Construction Outlook March 2024

Brian Cooney

UCane President

C. C. ConstruCtion, inC.

MASSACHUSETTS

N.

Billerica

Plymouth

Spring

Swansea

NEW

Westbrook

CHRISTOPHER

JULIA

JERRY

JUSTIN

LISA

WILLIAM

CONGRATULATORY

Pages 77-126

UCANE sincerely thanks our members for their ongoing support of our Officers and Board Members.

MIKE

Celebrating UCANE’s 70th Anniversary as a Trade Association

Today we stand on the threshold of history. It is with great pleasure and pride that I extend my warmest greetings to each and every one of you on this momentous occasion—the 70th Anniversary of UCANE, The Utility Contractors Association of New England.

Seventy years—a span of time marked by progress, resilience, and generations of commitment to excellence. It's a testament to the vision, dedication, and collective effort of all who have contributed to UCANE's journey. From humble beginnings to our current stature, we have weathered storms, embraced challenges, and emerged stronger, more unified than ever before.

Central to our legacy is the billions of dollars invested in clean water infrastructure across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and New England under UCANE’s watch. Our members companies, through their expertise, dedication, and sheer hard work, have played the leading role in constructing and maintaining the essential infrastructure that sustains clean water, safeguards public health, and protects our environment.

Over the years as our contractors built this critical infrastructure, the UCANE team has been a steady advocate on both Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill, championing the cause of clean water projects and tirelessly advocating for funding to support this effort. Our unified voice h as r esonated a cross G overnor’s o ffices a nd legislative chambers here and in Washington, ensuring that the needs of our communities are heard and addressed.

As I reflect on UCANE’s achievements over the years, I am reminded of the countless individuals whose passion and determination have shaped and supported our mission. It has been their resolve, their spirit of innovation, and their relentless pursuit of excellence that have propelled us forward, paving the way for our continued success.

Today, as we c elebrate this significant milestone, let us not only honor our r ich heritage but also reaffirm

our c ommitment to the values that define us —integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. It is this legacy of excellence, the UCANE Bond, that will allow us to remain leaders in the cause and construction of our clean water infrastructure for generations to come.

Looking ahead, we stand poised at the dawn of a new era—one filled with boundless opportunities and unprecedented challenges. As we navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving financial and political landscape, let us remain steadfast in our resolve, united in purpose, and unwavering in our commitment to advancing the interests of our members and the communities we serve.

In commemorating our 70th Anniversary, let us also express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to our success, our dedicated members, visionary leaders, industry partners, and loyal supporters. Your unwavering support and steadfast commitment have been the cornerstone of UCANE's journey, and for that, we are truly grateful.

As we enter the next chapter of our storied history, let us do so with a renewed sense of purpose, a shared vision of excellence, and an unwavering commitment to building a brighter future for all. We acknowledge the challenges ahead. We need to continue to fight for expanded funding to rebuild our nation’s 100-year-old water infrastructure. Together, let us tackle these challenges with determination and strength, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for UCANE for generations to come. n

Mark Molloy, Esq.

Healey Files “Mass Leads Act” to Spur Economic Development

Embracing a recent “rite of passage” for two-year legislative sessions, G overnor Maura Healey filed her economic development legislation, the so-called Mass Leads Act, at the start of March. Designed to strengthen Massachusetts’ life sciences sector and develop climatetech and applied artificial intelligence (AI), the legislation specifically includes a 10-year reauthorization of the former (life sciences) while creating a new 10-year authorization for the latter (climatetech)

According to a press release from the G overnor’s O ffice, the legislation provides the means for implementing the G overnor’s 2023 economic development plan: “Team Massachusetts: Leading Future Generations”. A ligned with the administration’s economic development plan, this proposal is focused on three main priority areas: fundamentals; talent; and sectors. To that end, the bill proposes several new capital programs, in key areas highlighted in the administration’s economic development plan. Specifically, the new capital programs include:

• $100M for the Applied AI Hub for grants to facilitate the application of artificial intelligence (AI) across the state’s ecosystem, which will be informed by the strategic priorities of the AI Strategic Task Force.

• $75M for the Massachusetts TechHub to establish a new program in Massachusetts for investment in consortia organized around key technology areas, modeled on the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s

Regional Technology and Innovation ( Tech Hubs) Program.

• $25M for the Robotics Investment Program for capital grants to advance the state’s leadership in the robotics sector through research, commercialization, and training.

• $25M for the Business Builds Capital Program for a new grant program to support business improvements, such as energy efficiency, via the Business Front Door.

The bill also includes capital authorizations for existing programs that remain core to the state’s economic development toolbox, including programs offered through the Community One Stop for Growth as well as c apital resources for advanced manufacturing and the tourism and cultural sector:

• $400M for the MassWorks Infrastructure Program for public infrastructure i mprovements to spur private development and create jobs.

• $100M for the Rural Development Fund to provide financial support for infrastructure improvements and community planning efforts in rural communities.

• $100M for the Seaport Economic Council to support marine economies in coastal communities.

• $99M for Advanced Manufacturing for flexible grants to support advanced manufacturing initiatives through Mass Tech Collaborative.

Legislative Update continued from page 7

• $50M for the Cultural Facilities Fund to provide resources for capital improvements at cultural facilities, such as museums, theaters, and performance venues.

• $40M for Destination Development Grants to support critical capital improvements at tourism assets across Massachusetts.

In total, this legislation recommends approximately $2.8 billion in bond authorizations for capital-related grantmaking, of which $1.75 billion is dedicated to the reauthorization of existing programs and $1 billion is proposed for new capital initiatives. This bill also proposes $750 million in economic development tax program changes, which includes the creation of the new climatetech incentive program and an expansion of the life sciences incentive program.

To view the G overnor’s economic development bill and accompanying fact sheets on the same, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/economic-development-bill.

continued on page 11

House Follows Senate; Passes Vehicle to Chase Extra Federal Funds

During the last week of February, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed legislation designed to leverage interest from the Commonwealth’s Stabilization Fund to attract more federal dollars into Massachusetts. G overnor Healey first proposed the legislation last Fall.

The recently passed House bill is more similar to the Administration’s original filing than the Senate version. Under the House plan, $250 million in interest could be generated annually from the state rainy day fund and used as matching funds to attract more federal infrastructure aid. As the Commonwealth’s Stabilization Fund saw an all-time high $8.2 billion last month, the potential for leveraging a significant amount of funds is realistic. Specifically, the new fund created by the bill, called the Commonwealth Federal Matching

and Debt Reduction Fund, would also use rainy day fund interest to give the Administration more flexibility to pay down state debt.

The House bill would also set aside up to $50 million in interest specifically to help municipalities compete for federal funding, and $12 million for technical assistance to help those communities complete their applications. In their version of the bill, the Senate focused on using the interest from the Stabilization Fund to pay down debt -- partially by only allowing the use of interest for federal grant matches until 2026. While this was different from the G overnor’s proposal, which didn't put an end date on when the funds could be used to compete for federal dollars, the House also included a December 1, 2026 deadline for using the interest funding.

continued on page 13

Legislative Update continued from page 11

Of note as it will need to be decided before sending t he b ill b ack t o t he G overnor, t he Se nate's bill, in years where excess capital gains are between 10 and 15 percent of budgeted state revenues, would see only 50 percent of the funds going into the Stabilization Fund. The rest of the funds would be divided evenly between paying for ongoing pension liabilities and o ther p ost-employment b enefits (OPEB). If excess capital gains are between 15 and 22.5 percent, 10 percent would go into the reserves and the rest into paying down pension and OPEB debt. And if excess capital gains exceeded 22.5 percent of budgeted state revenues, no amount would be contributed to the reserve fund.

Despite the differences between the House and Senate bills, the legislation is widely anticipated to make it to the G overnor’s desk before too long. To view the recently passed House legislation, please visit: https://malegislature.gov/ Bills/193/H4446.

continued on page 15

Joint Rule 10 Day: Committees of First Referral Act on Bills

The Massachusetts legislature passed its first mandatory deadline for reporting on legislation before it: Joint Rule 10 Day, on Wednesday, February 7. Under the Joint Rules adopted by the House and Senate, all joint committees of first referral for legislation must take action on legislation before them by the first Wednesday of second month in the second year of the two-year session. The rule, which was moved forward from its historical day in March at the start of the 2017-2018 legislative session, significantly whittles down the number of legislative initiatives the body can consider before the end of formal sessions on July 31. For non-controversial matters, the deadline for passing legislative matters is technically December 31, 2024.

While the partial progress of UCANE’s legislative matters was reported in last month’s Construction Outlook, we can now report that UCANE’s water infrastructure funding initiative, SB453/HB803,

has also received a favorable report from the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture this session. As previously reported, UCANE’s other filed matter, relative to the timely payment of law enforcement, was released in its various forms from the Joint Committee on State Administration and the Joint Committee on Public Service with favorable reports.

