• Administration Issues Additional Water and Stormwater Grants 21 Legal Corner: Property Owner Subject to Mechanic’s Lien Even Though It Was Not a Party to the Construction Contract
UCANE’s Safety Corner: February Is Heart Month: Are You Ready to Respond? AED Preparedness and the Value of On-Site Defibrillation
UCANE’s 14th Annual Trade Show 41 MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey: 25 Years Shaping the Commonwealth’s Water Infrastructure
Kicks Off 2026 with Inaugural Dinner on the Dorchester Waterfront
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A Message from Incoming UCANE President Chris Valenti
It is truly an honor to accept the role of President of the Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc. and to be sworn in alongside my colleagues for continued service to this organization and the industry we are proud to represent. UCANE has long been more than a trade association—it is a community, a collective voice, and for many of us, a family tradition. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and excited to help lead UCANE into its next chapter.
First and foremost, I want to thank those Board members whose terms have recently concluded. While they may be stepping away from formal Board service for the time being, their contributions, leadership, and institutional knowledge have been invaluable to UCANE’s success. We are fortunate to remain connected to many of them through continued committee and advocacy efforts, and I look forward to their ongoing involvement.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to outgoing President Brian Cooney for his steady hand, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering commitment to UCANE during his tenure. Brian helped guide the Association through a period of growth, transition, and renewed focus on member service and advocacy. His leadership has left UCANE wellpositioned for the challenges and opportunities ahead, and I am personally grateful for his counsel and support.
UCANE’s history is deeply personal to me. My family’s involvement with this Association dates back to its earliest days, when UCANE’s members came together to advocate for the vital work of utility construction. That legacy is not something I take lightly. It is a responsibility—and a privilege—to help carry forward the mission established generations ago, while ensuring UCANE remains relevant, responsive, and strong for generations to come.
Looking ahead, the work before us is substantial. There is no question that funding for PFAS mitigation and lead service line replacement projects is critically important. These initiatives protect public
health and must remain a priority. However, they are additive to—not a substitute for—the ongoing and often overlooked need for sustained investment in the maintenance and replacement of aging water and sewer infrastructure across the Commonwealth. Water and sewer pipes may be out of sight and out of mind, but they are every bit as essential as our railroads, highways, and bridges. Some would argue they are even more critical, forming the backbone of public health, economic development, and environmental protection.
UCANE enters this period from a position of strength. With healthy assets and a growing, engaged membership, we have an opportunity to reinvest in our Association by expanding services, enhancing training opportunities, and continuing to support the professional development of our members in 2026 and beyond. Leveraging these resources responsibly and strategically will be a central focus of my presidency.
Finally, I want our members to know that my door is always open. UCANE is strongest when it reflects the ideas, concerns, and expertise of its members. I encourage you to reach out with questions, suggestions, or new ideas. I look forward to working closely with the dedicated UCANE staff and with our membership to ensure we continue to make you proud of your affiliation with this Association.
Together, we will meet the challenges ahead and continue building a stronger UCANE for the future. n
Governor Files FY27 Budget Proposal; Tight Budget Times Ahead
Governor Maura Healey filed her Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget proposal in late January, recommending a $62.8 billion spending plan that grows just 1.1 percent over estimated FY26 spending and includes no new taxes or fees. Filed as House 2, the budget incorporates $2.7 billion in Fair Share surtax spending and is paired with a $1.15 billion Fair Share supplemental bill that directs surplus FY25 revenues primarily to education and transportation. The proposal prioritizes affordability and economic competitiveness while advancing long-term investments in housing, transportation, education, health care, and local government capacity, all while maintaining fiscal discipline amid ongoing federal funding uncertainty.
For the construction and infrastructure sector, the budget continues to advance the Governor’s $8 billion multi-year transportation plan, proposing a combined $3.6 billion for transportation initiatives across House 2 and the supplemental bill. This includes $2.54 billion for the MBTA to stabilize operations, improve safety and reliability, and fully address projected FY27 operating deficits, as well as enhanced funding for MassDOT operations. Of particular importance to municipalities and contractors, the budget creates a new $75 million Funding for Accelerated Infrastructure Repair (FAIR) program to help cities and towns address long-deferred municipal bridge repairs, supported by Fair Share revenues. These investments are complemented by local aid—more than $10.4 billion statewide, including $1.356 billion in Unrestricted General Government Aid—to plan, procure, and deliver public works projects.
