Associations
Broadband Forum, Fiber Broadband Association partner to advance fiber broadband capabilities
With a common focus on developing and educating the broadband industry on best practices, the agreement will combine the Fiber Broadband Association’s strong background and expertise in fiber advocacy, research, education, and member and community resources with Broadband Forum’s technical strengths in best practices, interoperability, certification, and standards.
Plastics Pipe Institute presents industry veteran with Lifetime Achievement Award
During her 20-year affiliation with PPI, Donna Stoughton served and chaired numerous technical and other committees, and was featured in PLASTICS NEWS as one of the “Women Breaking the Mold.”
Nominations for Underground Infrastructure Awards are open
(UI) — Underground Infrastructure will present the second-annual Underground Infrastructure Awards (formerly Underground Construction Awards), an event celebrating innovations and individuals that have made significant impacts on the diverse underground markets.
Utility Broadband Alliance reaches 100-member milestone
CenterPoint Energy, Duke Energy and Lower Colorado River Authority are the newest utility members to join the utility-led Alliance, which incorporated in 2021 and seeks to help accelerate utilities’ journey toward a more secure, resilient and future-proof grid.
BAMI-I to present first-ever Global Buried Asset Management Congress for underground infrastructure industry
This congress aims to advance the science and practice of asset management in the underground infrastructure industry, with a main focus on the water and wastewater sector and other utilities that have buried assets.
NAXSA, industry groups form OSHA alliance to enhance worker safety
The Alliance, called Partners for Safe Trenching and Excavation Operations, includes a formal Agreement among the organizations to “provide their members/associations and the public with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect workers by reducing and preventing exposure to trenching, excavation, shoring, and other ‘Focus Four’ hazards and addressing equipment related issues, as well as understand the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).”
American Business Water Coalition launched to support water infrastructure investment
(UI) — The American Business Water Coalition (ABWC), established to address the critical need for more federal investment into our nation’s water infrastructure, officially launched on June 13. The coalition provides businesses with a platform to urge Congress to increase investment in water infrastructure and ensure access to safe, reliable and affordable water for all.
Vacuworx to support Folds of Honor nonprofit with new initiative
With a shared commitment to aiding those in need, Vacuworx is wrapping the lifting equipment to raise awareness, simultaneously pledging to donate a minimum of 10% of the proceeds from the rental or sale of these pieces of equipment to Folds of Honor.
BAMI-I unveils plans for first-ever Global Buried Asset Management Congress
This congress aims to advance the science and practice of asset management in the underground infrastructure industry, with a main focus on the water and wastewater sector and other utilities that have buried assets.
CUIRE to host 4th annual Texas Utility Engineering and Surveying Conference in July
The conference, taking place July 26-27, 2023, will include a keynote presentation, three concurrent tracks, and exhibits from companies throughout the industry.
University of Houston hosts industrial water forum focusing on energy efficiency, decarbonization
The May 4 hybrid event – offered virtually and in-person – will offer participants tools, strategies and examples for attaining energy efficiency and decarbonization in both existing manufacturing plants and new facilities.
HDD Association hosts complimentary mud training school
(UI) — The business meeting will begin at 9 a.m., on May 18, with an introduction as to the purpose and direction of the association. All utility and pipeline professionals with core or related HDD business are encouraged to attend. The program will be complimentary to HDD personnel.
UESI to present two new awards at annual Pipelines Conference
The Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI) will present two new awards to gain more recognition for the work of UESI members at this year’s Pipelines Conference. These include Project of the Year and Young Member of the Year.
NAXSA announces “Shore Up for Safety” week to support National Construction Safety Week
(UI) — The North American Excavation Shoring Association (NAXSA) has timed its inaugural Shore Up for Safety week to support National Construction Safety Week, which is held May 1-5, 2023.
DCA launches new workforce campaign ‘Success Looks Like This’
(UI) — Distribution Contractors Association (DCA) is launching an alluring new workforce initiative — ‘Success Looks Like This’ — a campaign designed to showcase underground utility jobs for what they are: well-paying, personally fulfilling career opportunities.