Joint Rule 10 Day also means that other legislation that UCANE actively supports, opposes, or simply monitors also has action taken on it. The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, which was expected to move wage theft legislation as well as legislation governing offsite prefabrication and prevailing wage, issued extension orders until early April on the same. The Joint Committee on State Administration released a wide variety of bills, favorably, related the de -

continued on page 17

Legislative Update continued from page 15

bar ment of contractors, wholesale changes to the MBE/WBE g oals, t he c ommon law defi nition of fraud and t he public re cords status of fi nancial information supporting p requalification application. At the same time, the same Committee placed a variety of measures that would have harmed contractors into study orders. The Joint Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources placed a variety of legislation for increasing water infrastructure funding into study orders, meaning that UCANE’s legislation was the only one to emerge unscathed. Finally, the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure placed certain matters that would have expanded water-related trades’ scope of work over other trades’ existing scope of work into a study order as well.

Formal legislative sessions end on July 31, 2024 with informal sessions continuing through the end of the year. As the legislative session continues to pick up pace, expect more information about these and other matters. Be prepared to act if contacted by the association.

continued on page 19

We’ve joined forces again...to bring you more.

Dana Kepner Company’s regional purchases now include Putnam Pipe (2021) and Jack Farrelly (2023).

This expansion will provide our customers with greater access to an extensive inventory, additional resources, including a 24-hour service department, and the benefits of a wider market.

We look forward to earning your continued trust and confidence.

Thank you for your business.

The Jack Farrelly Company

MWRA Looking at Increases in Water and Sewer Assessments

According to a presentation to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) at a late February b oard meeting, residential water and sewer bills in communities fully served by the MWRA are projected to r ise by about $19 o n average in fi scal year 2025 under preliminary water and sewer assessments. In particular, the MWRA's proposed fiscal year 2025 budget c alls for an overall increase of 3 percent in revenue from MWRA rates – a 3.9 percent increase for water assessments and a 2.5 percent increase for sewer assessments

While water usage was down in 2023 compared to 2022, the MWRA said that the water and sewer assessment increases from fiscal 2024 to fiscal 2025 are pr imarily the result of increased debt service related to water system rehabilitation and improvements. MWRA calcu-

lates water assessments for customer communities by apportioning the water rate revenue requirement according to each community’s share of total water use for the most recent calendar year (CY). Preliminary F Y25 assessments are based on each community's share of CY23 water use of 62.282 billion gallons, a 5.7% decrease compared to CY22 water use of 66.065 billion gallons. Changes in FY25 water assessments for customer communities compared to FY24 assessments will vary considerably, depending on each community's use of water and how that use factors into their share of the water system in CY23 compared to CY22. This is particularly true for communities that receive only part of their water from MWRA.

Among municipalities fully served by MWRA water and sewer, Boston will provide about 40 continued on page 21

Jeff D. Bernarducci

Joins Hinckley Allen

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:

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617-378-4155

JBernarducci@hinckleyallen.com

Legislative Update continued from page 19

percent of the combined projected assessment in fiscal 2025, a 4.6 percent increase. Everett (2.6 percent of the total projected assessment) will be paying 6.7 percent more and Brookline (3.4 percent) is projected to pay 2. 2 percent less. On average, fully served communities will be paying 3.7 percent more for water and sewer in fiscal 2025.

For communities that are only partially served by MWRA water and sewer, the average combined increase is estimated to be 1.6 percent. Sewer-only cities and towns are looking at a projected increase of 2.3 percent, water-only communities are projected to pay an average of 4.9 percent less, and partial water-only towns are estimated to see an average 7.6 percent decrease.

A copy of the MWRA presentation from its February meeting may be found at: https://www. mwra.com/monthly/bod/presentations/2024/ p2024-02-21.pdf.

continued on page 23

Legislative Update continued from page 21

News in Brief

• Executive Order to Study MBE/WBE Participation in Public Construction. Filed. Governor Healey announced the issuance of Executive Order #630 which establishes a council tasked with reviewing the existing procurement laws and related processes for public building construction projects, such as state laws relative to surety bonds, to identify barriers to small, emerging, and diverse businesses, and to make recommendations that address them. In particular, the Public Construction Projects Advisory Council will be charged with exploring opportunities to expand inclusionary contracting for small, emerging, and diverse Massachusetts businesses in public construction projects; to identify barriers to small, emerging, and diverse businesses created by the existing procurement and bidding process for public building construction projects; and to recommend to the G overnor reforms or measures to reduce or eliminate such barriers. A copy of the Executive Order may be reviewed at: https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no630-establishing-a-public-construction-projectsadvisory-council.

• Transportation Funding Task Force Appointed. The Healey-Driscoll Administration swore in members of the new Transportation Funding Task Force, which is tasked with developing recommendations for a long-term, sustainable transportation finance plan, on Thursday, February 29th. The Task Force is also comprised of the Secretary of Administration and Finance, who serves as V ice Chair; the G eneral M anager of the MBTA; the Secretaries of the E xecutive O ffices of Economic Development, Labor and Workforce Development, Energy and Environmental Affairs,

and Housing and Livable Communities; the CoChairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation; the Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure; the Climate Chief; the Chief E xecutive O fficer of the G reater Boston Chamber of C ommerce; and at least 15 additional members appointed by the G overnor. At least one of the 15 Task Force members must represent an organization that supports low-income urban communities that have historically been underserved by transit, and at least one must be employed by such an organization. The group will also engage diverse stakeholders and residents across the state in the months to come around their work. The recommendations will address the need for a safe, reliable, equitable and efficient transportation network, including roadways, bridges, railways, and bus and transit systems. The Task Force will provide a final written report to the G overnor detailing their findings and recommendations by the end of 2024.

• UMass Amherst Researchers Studying Rising Groundwater; Public Assistance Sought. According to a press release from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, the university is working with Massachusetts state agencies and the public to model how climate change will continue to affect groundwater in the state. While many parts of the U.S. are seeing their water tables recede as the climate warms, much of New England is witnessing water levels rise—into basements, onto lawns, over crops and across roads. The research team encourages members of the public to document groundwater fl ooding events in this brief, anonymous survey in order continued on page 25

Scale

Legislative Update continued from page 23

to better predict future groundwater fl ooding in Massachusetts. Information about the project can be found at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/ stories/d24c1d098690487b87d618a2f4bba0a8.

The survey for residents to fill out c an be found at: http://tinyurl.com/masswetbasement.

• DCAMM to Host Construction Opportunities Event. The Division of Capital Asset Management and M aintenance (DCAMM), the state agency responsible for most of the Commonwealth’s major building construction, will be holding an online “Construction Opportunities” event in April. DCAMM representatives will be present to discuss upcoming construction projects, bidding laws, c ertification, and more. The Supplier Diversity O ffice (SDO), which c ertifies minority, women, and veteran owned businesses to participate on public projects, will also be available to answer questions from interested attendees. Businesses throughout Massachusetts, Western and Central MA businesses are strongly encouraged to attend. Projects to be discussed will include significant opportunities for minority owned, women owned, and veteran owned businesses to participate. According to the SDO, all construction services contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and small, local, MBEs, WBEs, VBEs, and

SDVOBEs are strongly encouraged to attend. A link to online events can be found at: https:// www.mass.gov/event/massachusetts-construction-opportunities-event-2024-04-09t1130000400-2024-04-09t123000-0400.

• Legislative Exodus Continues for Third Consecutive Session. Transition in the State House is not something completely foreign to the austere and historic body, but recent years have seen a natural turnover at a slightly higher rate. In the two prior sessions, over 40 new legislators have joined the Massachusetts legislature. Next year will add to the transition as thirteen legislators have already announced that they will not be returning to their seats next session. While some moves reflect a legislator r unning for a different seat (i.e. Representative Dylan Fernandes and Representative Matt Murratore running for departing Senator Sue M oran’s seat), many of the departures are long-time legislators ready to move onto other endeavors. Among those announcing their intention to not seek re-election includes, but is not limited to, Representatives Denise Garlick, Kay K han, Sarah Peake, Peter Capano, Angelo D’Emilia, Smitty Pignatelli, Ruth Balser, Dan Carey, Matt Muratore, Dylan Fernandes, Paul Schmid, and Josh Cutler and Senators Susan Moran and Marc Pacheco. n

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The United States Department of Justice Releases FY2023

False Claim Act Recoveries

In late February, 2024, the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) announced that it had achieved the “Highest Number of Settlements and Judgments in History” under the federal False Claims Act. In particular, the DOJ reported recoveries in excess of $2.68 Billion in Fiscal Year 2023 (“FY 2023”). Dating back to 1986, total recoveries now exceed $75 Billion. These numbers alone evidence the fact that, as the DOJ put it: “The False Claims Act remains one of our most important tools for rooting out fraud, ensuring that public funds are spent properly, and safeguarding critical government programs.”

Notably, a reported 543 settlements and judgments during FY2023 involved whistleblowers, which “comprise[d] a significant percentage” of False Claims Act cases. Recoveries in these cases reportedly accounted for $2.3 billion of the total recoveries in FY2023. This further underscores the power of the federal False Claims Act which “Congress strengthened” in 1986 “by increasing incentives for whistleblowers to file lawsuits alleging false claims on behalf of the government.” As the DOJ noted, whistleblowers “typically receive[] a portion of the recovery” in successful cases, “ranging between 15% and 30%.”