Of particular interest to UCANE members, the Governor’s FY27 budget proposal does not include
funding for the Commonwealth Rate Relief program, which is usually championed by the House of Representatives. The Governor’s budget does, however, include level funding for the Clean Water Trust’s Contract Assistance line-item at $63.3 million. The proposed budget would provide slightly less funding for the administration of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) at $52.1 million, which is slightly lower than last year’s appropriation of slightly over $53 million. Finally, the Governor’s proposed budget funds the Underground Storage Tank Program at $5.8 million as the program continues to eliminate the backlog reimbursements associated with this historically popular program.
The budget also includes several outside sections with direct implications for public construction and project delivery. These provisions raise the threshold for requiring an owner’s project representative on certain public construction projects from $50 million to $100 million, remove the requirement that such representatives be registered professional engineers, and authorize MassDOT and the MBTA to pilot a progressive design-build delivery method for large, complex projects. Additional outside sections modernize zoning and housing permitting by allowing electronic notice for public hearings, helping streamline local development processes. Taken together, the FY27 budget continues to fund transportation, municipal infrastructure, and housing development.
To review the Governor’s proposed FY27 budget and associated policy briefings, please visit: https://budget.digital.mass.gov/govbudget/fy27/.
continued on page 7
Mark Molloy, Esq.
UCANE Offers Support as Environmental Bond Bill Keeps Moving Forward
The Mass Ready Act, also known as the Environmental Bond Bill, continues its winding path through the Massachusetts legislature. In January, the Joint Committee on Bonding and Capital Asset Management gave the legislation a favorable recommendation. The legislation (SB2542), which has not been amended yet, is a major Massachusetts climate resilience and infrastructure investment bill that authorizes approximately $2.9 billion to $3.1 billion in state bonds over about five years to strengthen community and environmental resilience against climate impacts.
In UCANE’s written testimony before the Committee, Executive Director Joe Nolan stated:
“UCANE appreciates the Committee’s consideration and commitment to advancing Senate Bill 2542 as an essential investment
in the Commonwealth’s water infrastructure future. UCANE respectfully urges the Committee to include language modernizing the WIAC [Water Infrastructure Advisory Committee] and clarifying responsibility for police detail payments as these initiatives will improve planning, reduce costs, and promote project delivery efficiency. Further, providing additional funding to grant programs such as MassWorks and HousingWorks will ensure municipalities can build and maintain the underground infrastructure necessary for new housing and economic development, improved public safety and public health, and the preservation of the environment.”
UCANE’s testimony further highlighted that many municipalities are struggling to update or
continued on page 9
We are BORING
maintain their water infrastructure. According to the 2012 study conducted by the Water Infrastructure Finance Commission (MWIFC), the estimated gap in funding for the next 20 years is approximately $21.4 billion. A subsequent 2017 report from the Office of the Auditor’s Division of Local Mandates, which surveyed the Commonwealth’s municipalities directly, found the funding gap, excluding stormwater management needs, to exceed $18 billion. Most recently, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the Commonwealth had $15.1 billion in drinking water needs and $21.7 billion in clean water (i.e., stormwater, sewer, etc.) needs.
While Massachusetts has made meaningful progress in recent years toward addressing the state’s significant water infrastructure needs, more work needs to be done. Municipalities’ and regional water authorities’ needs continue to grow - both in scale and urgency. As the Commonwealth faces increasingly stringent EPA mandates, PFAS remediation obligations, lead service line removal requirements, combined sewer overflow (CSO) elimination, nutrient-reduction regulations, biosolids challenges, and expanded stormwater compliance, the fiscal pressures on municipalities and ratepayers continue to be high.
The bond authorizations in the Mass Ready Act include hundreds of millions of dollars for high-risk dams, inland flood control, coastal resiliency, parks and recreation, transportation improvements (including bike lanes and bridges), clean water and waste management, and expanded climate planning and grant programs such as Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness. The legislation also combines this financial framework with permitting reforms intended to accelerate priority housing and critical infrastructure projects while integrating climate adaptation into planning and investment across state and local governments.
The Mass Ready Act is now before the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. To review a copy of the legislation, please visit: https:// malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2542.
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Apprenticeship Measure Passes in Massachusetts House
The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed legislation that seeks to increase the state’s trades’ workforce by requiring the hiring of apprentices for all contracts awarded for public works projects over $10 million. Effective a year after signed into law, this bill would require projects to hire apprentices to work 5 percent of the total amount of hours worked, which would scale up to 10 percent in three years and 15 percent in four years.