Washington Water Service finalizes acquisition of Bethel Greenacres Water Association
(UI) — Following approval by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) in February 2023, Washington Water Service—a subsidiary of California Water Service Group—has closed the acquisition of Bethel Greenacres Water Association’s water system assets.
Business News
Seven months after a fire damaged a significant section of the new Huntersville, N.C. production facility, it was fully operational again, with an expanded product range and capabilities to better support installers in the trenchless rehabilitation of sewer, water, stormwater and industrial pipelines.
DCA President Kevin Parker Puts His Passion into Processes
(UI) — While management systems and operator qualification programs might seem like dull fare from a distance, these processes have proven essential to improving the safety, quality and consistency of construction projects. Parker’s passion and decades of experience at Mears made perfect timing for his term as president of the Distribution Contractors Association, whose safety management system template and operator qualification integrity process ranked among DCA’s top priorities in 2022.
Business News
Super Products LLC celebrates a major milestone this year. Over the past 50 years, it has grown from a small manufacturing company to a nationally recognized supplier of vacuum trucks.
Pipe Liners Club of Tulsa Celebrates 75th Anniversary, History of Service
(UI) — The Pipe Liners Club of Tulsa (PLCT) recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Tulsa’s Mayor G. T. Bynum marked the occasion with a proclamation acknowledging PLCT’s many contributions to the city’s economy and culture.
Business News
Latest industry news
Registration open for 16th ASCE UESI/BAMI-I Utility Investigation School
(UC) — The Buried Asset Management Institute – International (BAMI-I) & the Mississippi State University (MSU) in conjunction with the ASCE’S Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI) have teamed to conduct the 16th ASCE UESI / BAMI-I UIS School in 2023.
WSSC Water appoints Kishia L. Powell as general manager, CEO
(UC) — Ushering in a new era of leadership, stakeholder engagement and strategic opportunities, WSSC Water’s Board of Commissioners has appointed Kishia L. Powell as the company’s next general manager and CEO, effective January 1, 2023.
CGA announces Susan O’Malley as keynote at 2023 CGA Conference & Expo
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) announced on Wednesday that Susan O’Malley, former president of Washington Sports and Entertainment and the first female president of a professional sports franchise, will be the keynote speaker at the 2023 CGA Conference & Expo in Orlando, Fla.
DCA launches Government Relations microsite
The new site keeps members abreast of regulatory guidance and proposed legislation with rationale for advocating or opposing those items most relevant to the industry.
UCTA Arizona announces chapter luncheon
The UCTA Arizona chapter will have a luncheon on March 17 at the Legacy Golf Club in Phoenix.
Ryan Kinning elected NUCA chairman of the Board
The National Utility Contractors Association’s Board of Directors formally inducted Ryan Kinning as their new chairman on Mar. 5 at their annual meeting held in San Antonio, Texas.
Call for Proposals for the 2022 CGA Conference & Expo Now Open
CGA invites leaders to share their damage prevention success stories and set the agenda for the next decade of damage prevention in Anaheim, Calif., in April 2022.
PCCA Reschedules the Association’s 2022 Annual Convention
The PCCA was forced to reschedule the 2022 Annual Convention after the resort canceled due to renovation supply chain issues.
The Louisiana Pipeliners Association Hosts a Fall Golf Tournament
The Louisiana Pipeliners Association will host its Fall golf tournament on Oct. 25 at Pelican Point Golf Course in Gonzales, LA.
- DeLa Express seeks FERC approval for Permian-to-Louisiana gas pipeline project
- OSHA penalizes Houston contractor over safety violations resulting in worker's death
- Fiber infrastructure has no known expiration date, Fiber Broadband Association research concludes
- Nevada OSHA fines Elon Musk's Boring Company over safety violations in Vegas tunnel project
- Damage prevention and safety: Turning awareness into action
- Ditch Witch 1030
- Michigan lawmakers introduce bills to create septic codes throughout the state
- Indiana American Water to gain 8,000 water customers with Silver Creek Water acquisition
- Arkansas governor allocates $42 million for water infrastructure projects
- Federal judge finds Flint, Mich, in contempt over lead water pipe crisis