A substantial portion of the total FY2023 recovery reportedly related to various forms of health care fraud. However, the DOJ highlighted various instances of government procurement fraud as well. One government contractor “paid $377 million to resolve allegations that it improperly billed its government contracts for costs incurred in its non-governmental commercial and international contracts.” Another government contractor “agreed to pay $21.8 million to resolve allegations that in contract proposals

for equipment provided to the military, [it] included the cost of certain items, such as nuts and bolts, twice.” Another government contractor reached an $8.1 million settlement of allegations that it “failed to comply with certain contractual manufacturing specifications.”In another case, an individual and her company paid almost $8 million “to resolve allegations that they knowingly provided false information to the [Small Business Administration] relating to . . . eligibility for federal set-aside contracts intended for small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.”

continued on page 34

Construction & Public Contracts Group, Hinckley Allen, LLP

Christopher Morog Partner

Robert T. Ferguson Partner

Legal Corner continued from page 33

We frequently write about the False Claims Act and the need to diligently implement compliance measures to mitigate against risks of exposure on jobs involving state or federal funds. But this is because the risks of liability are high, and the potential bases for exposure are wide. Given the complexities of construction projects – at both the federal, state, and local levels –there are often various ways in which a given contractor might run afoul of an applicable False Claims or False Statements statute. Sound policies, regular training, appropriate enforcement, prompt action, and diligence in executing contractual and legal obligations, are among various keys in protecting against risks of exposure. Since each contractor, each contract, and each project is unique, contractors are advised to take appropriate actions to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal False Claims and False

Nancy Hughes, President OHS Training & Consulting, Inc.

Lyme Disease and Construction Work: Understanding the Risks and Prevention Strategies

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged deer ticks, is a growing concern in various environments, including construction sites. As the warm weather arrives in New England, construction workers are particularly vulnerable due to their outdoor work activities and exposure to wooded or grassy, wetland areas. This article explores the risks associated with Lyme disease on construction sites and offers preventive measures to protect workers.

A Lyme Disease Primer

In 1975, in the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme, Connecticut, physicians observed a cluster of cases of young individuals with unusual joint pains. Initially, the patients were thought to have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Later, all were found to be infected with the Borrelia bacterium. The condition was named Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is an infection spread via the bite of a deer tick (genus Ixodes). In about a week after the bite, 70-80% of people will develop a characteristic bull’s eye rash (erythema migrans). The rash will disappear within several weeks on its own even without treatment. However, other early symptoms may appear and include, fever, headache, and tiredness. If untreated, individuals will develop episodic joint pain and swelling. As the months and years pass, individuals may progress to experience heart problems, nerve issues, memory problems, and chronic fatigue.

Like so many medical problems, Lyme disease is fairly easy to treat if caught early, for example, when the rash appears. A two-week course of the antibiotic doxycycline will usually take care of the infection.

Deer ticks and erythema migrans

Once the disease starts to involve the joints, heart, and nervous system, then intravenous antibiotic therapy may be necessary.

Even with appropriate antibiotic therapy, approximately 10% of Lyme disease patients go on to develop post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). P TLDS p atients t ypically c omplain of muscle aches, j oint aches, f atigue, difficulty s leeping, headache, and memory impairment. Fortunate -

continued on page 39

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continued from page 37

ly, as month after month passes, these symptoms usually fizzle away.

One may have heard of the term chronic Lyme disease (CLD). CLD is c haracterized by a broad array of vague complaints that have never been convincingly traced back to the Borrellia bacterium. CLD as a distinct entity has been rejected by reputable, medical professionals. Individuals claiming to be able to treat and cure CLD should be regarded as frauds.

Like the common cold, one can contract Lyme disease over and over again. There is no vaccine for humans. Interestingly, there is a Lyme vaccine for dogs. There have been cases of desperate humans

going

and

Work-Related Risk Factors:

1. Outdoor Work Environments: Construction activities often involve working in or near wooded and grassy, wetland areas where deer ticks thrive. Ticks are most active during the warmer months, putting workers at a higher risk of exposure. There was a time when deer ticks went dormant during the frigid winter months. However, with global climate change, this dormant phase is less and less likely. Deer tick activity decreases only when temperatures start dropping below 35 degrees F. and/or the ground is covered in snow. The ticks quickly recover when temperatures start warming up. To actually kill ticks, the freezing temperatures must be sustained for a number of days below 10 degrees F.

2. Lack of Tick Awareness: Many construction workers may not be fully aware of the risks posed by ticks or may not recognize the early symptoms of Lyme disease. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

595-5505

Fred Rogers

3. Inadequate Personal Protective Measures: The nature of construction work during hot weather may involve wearing clothing that exposes skin, making workers susceptible to tick bites. Inadequate use of personal protective e quipment (PPE) c an increase the risk of tick exposure.

Preventive Measures:

1. Education and Awareness: Employers, who are concerned with the risks associated with tick exposure, should provide comprehensive training on Lyme disease and tick prevention. This includes recognizing the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, understanding the behavior of ticks, and implementing preventive measures.

2. Proper Use of PPE: Workers should be encouraged to wear

continued on page 41

Safety Corner continued from page 39

long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closedtoe shoes to minimize skin exposure. Additionally, the use of tick repellents containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) c an provide an extra layer of protection. Recently, a well-respected consumer magazine tested tick repellents and concluded that DEET, at levels of 25 to 30 percent, afforded the most reliable protection against ticks as well as against mosquitos. If one prefers not to use DEET, less effective tick repellents include picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus. To use a tick repellent properly, apply a thin coat to all exposed skin, but avoid eyes and mouth, and use sparingly around the ears. One can also spray tick repellent on top of clothing, but do not apply

it under clothing. Frequent reapplication is not necessary. It is important to wash one’s hands after applying tick repellent and to wash off the repellent from other areas of the skin at the end of the workday.

3. Regular Tick Checks: Construction workers should conduct thorough tick checks at the end of each workday. Ticks often attach to hidden areas like the scalp, behind the ears, and under clothing. Prompt removal of attached ticks reduces the risk of infection. To properly remove a tick:

• Use c lean, fi ne-tipped t weezers to g rasp t he tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.

• Pull upward with steady, even pressure until the tick lets go.

• After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

In most cases, a tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted. If a worker is certain that a deer tick has been attached for 36 hours or longer, then he or she should see a healthcare provider in order to get a prescription for a prophylactic dose of doxycycline (200 mg.).

4. Modify Work Practices: Employers can take steps to reduce workers' exposure to tickprone areas. This may include clearing vegetation, avoiding unnecessary work in densely wooded or grassy, wetland areas, and scheduling outdoor tasks during times when ticks are less active. While deer ticks are active all day and night, they are most active between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and noon.

5. Lyme Disease Screening: Employers with workers at very high risk for tick exposure may want to implement routine health check-ups that include Lyme disease blood testing. Ea rly detection and treatment can prevent the progression of the disease.

Safety Corner continued from page 41

Conclusion:

Deer ticks are hard to spot because they can be the size of a poppy seed. Up to 60% of deer ticks are infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Infected deer ticks can transmit Lyme disease if they have been attached for one and a half days or longer. Therefore, Lyme disease is a serious health concern for construction workers operating in outdoor environments, particularly those with a high risk of tick exposure. By implementing comprehensive education programs, promoting the use of proper PPE, and modifying work practices, employers can create safer construction sites and protect their workers from the debilitating effects of Lyme disease. Proactive measures are essential to ensure the well-being of construction workers and to maintain a healthy and productive workforce. n

Written by Brian Morris, MD. n

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“Making Highways and Jobsites Safer for over 60 Years”

The Di Martino family has been supplying and servicing safety equipment and signage for road contractors and public works agencies since 1962.

L & C Flashing Barricades founder Oreste “Rusty” Di Martino

The Early Years

Post World War II, there was a sizable community of Italian immigrants in the South Boston sections of Boston. That is where Pietro Antonio Di Martino had settled his family in 1955. He was from the Abruzzi area of Italy as were many of his Boston neighbors and many of them worked in the construction business. During the 1950s and ‘60s some had started their own construction businesses. Many of them chose public roadwork and pipeline work and many of them have been past and are even presently members of UCANE.

Pietro Di Martino’s son was Oreste “Rusty” Di Martino and as a young man in his 20s. Rusty started a construction career operating a front-end loader with UCANE contractor Crognale Construction in 1962. Like all road projects of that era, at the end of the day the excavator would be parked in the street and wooden barricades (mostly home-made) would surround the construction area. A few small metal canisters filled with kerosene (known as smudge pots) might be left burning at night alongside the excavator. The 3 M C ompany had developed reflective paint and tape and most contractors were applying it themselves onto 2x6 boards, strips of plywood, or on

hand painted signs. You might have seen an occasional 50-gallon steel drum on a site, but plastic barrels were not around in the ‘60s and commercial production of safety signs was somewhat limited. Due to these constraints and the fact that OSHA was not a federal agency until 1970, one might imagine that construction sites in the ‘60s lacked the nighttime visibility that we are used to seeing today.