Under the legislation, public agencies must require, as a condition of awarding a construction contract over $10 million for any public works, that all construction managers, general contractors and subcontractors maintain or participate in an apprentice program, approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS), for each apprenticeable occupation represented in
their workforce. Construction managers, general contractors and subcontractors must register all apprentices with DAS and comply with applicable apprentice-to-journeyperson ratios established by a trades licensing board or the Division.
The bill provides for an exemption upon a written determination by the public agency that, after good-faith solicitation, no qualified and responsible bidder maintaining or participating in an apprentice program is reasonably available for a specific trade or scope of work. Any construction manager, general contractor and subcontractor who fails to maintain or participate in an apprentice program, and is not otherwise exempted, cannot be deemed a responsible and eligible bidder.
continued on page 13
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The bill also requires prevailing wage payments by employers to include apprenticeship programs approved by DAS within Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and operated in compliance with DAS. The bill establishes a Special Commission on Apprenticeships to study and make recommendations on the development, accessibility, quality, funding, and utilization of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across all industry sectors.
Contractor organizations, including UCANE, are looking closely at the $10 million threshold to see if the stated ratio of apprentices is workable. As well, other concerns about the legislation pertain to potential conflicts in mandated ratios under law and within collective bargaining agreements.
The bill passed the House of Representatives 154-1 and now goes to the Senate for consideration. To view the legislation, please visit: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5032.
Massachusetts Adds Payroll Jobs for Third Month in a Row; However Unemployment Rises Slightly
Massachusetts added payroll jobs for the third consecutive month in December, according to new data released by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD). Preliminary estimates show 4,600 jobs added in December, following revised gains of 4,300 in November and 4,600 in October. Since September, the Commonwealth has added 13,500 payroll jobs, signaling steady employment growth to close out the year, even as broader labor market conditions remain mixed.
At the same time, the report shows some softening in overall workforce metrics. The unemployment rate edged up slightly to 4.8 percent, while the labor force participation rate dipped to 66.5 percent. December data also indicates 9,300 fewer individuals employed, reflecting declines across private and nonprofit jobs, self-employment, and individuals exiting the workforce due to retirement or other factors. Despite the monthly dip, Massachusetts’ labor force has grown by 176,800 people since January 2023, placing the state among the top ten nationally for labor force growth.
Job gains in December were concentrated in sev-
eral key sectors. The strongest month-over-month growth occurred in Leisure and Hospitality, which added 5,700 jobs, followed by Private Education and Health Services with 1,000 new jobs and Manufacturing with an increase of 700 jobs. State economists characterized the overall labor market as stable but slow-moving, noting that recent payroll growth has been tempered by modest increases in unemployment and declines in labor force participation.
As reported by EOLWD, the Healey–Driscoll Administration continues to emphasize workforce development as a central economic strategy. Recent initiatives include a goal of registering 100,000 new apprentices over the next decade in fields such as construction, health care, advanced manufacturing, technology, and education. The Administration has also reduced annual fees for Registered Apprenticeship sponsors and expanded eligibility for the Registered Apprenticeship Tax Credit, reinforcing efforts to attract, retain, and train workers to meet Massachusetts’ long-term workforce and economic needs.
According to a press release from the MassDEP, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that $830,000 in grants have been awarded to nine Cape Cod municipalities to support projects that reduce nitrogen pollution and help the towns meet septic system (Title 5) and water protection regulations.
The Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Areas (NRNSA) Grant Program, administered by the MassDEP, helps communities develop plans to comprehensively address wastewater and other sources of nitrogen pollution. Excess nitrogen has been an ongoing problem in Cape Cod, where it has fueled the growth of nuisance plants, weeds, and algae that use up much of the oxygen in the water — harming water quality and forcing out indigenous fish and plant species.
State regulations allow Cape communities to choose a watershed-wide solution to mitigate nitro -
gen pollution by applying for a Watershed Permit. Alternatively, a town may choose to address wastewater solutions, via Title 5, by using improved septic technologies for new construction in areas heavily impacted by nitrogen. MassDEP is supporting the work of towns that choose the comprehensive Watershed Permit solution by providing both technical and financial assistance.
