Leading the Way NUCA Chapters Navigate Uncharted Waters in the COVID Age Local chapters are at the front lines of NUCA’s efforts in advancing the cause for utility contractors. The chap-ters across the county work at the grassroots level to support unique is-sues that affect contractors in their local region. In a time of uncertainty, especially in light of the ongoing pan-demic that impacted worldwide com-merce, we decided to poll a sampling of chapter executive directors to see how their members are being impact-ed and what steps they are taking. How has the pandemic impacted your state/region? What changes are you seeing as a result of the pandemic? DC -Thankfully, all three jurisdic-tions that we represent -Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia -have deemed construction to be an essential activity, so our contractors have been busy throughout this time. Crews are required to take precautions -tem-perature checks in the morning, only 1 or 2 people per car/truck, manda-tory masks and gloves, and personal distancing wherever possible and safe. While contractors are still busy, many meetings with local agencies and utili-ties are being conducted virtually. One difficulty being encountered is when a crew member tests positive for CO-VID-19, the whole crew is supposed to quarantine for up to 14 days, which can impact scheduling and logistics for multiple projects. The higher unem-ployment levels have benefited some of our members as well, as they have been able to fill open positions for la-borers that have long gone unfilled. NEBRASKA -As far as the pan-demic affecting day-to-day operations around the state, the physical scope of the work has seen very little impact. However, the way contractors perform work has been impacted. Face masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing have forced crews to find new ways to perform their tasks. There is some uncertainty about starting new projects. The owners are not putting out their projects that they planned to bid this summer and fall, out of precaution. Contractors are starting to catch up on their backlog. If that work doesn’t break soon, the mar-ket will get extremely competitive. PENNSYLVANIA -Unlike many oth-er states, in Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf shut down the entire construc-tion industry, be it utility, commercial Chapter executive directors partici-pating in the survey are: • • • • Debora Harvey, NUCA of Metro DC Janet Seelhoff, NUCA of Nebraska Brenda Reigle, NUCA of Pennsylvania Theresa Mannix, Suncoast Utility Contractors Association (SUCA) 16 Utility Contractor | July/August 2020