While working for Crognale Construction, Rusty Di Martino saw an opportunity to make some additional money and solicited help from his father. Together after work and on weekends they would pre-fabricate three piece and folding type wooden barricades and rent them to contractors. Pietro scavenged a lot of the wood from the City dump and they painted and applied reflective t ape to the wood. Working out of a 2-car garage in Dorchester, their first deliveries were made using a pickup truck borrowed from a neighbor.

By the mid-60s some contractors were requesting to add battery operated lights to the barricades to replace the smudge pots that were dangerous and a maintenance headache. The lights added expense to the barricades and required battery replacements,

continued on page 46

RoadSafe continued from page 45

another maintenance issue. In 1967 the “Flashing Barricade” was patented and at the same time Rusty’s “side business” was beginning to boom and every water and sewer contractor in the Boston area and South Shore was looking for flashers on the barricades and for someone to maintain both the light and the barricade. Rusty established the daily rental price of 25 cents per unit for that service and couldn’t keep up with the demand. By 1968 he left Crognale Construction to do the barricade business full-time and in 1969 incorporated L & C Flashing Barricade, Inc. and set up his business on Walpole Street in Canton. (Note: “L & C” were the initials of the two women in Rusty’s life –his wife, Lorraine and his mother, Carmina.)

A Strong Partnership Forms and Grows

The company was growing steadily with eight employees working by 1970. Once Rusty got a new client he promised to deliver and maintain that client’s barricades wherever they worked throughout Massachusetts. The 1970s created a lot of roadwork and in 1972 introduced the Federal Clean Water Act so sewer projects were dotting the Massachusetts landscape and L & C was following their contractor clients to every corner of the state. In 1972 L & C decided to joint venture with another safety supply contractor called Warning Lights, Inc. of Warwick Rhode Island, owned by Bob

Toomey. Their first project together was a large MassDOT project on Route 128 being performed by Cardi Corp. of Rhode Island. The project was a big success and in 1974 Bob Toomey merged his company with L&C and became a full partner with Rusty.

RoadSafe’s custom-built multi-function Line Painter/Reflector Grooving machine with Operator/Mechanic Mike Callahan, waiting for spring to arrive.

Paul (L) and Mark (R) Di Martino, RoadSafe Traffic Systems, Inc.

The two owners made a good team, and L & C tackled larger and larger projects through the ‘70s and ‘ 80s. You c ould find L & C equipment on M BTA jobs, at MassPort – where almost all permanent signage and structural supports are L & C’s work – and at hundreds of sites across the state. With the Central Artery Project taking off in the early ‘80s, Rusty and Bob were looking at a solid 20 years of work in front of them. Ultimately L & C Flashing Barricades, Inc. would take credit for providing 80% of both temporary and permanent signage and safety equipment needed for that massive project known as “The Big Dig.”

The late ‘70s and early ‘80s also saw the development of the orange plastic barrels that we all recognize today and by the mid ‘80s had pretty much replaced wooden barricades, steel drums, and much of the folding barricade market. The plastic barrels were lighter weight, stackable, easier to handle, and had a much longer rental life.

Contributors to the Construction Industry

Rusty Di Martino and Bob Toomey were active and well-known throughout the Highway and Utility Construction Industries. L & C joined both UCANE and CIM (Construction Industries of M assachusetts) in 1976 and for the next 20 years were the go-to company for all things related to construction safety and highway signage, and all t ypes of traffic c ontrol equipment. Rusty Di Martino was an active member

of UCANE while Bob Toomey was the L & C representative for CIM. Rusty received UCANE’s prestigious Associate Member of the Year award in 1982. Bob volunteered for the Board of Directors at CIM and eventually progressed to be President of that association.

New Headquarters and the Zipper Lane

As the 1990s came in so did the third generation of Di Martinos. Rusty’s son Paul started in 1990 and Mark followed in 1993, both getting their hands dirty early on, but then assuming increasing management roles as their careers advanced. By 1997 L & C Flashing Barricade C o. had 40 employees and a fleet of trucks and had outgrown its Canton yard. That year L & C purchased 55 Bodwell Street, a 6-acre commercial property in the Avon Industrial Park. Within a year the company completed a 50,000SF building customized to fit their needs. This included high c eiling bays for heavy equipment repairs and product storage as well as a state of the art, 24-hour climatecontrolled sign and paint shop, and space to house highway line painting equipment, paint, and supplies.

As if things weren’t busy enough with the new headquarters being built, 1997 also saw L & C securing their largest single contract throughout all the “Big Dig” years. Under a $15 million subcontract to G.C. (and UCANE member) J F W hite C ontracting C o., continued on page 49

Typical traffic diversion around work zone

RoadSafe continued from page 47

L & C built the famous “Movable ZIPPER Lane” on I-93, formerly the Expressway. The company actually operated the Zipper Lane daily for several years until MassDOT took over the operation.

Company Names Might Change But Not the Di Martino Name and Tradition

1999 was a very interesting year for L & C owners Rusty Di Martino and Bob Toomey. A publicly traded company formed in 1996 with a ton of investor financing behind them was buying up businesses like L & C across the country and L & C was on their wish list. After some long negotiations, Rusty and Bob decided to sell the company to National Equipment Services (NES). Agreements were made for Rusty and Bob and family members to remain employees for varying amounts of time. Bob’s daughter Jennifer joined her father at NES in 2001, after being a sales manager for a safety company in the Midwest for two years. Rusty, being the oldest of the two partners,was the first of the L & C owners to retire in 2002 as N ES charged ahead with more acquisitions. After Rusty’s retirement Paul Di Martino became the company’s UCANE representative and served on our Board of Directors for several years.

Although the NES branch at 55 Bodwell Street continued to operate on a profit every year, many NES companies were not so fortunate. By 2007 NES, a nationwide giant, now with 180 locations and 45,000 pieces of rental construction equipment, decided to divest from the highway safety business to concentrate more on heavy equipment rental. In came a new investor-backed company called RoadSafe Traffic Systems that was happy to t ake over some of the NES Assets, including the operation at

55 Bodwell Street. A seamless transition of ownership took place in 2007 with RoadSafe entering the New England market.

Bob Toomey, along with Paul and Mark Di Martino and Bob’s daughter Jennifer, continued to manage the day-to-day operations for RoadSafe in Avon and, with new funding capacity provided by RoadSafe, continued to expand their market share. In 2012 Bob Toomey and Jennifer left the company. Jennifer established Patriot Traffic, LLC, a W BE firm in Braintree, MA, while Bob Toomey sharpened his golf game. Today Bob is still doing some consultant work in the safety industry.

Over the past 10 years the RoadSafe location at 55 Bodwell Street in Avon has continued to grow under the watchful eye of Branch M anager (and RoadSafe’s UCANE representative) M ark Di M artino and Jim Hurley, Pavement Markings Manager. Paul Di Martino has advanced to being RoadSafe’s National Vice President of the East District. RoadSafe has invested serious funds into state-of-the-art specialty equipment for line painting and asphalt grooving for recessed highway reflectors. With retail prices approaching $1 million, these massive multi-functional vehicles require highly skilled operators and expert mechanics to be on board for every outing. RoadSafe has been getting their returns on investment at 55 Bodwell Street and recently expanded their New England footprint with the acquisition of Liddell Brothers, Inc. and Liddell Leasing in 2022.

Today at the 55 Bodwell Street location Mark Di Martino manages over 100 employees during peak season, keeps track of nearly 500 vehicles and rolling rental stock and generates revenues approaching $20 million per year. Rusty Di Martino stops in to visit his son on occasion and looks around with amazement and pride. “The Di Martino family has certainly come a long way since my father and I built wooden barricades in our garage over 60 years ago,” says Rusty. “I wish he was alive today to see how large and important the highway safety industry has become.”

UCANE congratulates the Di Martino family for their generations-long commitment to safety in the highway and utility construction industries. We are proud to count the Di Martino’s and RoadSafe Traffic Systems as active UCANE members since 1976 and we wish them continued success!

February 16, 2024

Joseph Nolan, Executive Director

Utility Contractors Association of New England, Inc.

300 Congress Street. Suite 101 Quincy, MA 02169

Dear Mr. Nolan:

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, I would like to extend our congratulations to UCANE on the occasion of its 70th anniversary.

When that group of 10 contractors banded together amid the housing booms and highway expansions of the post-war 1950s, their goal was to ensure that water and sewer projects received their fair share of funding. At times it was an uphill fight, and as their membership grew their focus has never wavered.

The effect of chronic underfunding of this “unseen” infrastructure has no better example than Boston Harbor. UCANE’s steadfast advocacy for the Clean Water Act underscored the need to create an agency like MWRA to reverse decades of neglect of the region’s treatment plants. And their role in the State Revolving Loan Fund Program helped provide low-interest funding for the new Deer Island plant.