The nine Cape Cod towns receiving NRNSA grants are: Barnstable ($137,719); Brewster ($58,680); Bourne ($100,000); Dennis ($150,000); Falmouth ($7,182); Mashpee ($130,000); Truro ($59,199); Wellfleet ($37,220) and Yarmouth ($150,000).
To learn more about the NRNSA grant program, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/infodetails/grants-financial-assistance-watershedswater-quality
continued on page 19
Administration Issues Additional Water and Stormwater Grants
In a separate January announcement, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced nearly $1.3 million in funding to support eleven drinking water and stormwater projects across Massachusetts.
One set of grants is from the Water Management Act Grant Program, an effort by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and MassDEP to maintain the state’s healthy rivers and streams and restore degraded water resources over time. The awards announced from this category total $489,480 to strengthen water management, streamflow restoration, and stormwater management by seven public water suppliers.
The second set of grants, also administered by the MassDEP, was issued under the Small, Underserved, Disadvantaged Communities grant program. This voluntary, non-competitive program is designed to assist small, underserved, and disadvantaged communities that need additional support to meet federal drinking water requirements, reduce exposure to Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), remove sources of lead, and address local drinking water challenges. The announced awards totaled $793,000 to support four public drinking water systems in completing critical upgrades and capital improvements that enhance water quality and remove contaminants.
Under the Water Management Act (WMA) grant program, awards were made to communities including Milford, Hadley, Hopkinton, Shrews-
bury, Attleboro, Provincetown, and Webster. These awards will fund stormwater project design, water treatment and supply planning, conservation outreach, district metering to detect leaks, interconnections to improve system resilience, and studies to reduce withdrawals while supporting long-term capital and operational needs. Together, these projects strengthen local water systems, protect stressed water resources, and advance more efficient water use statewide.
Under the Small, Underserved, Disadvantaged Communities grant program, awards were made to Blandford, Dighton, Plymouth, and Oxford to support critical drinking water infrastructure upgrades. Funded projects include ozone and aeration treatment systems, chemical byproduct removal, corrosion control and filtration improvements, and storage tank rehabilitation. These targeted investments help smaller and vulnerable communities improve water quality, modernize aging systems, and ensure safe, reliable drinking water for residents.
Funding for Small, Underserved, Disadvantaged Communities grants is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Water Infrastructure Investments for the Nation (WIIN) grant program launched in 2018, authorized under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Since 2018, MassDEP has awarded a total of $3,325,000 to public water suppliers serving small, underserved, and disadvantaged communities across Massachusetts. n
Construction & Public Contracts Group, Hinckley Allen, LLP
Property Owner Subject to Mechanic’s Lien Even Though It Was Not a Party to the Construction Contract
In the waning weeks of 2025, a panel of the Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a summary opinion addressing whether a property owner could discharge a contractor’s mechanic’s lien where that owner was not signatory to the construction contract. Based on the “undisputed evidence,” the three-justice panel concluded that the property owner had “consented to the improvement of the property in question.” Therefore, the property owner’s attempt to discharge the contractor’s mechanic’s lien was ineffective. The opinion of the panel in this case is not the same as a binding decision of the full Appeals Court because it was issued under a special court rule that allows for quicker resolution of cases. Nevertheless, the case provides helpful guidance to contractors when it comes to preserving and perfecting mechanic’s lien rights when performing work on private projects.
The case arose out of a project for the construction of a marijuana cultivation facility.
The contractor executed a written construction contract with the owner of the property at that time (the “Initial Owner”). However, unbeknownst to the contractor and before construction began, the Initial Owner conveyed the property to another limited liability company in a quitclaim deed for “no consideration paid” (the “Successor Owner”). The two owner entities were related: the owners of the Successor Owner “were the same parties” that had been “managing” the Initial Owner and were “seeking financing to build the facility.” The two owner entities even interacted with the contractor jointly “in pursuing the construction contract.” However, the Successor Owner was not a party to the construction contract.
As the contractor proceeded with its scope of work under its contract with the Initial Owner, it be -
gan to encounter payment issues. Although the Initial Owner paid the first two requisitions, several subsequent requisitions went unpaid. Apparently, the Initial Owner “began having difficulty securing finding to continue paying for construction.” In light of the nonpayment, the contractor ceased work and filed a Notice of Contract under the Massachusetts Mechanic’s Lien Statute against both the Initial Owner and the Successor Owner.
continued on page 23
Christopher Morog Partner
Robert T. Ferguson Partner
The Superior Court ordered the Initial Owner to proceed to arbitration with the contractor pursuant to the arbitration clause of the contract. The arbitrator concluded that the Initial Owner had breached the contract and awarded damages to the contractor. When the case made its way back to the Superior Court, the Successor Owner moved to dismiss the mechanic’s lien on grounds that it was not a party to the construction contract. The Superior Court denied the Successor Owner’s motion and the Appeals Court panel affirmed.
