis became fullblown, showed that voters continue to support investing in improvements to our water infrastructure. Voters prioritize rebuilding America’s infrastructure over most competing federal priorities. Three-quarters say that investing in water infrastructure is very important and more than four in five back a proposal for further federal investments. Voters also continue to express a preference for making investments in the short-term rather than deferring them. These views cut across all major demographic groups, including partisan lines. It is also very encouraging that despite the economic JULY, 2020
uncertainty, local town meetings from Cape Cod to the Berkshires continue to approve multi-million dollar water infrastructure projects. Details on two Cape projects, in Orleans and in Bourne, can be found in this issue beginning on page 55. And at the federal level, despite the lack of agreement on a large scale infrastructure bill, there is consensus that investment in water infrastructure needs to be a part of any future legislation. So, while we do not know what effect the COVID-19 virus will have on our State and our nation during the upcoming weeks and months, it is certain that UCANE members will continue to do the vital work necessary to keep our citizens safe and our economy moving forward. On a separate note, I want to congratulate UCANE members who participated in the 2020 Trench Safety Stand Down Week (TSSD). Despite the pandemic, there was a tremendous response as members continue to prioritize employee safety. More information on the 2020 TSSD can be found on page 23. Lastly, on behalf of the UCANE Officers, Board of Directors, and staff, I would like to once again thank our members for their steadfast support of UCANE and its mission during these trying times. Whether it be through magazine advertising or sponsorship in our Golf Tournament, your unwavering commitment has allowed the important work of UCANE to continue, and for that we are extremely grateful. I hope you and your families are having a great summer, and please continue to stay safe and healthy! n
“BUY FROM THE ADVERTISERS IN CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK”
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