Once labeled the “dirtiest harbor in America,” today Boston Harbor is fishable and swimmable year-round and the Boston Harbor Clean-up is recognized as a national environmental success story, thanks in large part to UCANE and its members who worked on the project.

And, of course, it goes far beyond Deer Island. Without the contractors who make up UCANE’s membership, it would be impossible for MWRA to build and rehabilitate hundreds of miles of pipeline, water and sewer pump stations, and treatment and storage facilities to carry out our mission to provide water and sewer services for the 3 million people in our service area.

In some ways, we have now come full circle with UCANE once again at the forefront of new initiatives for water and sewer infrastructure financing. And we know that those efforts will again be successful because of UCANE.

Congratulations to the officers, staff and all the members of the Utility Contractors Association of New England and our best wishes for your continued success.

Sincerely,

Frederick A. Laskey Executive Director

Employer Responsibili/es for Keeping Young Workers Safe

Do you employ young workers? Young workers are those new to the workforce, even up to age 24. Young workers can be an asset to your workforce. However, it may be their first job or the first time they are operating equipment.

Child labor laws restrict the types of jobs, hours worked and equipment used by youth under age 18. Learn about the federal and state child labor laws that apply to young workers.

• Understand and comply with the relevant federal and state child labor laws. For example, these laws prohibit youth from working certain hours and from performing dangerous/hazardous work.

• Ensure that young workers receive training to recognize hazards and are competent in safe work practices. Training should be in a language and vocabulary that workers can understand and should include prevention of fires, accidents and violent situations and what to do if injured.

• Implement a mentoring or buddy system for new young workers. Have an adult or experienced young worker answer questions and help the new young worker learn the ropes of a new job.

• Encourage young workers to ask questions about tasks or procedures that are unclear or not understood. Tell them whom to ask.

• Remember that young workers are not just "little adults." You must be mindful of the unique aspects of communicating with young workers.

• Ensure that equipment operated by young workers is both legal and safe for them to use. Employers should label equipment that young workers are not allowed to operate.

• Tell young workers what to do if they get hurt on the job.

Employer Responsibili/es for Keeping ALL Workers Safe

• Provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and follow all OSHA safety and health standards.

• Find and correct safety and health hazards.

• Inform employees about hazards in the workplace and train them about applicable OSHA standards in a language they understand.

• Provide safety training on workplace hazards.

• Provide the required personal protective equipment (PPE) and pay for most types of required PPE. Employers must pay for most types of safety gear.

February 23, 2024

Utility Contractors Association of New England

Crown Colony Office Park

300 Congress Street, Suite 101 Quincy, MA 02169

Dear UCANE Members:

I am delighted to congratulate you on the 70th anniversary of UCANE. Since 1954, UCANE has been the central hub for the utility construction industry in Massachusetts and throughout New England.

UCANE has been pivotal in bringing together individual contractors and entities of all sizes on matters of mutual interest. Shining light on issues surrounding water and electrical infrastructure through initiatives such as #InvestInWaterMA keeps these critical systems central to the conversation, facilitating information sharing and investment in necessary upgrades.

On behalf of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and MassDEP, we applaud UCANE and its members at this milestone, and wish you ongoing success in the years ahead. Congratulations!

Very truly yours,

Bonnie Heiple Commissioner MassDEP

Maura T. Healey Governor

Kimberley Driscoll Lieutenant Governor

Rebecca L. Tepper Secretary

Bonnie Heiple Commissioner

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.

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.

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

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

RoadSafe’s Mission

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.” – Marcella Albanese

When it comes to traffic safety UCANE member RoadSafe Traffic Systems, Inc. has contractors and municipalities covered. If your need is simply some safety barrels, custom road signs, or arrowboards/message-boards, etc. RoadSafe’s Avon location will deliver, or you can pick them up. If you need line painting, asphalt grooving for reflectors, or fabrication and installation of any type of highway signage including design and installation of foundations and heavy support frames, RoadSafe can handle it all. All products are certified and approved by MassDOT, RIDOT and AASHTO. Need some help designing your traffic safety plan? Call the Avon office and they will work with you to make sure your jobsite is in safety compliance and that your crews, as well as the travelling public, are both protected.

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 Karagosian

The Nation’s #1 Provider of Traffic Control Services

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

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, RoadSafe Traffic Systems, Inc. was established in 2007. At that time a private equity firm stepped in to purchase a large share of the assets of the recently dissolved NES Traffic Systems. NES had been a stock-listed company since 1998, and by 2006 had the largest collection of Highway Safety and related construction rental stores (190) in the country, approaching $1.0B in revenue. A massive company, but still not too large to fail.

The investment firm named the new company RoadSafe Traffic Systems, Inc. with the intention of consolidating NES branch locations and concentrating more on highway safety operations and less on heavy equipment rentals.

The business model chosen by the equity firm showed immediate financial success and since its founding in 2007 RoadSafe has grown steadily and now owns 60 branch locations across the country and is able to service all 48 US continental states.

4 High Street, Suite 131, North Andover, MA 01845

978-475-1312 — AdvantageDrugTesting.com

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

With 3,000 employees and revenues approaching $750M, Roadsafe is considered the largest supplier of Highway and Construction Safety Products and Services in the country.

RoadSafe’s New England Operations

When RoadSafe Traffic Systems began operations in 2007 one of their earliest acquisitions was the Avon, MA branch of NES Traffic Safety Co. The Avon location was managed by the Di Martino family who had a long and successful history in the highway safety business. The acquisition established a solid foothold for RoadSafe in the New England area. In 2022, RoadSafe purchased Liddell Brothers, Inc. of Halifax, MA, another longtime – established in 1972 – and well-respected New England highway safety specialist and contractor. Today RoadSafe covers New England with the following locations:

Avon, MA Halifax, MA Springfield, MA Woonsocket, RI Auburn, MA 55 Bodwell St. 600 Industrial Dr. 269 Brookdale Dr. 1137 Park Dr. 14 Technology Dr. 508-580-6700

508-293-2100

413-273-5974

781-293-2100

781-293-2100

Mark Di Martino Josh Liddell Patrick Shea Josh Liddell Josh Liddell

RoadSafe Vice President Paul Di Mar5no & Avon Branch Manager Mark Di Mar5no

RoadSafe Line Painting Fleet on Winter Stand Down

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

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

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

• In Vermont, notify Dig Safe® at least 48 hours in advance.

• 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.

MATERIALS AVAILABLE FOR

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• ¾” & 1½” CRUSHED STONE

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617-590-0024

DGS UCANE COM.indd 1

Christopher Clark World Insurance Associates, Inc.

The Legal Storm: How Lawsuits are Impacting Your Construction Projects

Social inflation, a subtle yet significant force shaping the construction landscape, demands attention from industry professionals. This phenomenon refers to the gradual increase in insurance claim costs driven by various societal factors, such as heightened litigation, changes in legal environments, and shifts in public attitudes towards lawsuits and corporate accountability. In other words, it's the rising price tag attached to insurance claims over time due to broader societal trends rather than traditional economic factors like inflation. Social inflation affects industries across the board, including construction, where rising insurance costs and litigation risks impact project budgets, timelines, and overall viability. In this guide, we delve into the impact of social inflation on construction operations and outline practical strategies for navigating this complex terrain.

The Rise of Nuclear Verdicts

Among the various c ontributors to social inflation, nuclear verdicts are a significant driver in reshaping the legal landscape. Defined as jury verdicts exceeding $10 million in punitive and compensatory awards, these rulings represent one of the most formidable challenges the construction industry faces today. Stemming from factors like the reptile theory, social inflation, and litigation funding, nuclear verdicts pose significant financial r isks, making it c hallenging for construction businesses to secure adequate insurance coverage.

In recent years, construction companies have grappled with the rise of nuclear verdicts, with judgments often exceeding the $10 million threshold. These verdicts impose substantial financial burdens and prompt critical examinations of whether the compensation aligns proportionately with the damages incurred. Consider a recent case where a construction company faced a $74 million settlement due to an improperly paved road leading to a fatal accident.

Another instance involved an $860 million judgment against a c onstruction firm when a tower c rane c ollapsed, resulting in a tragic loss of life. In yet another case, a jury awarded $1 billion to the family of an 18-year-old killed in an auto accident caused by the driver of a service company. The court, citing gross negligent hiring practices, subsequently awarded $900 million in punitive damages. These examples

continued on page 62

underscore the magnitude of nuclear verdicts and their potential to devastate construction businesses.

Understanding the implications of nuclear verdicts and navigating the evolving legal landscape is paramount for industry stakeholders. As insurers reduce their capacity to underwrite policies in response to the financial burden of nuclear verdicts, c onstruction companies must implement proactive risk management measures to mitigate their exposure to these costly legal challenges.

5 Ways Social Inflation Impacts the Construction Industry

1. Financial Strain: Rising insurance premiums strain the financial resources of c onstruction companies, threatening profit margins and project viability.

2. Project Disruption: The dread of litigation leads to delays and cancellations as stakeholders grapple with potential financial ramifications.