The Successor Owner argued that the contractor’s Notice of Contract should be discharged because it improperly stated that the contractor had a contract with the Successor Owner. According to the Successor Owner, the contractor had therefore
failed to “strictly comply” with the Mechanic’s Lien Statute and the contractor’s assertion of a contract with the Successor Owner constituted a “knowing and willful” misrepresentation. The panel of the Appeals Court responded by stating: “[w]e are not persuaded.”
In support of its opinion, the appellate panel stated that the Mechanic’s Lien Statute “explicitly contemplates a situation such as this, in which a contractor has a contract with a tenant [i.e., the Initial Owner] to improve real property.” In this situation, the panel stated that the “contractor may obtain a mechanic’s lien on the property . . . when the owner of the land [i.e., the Successor Owner] has consented to the improvement in question.”
To determine whether the Successor Owner consented to the construction work, the panel looked to evidence of the Successor Owner’s “contemplation and active encouragement” of the work. In this case, there was “ample undisputed evidence” demonstrating that the Successor Owner “consented” to the work. Not only were the owners of the two companies the same, the property was conveyed for no consideration paid and the two companies interacted with the contractor as one with respect to construction. In addition, the Successor Owner had even issued a letter to the town “expressing [its] consent to the improvement of the property for purposes of obtaining permits and approvals.” In these circumstances, the Successor Owner could not dismiss the mechanic’s lien.
The Mechanic’s Lien Statute can be a powerful tool for contractors seeking to secure payment for work performed on private projects. For those of you who perform private work, it is important to know that the right to lien property is a statutorily-created right. This means that, in order to preserve and perfect your lien rights, you must be sure to comply with the applicable requirements of the statute. Contractors are encouraged to perform their due diligence to determine the identity
continued on page 25
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of the owner of the property, not only at the time of contract execution but periodically during the course of the project. In many cases, contractors may be contracting with the owner directly. In other cases, the contractor may be contracting with a tenant, and not directly with the property owner. In those cases, the owner may have a defense to a mechanic’s lien if it has not consented to the improvements. This is a fact-dependent analysis.
In this case, the property was transferred after the contractor had filed its Notice of Contract. As a result, although not discussed in this opinion, the panel of the Appeals Court might have reached the same result under another section of the lien statute that addresses lien rights when property interests are conveyed. In addition, it should be noted that there is authority to support a conclusion that, if the contractor had filed its notice of contract before the property was conveyed and had otherwise complied with the applicable statutory requirements, “the lien prevails against all who hold title to the encumbered property after the notice of contract is recorded.”
Lastly, the timing of the filing of a Notice of Con -
tract can also be important when it comes to a contractor’s rights under the Massachusetts Prompt Payment Act. In this regard, a contractor that files a Notice of Contract prior to submission of its first application for payment on a Prompt Payment Act project can potentially preserve a potential pay-if-paid defense in the event of owner insolvency.
Suffice it to say, given the detailed requirements of the Mechanic’s Lien Statute and the potential applicability of the Massachusetts Prompt Payment Act to a given project, contractors are advised to plan ahead when it comes to private contracting and undertake steps at the outset and during construction in order to preserve their rights and protect their interests. For certain projects, it may also be advisable to confer with a title examiner to ensure proper steps are taken to evaluate and preserve contractor rights. n The Biggest, Baddest Ditch Witch Hydrovac to ever hit the wild ...
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For those who don’t know you, what is your professional background and how did you get started in the construction industry?
I pride myself on being a seasoned scrap metal professional with more than five decades of industry experience. I began my career in 1965 at Wilton Auto Parts Scrap Yard, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to the scrap metal business. I was born into the industry, learning the trade firsthand from my grandfather, beginning at just five years old. This early exposure instilled a strong work ethic, deep technical knowledge, and a respect for the values that continue to guide my career today.
What is your current role with Scrap It, Inc./Minichiello Bro., Inc. and what sets your company apart within the marketplace?