3. Budgetary Pressures: Heightened risk perception prompts additional safety investments, increasing project costs.

4. Worker Morale: Construction workers face

heightened stress and uncertainty, impacting morale and productivity.

5. Impact on Small Businesses: Smaller construction enterprises face heightened vulnerability, requiring proactive risk management measures.

Strategies for Success

To navigate the c hallenges posed by social inflation, construction professionals can adopt the following strategies:

• Educate and Empower: Invest in training and education initiatives to enhance awareness of social inflation trends and their implications. Empower workers with the knowledge and resources to identify and mitigate risks effectively.

• Collaborate and Advocate: Foster collaboration within the construction community to advocate for legislative reforms and industry-wide initiatives to address the root causes of social inflation. C ollective action strengthens the voice of the industry and facilitates positive change.

• Prioritize Safety: Maintain a steadfast commitment to safety on construction sites, implement robust safety protocols, and provide ongoing training to workers. A safety-first mindset pro -

continued on page 63

tects workers and mitigates the risk of costly accidents and lawsuits.

• Seek Expert Guidance: Partner with experienced insurance advisors to tailor insurance solutions to the specific needs of your c onstruction projects. Explore alternative risk transfer mechanisms and proactive risk management strategies to minimize exposure to social inflation risks.

• Promote Ethical Conduct: Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in all business dealings. Transparent communication, ethical behavior, and fair treatment of stakeholders build trust and credibility within the industry.

Conclusion

In the face of social inflation, construction professionals must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing its challenges. By prioritizing safety, fostering collaboration, and embracing proactive risk management strategies, construction companies can navigate the complexities of social inflation with confidence and resilience. Together, we can uphold the integrity and vitality of the construction industry in the face of evolving risks and uncertainties. n

The Evolution of Highway Safety Lighting

The Evolution of Highway Safety Lighting

R.E. Dietz Co. was founded in 1840 in New York. For nearly 150 years they were national leaders and innovaters in the lighting business, including construction hazard lighting. Prior to the 1970s Deitz Highway Torches, commonly called “smudge pots”, could be found anywhere you needed a highway or railroad warning signal at night. They would be placed in front of pot holes or road construction or road hazards etc. Filled with kerosene the flame would burn high at first then settle down.

By the late ‘60s R.E. Dietz developed some of the first transistorized warning lights (Visi-Flash trademark) using standard 6v lantern batteries. These lights either blinked in timed intervals or had a steady light and by the mid 1970s had completely replaced the Highway Torches. Improvements in warning lights and portable barricades continue with most temporary highway safety lighting today being powered by solar energy.

Wooden 3-piece Barricade

Dietz Co. Highway Torch

Visi-Flash Warning Light by Dietz 1967

Wood and Metal Flashing Barricade

Cone Mounted Flashers

Solar Powered Flashers first patented in 1992 Patented 1970 Technology conAnues to lower the costs

Serving the Bonding and Insurance needs of the N.E.construction industry for almost 50 years.

Adam DeS anctis Jam es Axon M ichael G ilbe rt Br yan J uw a

David Boutiette Pa ul P at alano Dick C aruso

Jonathan Duggan Jordan Tirone

“ExcEEding What Was PrEdictEd” caPE and islands dEdicatEd sEWEr Fund strEtchEd thin

The Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund, established in 2018 to help communities pay for wastewater infrastructure and water quality projects, is facing a severe funding shortage as it struggles to keep up with the rising demand for subsidies.

“The number and cost of projects are exceeding what was ever predicted,” said Erin Perry, the Cape Cod Commission’s deputy director. The fund awards a 25% subsidy to eligible wastewater management and water quality projects in Cape Cod and Islands towns, according to the commission’s website.

Since the fund was created, revenue has largely kept up with projections, but local commitment to projects and eligible project costs have exceeded expectations, according to a January 12 letter to the chairs of the legislature's Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and the Cape Cod and Islands legislative delegation from K risty Senatori, the executive director of the Cape Cod Commission.

The 2023 proposals for clean water state revolving fund loans, listed by the state Department of Environmental Protection, call for over $167 million in local projects, more than $100 million above the assumed project costs for the Cape and Islands fund and "the greatest amount that we had seen for Cape Cod in a single year," Senatori wrote in the letter.

The state environmental agency's draft 2024 list of projects proposed for the state revolving fund loan program — known as intended use plan projects — includes over $248 million in Cape projects, Senatori noted.

The management board of the fund has voted to reduce the subsidy to 12% in 2024 without any ad-

ditional funding, board Chair Kevin Galligan, an O rleans Select Board member, wrote in a June 30 letter to Governor Maura Healey.

“It could potentially be lower depending on the final intended use plan,” said Perry.

In his letter, Galligan said an additional $ 5 million is needed in fiscal year 2024 and approximately $ 66 million in revenue spread over the following three fiscal years to allow the fund to support continuing the 25% subsidy through the end of the decade.

What's thE sourcE oF MonEy For thE caPE, islands WatEr ProtEction Fund?

The fund's dedicated source of revenue is a 2.75% excise tax on short-term rentals in the 15-member communities. Perry said this will continue to be a source of revenue while the board’s executive committee has devised a two-fold strategy to seek new revenue sources.

continued on page 68

“In this decade, we are looking at roughly $2.5 billion worth of projects,” said Mark Forest, a member of the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners and a Yarmouth Select Board member, referring to the “significant c ommitment of investment in wastewater.”

Yarmouth approved a $207 million project involving wastewater collection along Route 28 and a treatment plant last year, said Forest.

“What I’m worried about is the loss of momentum on wastewater investment,” he said, adding that promised funding has not yet materialized while construction costs are rising.

Yarmouth has been prepared to move faster with its projects, but “it’s the state that’s been holding us back," Forest said.

What arE PossiblE solutions?

As a short-term solution, the fund managers have requested the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust to use funds from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide an additional 9% subsidy to disadvantaged communities on the Cape in 2023 and 2024.

Perry said this would require a vote by the board of trustees at the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust.

“The proposal has been put forward to them, and we have requested that they consider it,” he said. “The long-term strategy includes pursuing bond fund authorization for approximately $300 million, which could be included in one or more state legislative vehicles.”

There could be an opportunity to request a dedicated allocation through an environmental bond bill, spread over years, which would replenish the fund, Galligan said in an interview.

What has thE Fund Paid For so Far?

Since its inception, the fund has awarded approximately $140 million in subsidies to Cape Cod communities for their wastewater and water quality projects, Galligan said in his letter to Healey.

The 25% subsidy has “spurred action” in the communities and has garnered community support, Perry said.

“Without significant additional revenues to the fund, the management board will be forced to limit subsidies for critically needed wastewater and water quality projects on Cape Cod,” said Senatori in the January 12 letter.

MassachusEtts clEan WatEr trust rEsPonds

During a Board of Trustees meeting on February 17, the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust approved clean water loans and financing agreements of $38,169,258 and $3,610,054 to Yarmouth.

Gorham Chichester

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Spotlight on Cape Cod continued from page 68

“It will underwrite a portion of Phase 1 wastewater management plan approved at last year’s annual town meeting,” Forest said.

“We’ve been working with the Cape since the inception of this fund and will continue to do so...we expect to have an update at a future board meeting on ways we may be able to assist,” the trust Executive Committee said.

Written by Suryatapa Chakraborty. Reprinted from the Cape Cod Times. n

Crushed Stone & State Specified Dense Graded Base

Fax: 508-829-9346

Berlin Stone Co. 332 Sawyer Hill Rd.

Rt. 62 & 495) Berlin, MA 01503

Fax: 978-838-9916

“Being able to attend meetings with my industry peers has been very worthwhile and informative. Whether it is sharing a problem or a new idea, it is great to hear opinions from others that you respect in this business.”

~ RYAN

MCCoURt, MCCoURt CoNStRUCtIoN CoMpANY

“While I am busy all day trying to run my business, it is a comfort to know that UCANE is working every day on my behalf to stem the never ending flow of new laws and regulations on both the State and Federal levels.”

~ vIN BARLEttA, BARLEttA HEAvY DIvISIoN

“Our company has been an active UCANE member for more than 40 years. UCANE is the premier association representing excavating contractors. No group works harder for infrastructure funding – and gets results than UCANE.”

~ JoE gIoIoSo, p. gIoIoSo & SoNS, INC.

“UCANE provides multiple opportunities throughout the year where I am able to network with company decision makers and establish invaluable contacts. Our company is dependent on a heathy construction industry and we are glad to support UCANE and their efforts to increase investment in our public infrastructure.”

~ pAULA BENARD, C. N. WooD Co., INC.

“I have always been impressed with the balance between large and small companies at UCANE. Every contractor, no matter what size, union or open shop, gets heard at Board meetings and has an equal vote in decision making.”

~ BRIAN CooNEY, C. C. CoNStRUCtIoN INC.

“My family has been UCANE Members since it began. No construction association has more respect on Beacon Hill or with public agencies that impact my business than UCANE. There is no doubt that our company has seen a return on our investment many times over.”

~ QUERINo pACELLA, RJv CoNStRUCtIoN CoRp

“As a longtime member from Western MA, I can say that UCANE does a tremendous job keeping all members informed and being a strong advocate for our industry throughout the state and region.”

~ JERRY gAgLIARDUCCI, gAgLIARDUCCI CoNStRUCtIoN, INC.

“The information that UCANE provides to us about our industry is timely and invaluable. I find UCANE members to be committed and passionate about keeping the construction industry strong and well-respected and our company is proud to be a part of that.”

~ LISA FRENCH KELLEY, W. L. FRENCH ExCAvAtINg CoRp.

ExcEptional lEadErship GuidinG

ucanE

with dEdication and commitmEnt

UCANE PrEsidENt BriAN CooNEy

Brian is the second generation Vice President and Project Manager of C. C. Construction, Inc., Plymouth, MA. His father, Christopher Cooney and mother Dyanne Cooney founded the company in 1983. Starting literally in the trenches, Brian worked during high school and college summers learning what hard work was all about.

After his graduation from Northeastern University in 2009, Brian started full-time with the c ompany. He c ontinued getting field experience, including proficient skills operating heavy equipment before transitioning to Project Manager in 2012.

In 2017, Brian was elevated to Vice President, and he now manages the company’s team of estimators and project managers, and works alongside his father Chris and his mother Dyanne in the dayto-day operations of the business.

Brian’s full-time role with the company in 2009 also marked C. C. Construction’s first year as a member of UCANE. It didn’t take long for Brian to get involved with Association business. He began by attending Government Relations Committee meetings, and in 2014 he was elected to the Board of Directors.

After serving on our Board, Brian then rose through the ranks, and was recently voted UCANE President by his peers. His contribution to our industry has had the same positive impact as he had at C. C. Construction.

Brian is committed to increasing UCANE membership during his tenure, and has once again issued a challenge to his fellow Officers and Board members to recruit at least one of their vendors or subcontractors to join UCANE in 2024. He understands how important our Associate members are to UCANE’s success, and reminds contractor members to extend bidding opportunities to our Associates whenever possible.

Brian is honored to be serving as UCANE President in 2024. He is committed to keeping UCANE one of the most professional construction associations in Massachusetts, and his enthusiasm for 2024 is contagious.

PrEsidENt ElECt CHris VAlENti - GVc construction, inc.

Chris is V ice President of GVC C onstruction, Inc. of Lunenburg, M A where he works with his wife G eselle who is President of the c ompany. His brother M ichael Valenti, Jr. is also a Vice President of the company, and works side by side with Chris and Geselle.

GVC was founded by G eselle and Chris in M arch of 2000, and along with M ike they perform utility and heavy civil construction projects in Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Southern Maine. Chris studied Construction Management at Wentworth Institute of Technology, and the c ompany is now S DO C ertified, M BE/WBE/DBE and SBA Certified EDWOSB.

GVC became UCANE members in 2004, and throughout the years Chris has been an active member, having served on many of our committees. He previously served as Secretary for two years, and two years as UCANE Treasurer, and he has now taken on the position of UCANE President Elect.

Chris has earned the respect and admiration of his peers within the utility construction industry, and his ongoing commitment to UCANE is evident by his efforts in effectively communicating the issues of vital importance to our industry.

trEAsUrEr QUEriNo PACEllA - rJV construction corp.

sECrEtAry

Querino is President of RJV Construction Corp. of Canton MA. The Pacella name in the Massachusetts utility construction industry goes back more than 75 years. Querino’s grandfather, Ron Pacella, was one of the founding members of UCANE in 1954. The Pacella family has been active members of UCANE ever since, and Querino follows a long line of his relatives who have taken leadership roles in our Association.

He grew up in the family construction business before attending Worcester PolyTechnic Institute where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1999. After two years working at a Boston engineering firm and earning his Professional Engineers License, Querino returned to the family business where he worked his way up over the past 20 years. In 2019, Querino and his two brothers Chris and Ron III, and two cousins David and Victor, took over ownership of the 4th generation business.

Querino has been active on several committees and served on the Board of Directors for four years before becoming UCANE Secretary in 2022. He is currently serving his first year as UCANE Treasurer. Q uerino is an effective c ommunicator and a st aunch supporter of clean water programs, as well as open and fair competition in the underground construction industry.

dAN HorgAN - r. h. whitE construction co., inc.

Dan is Vice President of Client Services at R. H. White Construction Co., Inc. of Auburn, MA. He is responsible for servicing and meeting the needs of R. H. Whites’ current and prospective clients from project concept through contract. He began his career in underground water and sewer utilities working for his father’s small construction company, working as a laborer during his summer breaks from high school and college.

In 1985, he began working for R H W hite as a pipe layer on one of their fi eld c rews. Over the years, he advanced to Foreman, Superintendent, Division Manager, and Vice President of Utility Construction. In 2020, he took on his current role working with current and future clients generating business for the company.

R. H. White Construction Co. has been UCANE members for more than 40 years, and the company encouraged their employees to become active members. Dan follows Tom Descoteaux who served on our Board of Directors, and moved up the ladder to become UCANE President, and was later named UCANE Contractor Member of the Year.

Dan has been active on several UCANE committees and served on our Board of Directors before stepping up to the position of Secretary this year. He is honored to continue the company tradition of industry involvement.

CALVIN BRANDFORD CHB Excavating

VINCENT BARLETTA Barletta Heavy Division

MIKE BISZKO, III Biszko Contracting Corp.

DAVID HAMILTON E. J. Prescott, Inc.

JUSTIN GOODHEART J. F. White Contracting Co.

JOE GIOIOSO P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.

MIKE OTTAVIANO Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc.

CHIP MCDONALD ATS Equipment, Inc.

LISA FRENCH KELLEY W. L. French Excavating Corp.

WILLIAM LEONARD Aqua Line Utiity, Inc.

RYAN McCOURT McCourt Construction Company

CHRISTOPHER CLARK World Insurance Associates, LLC

JULIA D’ALLESSANDRO D’Allessandro Corp.

JERRY GAGLIARDUCCI Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.

ROBBIE OUR Robert B. Our Co., Inc.

Richard Pacella, Jr. R. M. Pacella, Inc.

2024 Scholarship Applications Available Now

UCANE to Award Twelve $2,000 Scholarships

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

• Any child or grandchild of a UCANE member OR an employee of a member in good standing.

• The applicant should be a high school senior who will be enrolling full time in an accredited two- or four-year academic institution for the year beginning in September 2024 OR a current full-time college student who has not previously received a UCANE scholarship.

HOW WILL THE APPLICATION BE JUDGED?

Twelve $2,000 scholarships will be awarded. Two of the 12 scholarships will be awarded to applicants pursuing a construction related degree. There will be a question on the application to indicate if you believe you are eligible for these scholarships. The other 10 scholarships are open to all other courses of study. Applications are judged and winners are selected by independent outside educators. Selection will be based on the overall worthiness of the applicant by considering:

1. Scholastic achievement;

2. Interest and effort in preparing for your vocation;

3. Extra-curricular activities at and away from school, including community and religious service;

4. Difficulty of course curriculum and career objectives;

5. Personal recommendations;

6. Thoroughness of the completed application, particularly the essay

HOW WILL THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE APPLICATION BE PROTECTED?

Each application is assigned a number. When completed, page 1 of the application, with the name of the applicant, must be detached and sealed in the accompanying envelope. Please be certain to indicate the UCANE firm where you, your parent, or grandparent is employed when applying . The applicant’s name must not appear on any part of the application or attached transcripts and recommendations. After the winning applications have been selected, the envelopes with those corresponding numbers will be opened to identify the award recipients.

WHAT MUST ACCOMPANY THE APPLICATION?

1. A transcript of high school or college grades through the latest period prior to April 14, 2024.

2. A letter of recommendation from the principal or faculty advisor/academic advisor.

3. Additional recommendations from people familiar with the applicant’s ability and character, and from responsible members of the community (optional but recommended).

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE:

In the event the applicant receives a full scholarship from the college of his/her choice, or from any organization, civic group, etc., the UCANE Scholarship will be awarded to another applicant. Applicant’s parent/grandparent must work for a company in the New England Region.

Applications must be received in the UCANE office no later than April 14, 2024 . If you have any questions concerning the completion of this applicat ion please contact:

Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc.

300 Congress Street • Suite 101 • Quincy, MA 02169

Tel: 617.471.9955 • Email: pgalvin@ucane.com

Calvin

Julia

William

Ryan

Chip

Mike

Robbie

Richard

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.

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 Ottavaino

Inc.

Robbie Our Robert B. Our Co., Inc.

Richard Paella, Jr. R. M. Pacella, Inc.

Congratulations

On behalf of the 102 Cities and Towns represented by the Norfolk – Bristol - Middlesex Highway Association, we offer UCANE our best wishes on your 70 th Anniversary and continued success in future years. Our organizations strive to bring public awareness to the state of our infrastructure, keeping the workforce safe and improving the quality of life for residents of Massachusetts.