For the past 15 years, I have served as a Scrap Metal Buyer for Scrap It, Inc./ Minichiello Bros., Inc., where I play a key role in cultivating long-standing customer relationships. What sets the company apart in the marketplace is our willingness to work closely with customers while consistently providing the best possible pricing.
To what do you attribute your personal success, and what advice would you offer to other individuals looking to build a career in the construction industry?
Family has always been the driving force behind my success. I am a passionate husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather, and my family has always been the foundation of my motivation and achievements.
You were recently appointed to UCANE’s Board of Directors. How long have you been involved with UCANE and why did you decide to get involved? What do you see as UCANE’s most important role for its members?
Since 2011, I have been an active member of the Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc. (UCANE) and I take immense pride in holding the title of Board Member. I became involved to network with fellow industry leaders, expand my knowledge, and help strengthen the
continued on page 29
UCANE Board Member
Fred Rogers Scrap It, Inc./Minichiello Bros., Inc.
Under the Hard Hat continued from page 27
construction and utility sectors. I believe the most important role of UCANE members is fostering collaboration, supporting infrastructure development, and advancing underground utility work within local communities.
Looking ahead to 2026, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges facing your company and UCANE contractors?
I believe that both Scrap It and UCANE will have significant opportunities this year, including a surging demand for green and processed scrap, increased consolidation and strategic partnerships, and the continued integration of technology and automation across the industry. At the same time, there are real challenges, such as skilled labor shortages, cash flow and transaction risks, market volatility, and ongoing price uncertainty. Ultimately, I believe my experience, adaptability, and commitment to collaboration position me and Scrap It to successfully navigate these challenges while continuing to grow and evolve in a changing marketplace. n
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UCANE’s 2026 Schedule of Events
February Is Heart Month: Are You Ready to Respond? AED Preparedness
and the Value of On-Site Defibrillation
February in New England hits the trades with its familiar mix of frozen ground, long shifts, and unpredictable weather. But for construction crews — especially those working in industrial plants, tunnels, shafts, and utility corridors — February carries another meaning: Heart Month.
Cardiac emergencies don’t wait for warm weather or convenient timing. They strike fast, often without warning, and they remain the most common life -threatening event on any jobsite. Not a fall. Not a crush injury. Sudden cardiac arrest.
And the tool that makes the biggest difference isn’t a harness or a hardhat. It’s an AED — an automated external defibrillator — paired with workers who know how to use it.
The Reality on the Job
More than 350,000 people experience out- of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in the U.S. Survival depends almost entirely on how quickly CPR and defibrillation begin. Data shows rapid AED use dramatically improves survival from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), with survival rates soaring from 9% (CPR only) to 38% (AED shock) before EMS arrives, as each minute without defibrillation reduces survival by 10%.
For New England’s construction world, the risks are amplified:
• Remote or underground locations delay EMS
• Physically demanding work increases cardiac strain
• Noise and distance slow recognition of an emergency
• Cold weather stresses the cardiovascular system
In a tunnel or industrial plant, “waiting for the ambulance” isn’t a plan. AEDs are.
Industrial and underground construction sites are uniquely challenging environments. Crews may be hundreds of feet below ground, deep inside a mill, or spread across a power plant where access points are limited. In these environments, even a well- c oordinated EMS response can take precious minutes.
Those minutes matter. Every minute without defibrillation reduces survival by 7–10%. That’s why AED placement and training are not optional — they’re essential.
continued on page 35
The Human Side of Heart Month
Heart Month isn’t just a public - health campaign. For the trades, it’s a reminder that the workforce is aging, working harder, and facing physical demands that push the cardiovascular system daily. Many workers have decades of experience — and decades of wear on their hearts.
Across New England, crews have seen firsthand what AED readiness can do.
A Massachusetts underground utility crew watched a coworker collapse during morning setup. Because the site had an AED and several workers had completed recent CPR/AED training, they recognized the signs immediately. Within two minutes, the AED delivered a shock. By the time EMS arrived, the worker had a pulse — and months later, he returned to the job.
A New Hampshire mill renovation project saw a foreman collapse on a mezzanine level, far from the site entrance. Workers retrieved the AED, performed CPR, and delivered a shock before paramedics could navigate the maze - like structure. Doctors later told the family that early defibrillation made the difference.