Norfolk/Bristol/Middlesex Highway Association

Kevin Johnson President

Town of Brookline

Joseph Flanagan

1st Vice President

Town of Dedham

Jim McGonagle

2nd Vice President

City of Newton

David Field, P.E. Secretary/Treasurer

Town of Easton

President:

President Elect: Chris Valenti..............................GVC Construction, Inc.

Treasurer: Querino Pacella............................RJV Construction Corp.

Secretary: Dan Horgan................. R. H. White Construction Co., Inc.

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 Ottavaino ........................................................ Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc.

Robbie Our ............................................................................ Robert B. Our Co., Inc.

Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.

2021 Wishes to

Congratulate the 2024 Officers and Board of Directors of the Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc.

President: Marcella Albanese...................... Albanese Brothers, Inc.

OFFICERS

President Elect: Ryan McCourt...................... McCourt Const. Company

President: Brian Cooney.............................C. C. Construction, Inc.

Treasurer: Brian Cooney.............................C. C. Construction, Inc.

President Elect: Chris Valenti..............................GVC Construction, Inc.

Secretary: Chris Valenti .............................GVC Construction, Inc.

Treasurer: Querino Pacella............................RJV Construction Corp.

Secretary: Dan Horgan................. R. H. White Construction Co., Inc.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Vincent Barletta ................................................................... Barletta Heavy Division

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nick Biello .........................................................................................J. D’Amico, Inc.

Vincent Barletta ................................................................... Barletta Heavy Division

Mike Biszko, III .................................................................. Biszko Contracting Corp.

Andrew Daniels...................................................................................J. Derenzo Co.

Mike Biszko, III .................................................................. Biszko Contracting Corp.

George DeFelice ......................................................................DeFelice Corporation

Calvin Brandford ............................................................................. CHB Excavating

Jerry Gagliarducci ..................................................Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.

Christopher Clark ............................................... World Insurance Associates, LLC

Joe Gioioso ...........................................................................P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.

Julia D’Allessandro .................................................................. D’Allessandro Corp.

Dan Horgan .........................................................R. H. White Construction Co., Inc.

Jerry Gagliarducci ..................................................Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.

Lisa French Kelley ...................................................W. L. French Excavating Corp.

Joe Gioioso ...........................................................................P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.

Bill Leonard .............................................................................Aqua Line Utility, Inc.

Justin Goodheart ........................................................... J. F. White Contracting Co.

John Our................................................................................ Robert B. Our Co., Inc.

David Hamilton ............................................................................. E. J. Prescott, Inc.

Querino Pacella ..................................................................RJV Construction Corp.

Lisa French Kelley ................................................... W. L. French Excavating Corp.

Richard Pacella, Jr. .......................................................................R. M. Pacella, Inc.

William Leonard ...................................................................... Aqua Line Utility, Inc.

Brian Rawston ..............................................................................Jay Cashman, Inc.

Ryan McCourt .......................................................McCourt Construction Company

Fred Rogers ..................................................... Scrap-It, Inc./Minichiello Bros., Inc.

Chip McDonald ......................................................................... ATS Equipment, Inc.

Erik Sveden ...............................................................................................Milton CAT

Mike Ottavaino ........................................................ Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc.

Jordan Tirone.....................................................DeSanctis Insurance Agency, Inc.

Robbie Our ............................................................................ Robert B. Our Co., Inc.

David Walsh. ..................................................................Pawtucket Hot Mix Asphalt

Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.

BEST WISHES TO UCANE’S 2024 OFFICERS AND BOARD

Your hard work and integritY has been instrumental in bringing our message to elected officials and the public.

President: Brian Cooney.............................

Inc.

President Elect: Chris Valenti..............................GVC Construction, Inc.

Treasurer: Querino Pacella............................RJV Construction Corp.

Secretary: Dan Horgan................. R. H. White Construction Co., Inc.

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 Ottavaino ........................................................ Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc.

Robbie Our ............................................................................ Robert B. Our Co., Inc.

Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.

On behalf of the Massachusetts Highway Association representing more than 350 Public Works officials from across the Commonwealth, the Officers of MHA congratulate Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc. on their 70th Anniversary.

We look forward to continuing to work together with UCANE’s 2024 Board of Directors to improve the Public Works Industry.

MHA Officers 2023

JOHn HAines

PresidenT, e. BridgewaTer

rOby WHiteHOuse

2nd Vice PresidenT, YarMouTh

scOtt crisAfulli

1sT Vice PresidenT, Milford

WilliAM elOvirtA Treasurer

DAviD b. lAne secreTarY, danVers

President:

President Elect: Chris Valenti..............................GVC Construction, Inc.

Treasurer: Querino Pacella............................RJV Construction Corp.

Secretary: Dan Horgan................. R. H. White Construction 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 Ottavaino ........................................................ Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc.

Robbie Our ............................................................................ Robert B. Our Co., Inc.

Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.

President:

President Elect:

Treasurer:

Secretary: Dan Horgan.................

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

Joe Gioioso ...........................................................................P.

Justin Goodheart ...........................................................

David Hamilton ............................................................................. E. J. Prescott, Inc.

Lisa French Kelley ...................................................

William Leonard ...................................................................... Aqua Line Utility, Inc.

Ryan McCourt .......................................................McCourt Construction Company

Chip McDonald ......................................................................... ATS Equipment, Inc.

Mike Ottavaino ........................................................ Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc.

Robbie Our ............................................................................

Richard Pacella, Jr.

B. Our Co., Inc.

Built on Experience, Focused on Results

Our nationally recognized construction practice utilizes result-oriented approaches to enhance your projects. We bring a proactive stance, robust risk management tactics, and strategic alliances with industry leaders, awarding authorities and government agencies to elevate your ventures.

Backed by seasoned attorneys with deep industry expertise, we specialize in resolving intricate issues. Our extensive services encompass Litigation, Contract Negotiation, Compliance, Crisis Management, Dispute Resolution, Insurance & Surety, Investigations, OSHA, Procurement, Risk Management, and Transactions. Trust us to navigate the complexities of construction law and safeguard the success of your projects.

Congratulations to UCANE for making the industry stronger and more prosperous for 70 years. We applaud your effort and dedication.

Best wishes

and thank you to UCANE President, Brian Cooney, and the 2024 Board of Directors.

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 Construction 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 Ottavaino ........................................................ Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc.

Robbie Our ............................................................................ Robert B. Our Co., Inc.

Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.

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 Construction Co., Inc.

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 Ottavaino ........................................................ Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc.

Robbie Our ............................................................................ Robert B. Our Co., Inc.

Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.

Scituate Heavy Precast Division

120 Claypit Road, P.O. Box 636

Marshfield, MA 02050 1-800-440-0009

Scituate Concrete Pipe Division 1 Buckeye Lane, P.O. Box 870 Scituate, MA 02066 1-800-322-4488

www.scituatecompanies.com

Congratulations to UCANE’s 2024

Officers and Board of Directors

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 Construction 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 Ottavaino ........................................................ Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc.

Robbie Our ............................................................................ Robert B. Our Co., Inc.

Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.

Congratulates UCANE on Celebrating 70 Years of Excellence serving the underground utility construction industry. We are proud to be a UCANE member and will continue to support its goals.

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 Construction 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 Ottavaino ........................................................ Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc.

Robbie Our ............................................................................ Robert B. Our Co., Inc.

Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.

Congratulations the 2024 Officers and Board of the Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc.

OFFICERS

President

Brian Cooney

Vincent Barletta

Mike Biszko, III

Calvin Brandford

Christopher Clark

Julia D’Allessandro

President Elect

Chris Valenti Treasurer Querino Pacella

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jerry Gagliarducci

Joe Gioioso

Justin Goodheart

David Hamilton

Lisa French Kelley

William Leonard

Secretary

Dan Horgan Ryan McCourt

Chip McDonald

Mike Ottaviano

Robbie Our

Richard Pacella, Jr.

President Brian Cooney

Vincent Barletta

Mike Biszko, III

Calvin Brandford

Christopher Clark

Julia D’Allessandro

President Elect

Chris Valenti Treasurer Querino Pacella Secretary Dan Horgan

Jerry Gagliarducci

Joe Gioioso

Justin Goodheart

David Hamilton

Lisa French Kelley

William Leonard

Ryan McCourt

Chip McDonald

Mike Ottaviano

Robbie Our

Richard Pacella, Jr.

Concrete Systems, Inc.: Manholes & Catch Basins, Box Culverts, Utility Structures, Special Box Structures, Containment Vaults, Fire Cisterns, CSI Arc-Span™

Bridges, Rigid Bridge ™ Systems, Bridge Deck Slabs, Permanent & Temporary Median Barrier, Uwall™

Retaining Wall Systems, Stablewall™ Retaining Wall, Headwalls & Wingwalls. Clampcrete Construction Systems: TL-4 Anchored Barrier for Roadway Structures. Tunnel Systems: Precision Segmental Tunnel Lining Rings. Cleco Manufacturing: Precision Fabricated Forms & Forming Systems, Complete Plant Design, Batch Plant Computer Automation, Countercurrent Mixers & Concrete Delivery Systems.