These aren’t isolated stories. National data shows:
• AEDs used by bystanders triple the chance of survival
• Nearly 1 in 5 workplace cardiac arrest victims survive when an AED is used
• Union sites with regular CPR/AED training report higher response confidence
When workers know what to do, they act — and lives are saved.
Construction workers face unique cardiac risks:
• Long hours and physical strain
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
• High - stress environments
• Limited access to immediate medical care
continued on page 37
These factors make AEDs not just helpful, but critical.
In construction, safety isn’t just compliance — it’s culture. Crews look out for each other. They know each other’s families. They know who’s been pushing through long shifts, who’s been dealing with stress, who’s been working in the cold for weeks.
AED readiness strengthens that culture by giving workers the tools to protect one another when it matters most.
For industrial and underground construction, AED planning should be as routine as daily toolbox talks. That means:
• Placing AEDs where they can be reached within three minutes
• Ensuring weather- protected storage and regular inspections
• Training crews annually — not just supervisors
• Running mock drills in tunnels, shafts, and remote areas
AEDs are designed so anyone can use them. The real challenge is making sure they’re present, charged, and part of the job’s safety rhythm.
Provide your workers with training That Sticks – SECONDS MATTER. TRAINING REMOVES HESITATION
Effective AED programs don’t rely on one -time classes. They include:
• Hands- on practice
• Scenario - based drills
• Clear communication plans
• Regular refreshers
• Visible AED signage and access routes
Workers who train regularly respond faster and with more confidence.
February is a reminder — not just to employers, but to every worker — that cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere. On a cold morning, deep in a tunnel or high on a steel deck, the difference between tragedy and a second chance often comes down to
one thing: whether the crew has the tools and training to act.
AEDs save lives. Training saves lives. And in New England’s construction world, where every worker is a brother or sister in the trade, that responsibility is worth carrying.
Heart Month isn’t about fear. It’s about readiness. It’s about making sure every crew member goes home at the end of the day. It’s about giving workers the power to save each other when seconds count. And it’s about recognizing that in the trades, the strongest foundation isn’t concrete or steel — it’s the people who build it. n
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Our comprehensive suite of services includes contract analysis, drafting, negotiation, procurement and bid protest issues, strategic project advice, crisis management, claims preparation, prosecution and defense, and all forms of dispute resolution, such as mediation, arbitration, litigation, and appeals. We also assist with compliance and investigations, OSHA investigations, insurance recovery, and risk management.
We can help you navigate any phase of your project and protect your interests through practical advice and effective legal strategies.
UCANE’s 14th Annual Trade Show
Will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 prior to our Forecast Dinner Meeting
Trade Show booths offered at NO COST to Construction Outlook Magazine Advertisers.
If you are not currently advertising in Construction Outlook, we hope you will consider placing an ad. Our monthly magazine showcases your products and services to contractors and municipal officials who use them. Our Trade Show is a great opportunity to meet with UCANE members and guests face-to-face.
In addition to placing your ad in our magazine, your ad will also be on our website and issuu.com. Space is limited, so if you would like to place an ad in our magazine and reserve a booth at our Trade Show, please contact Suzanne Hatch as soon as possible at shatch@ucane.com.
After 25 years, Fred Laskey is retiring from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), marking the conclusion of a dedicated career that helped shape the Commonwealth’s water and wastewater infrastructure. During his tenure, Laskey played a key role in delivering some of the region’s most significant public works projects — investments that strengthened system reliability, improved water quality, and supported long-term environmental protection for dozens of Greater Boston communities.
In addition to bringing an emphasis on financial stability and post-9/11 security, Laskey was deeply involved in the MWRA capital program that expanded following the historic Boston Harbor cleanup, including ongoing upgrades at the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. These projects modernized treatment processes, expanded capacity, and enhanced resiliency at one of the largest wastewater treatment facilities in the country. His work also supported major combined sewer overflow (CSO) control projects throughout the metropolitan area, significantly reducing overflows into Boston Harbor and local waterways while improving neighborhood water quality.
On the drinking water side, Laskey contributed to critical improvements across MWRA’s vast transmission and treatment network. Notable efforts included work associated with the John J. Carroll Water Treatment Plant and continued investments in tunnels, shafts, and pumping facilities that safeguard the delivery of high-quality drinking water to more than 3 million Massachusetts residents. Projects tied to the MetroWest Water Supply Tunnel and related redundancy initiatives helped ensure system reliability during maintenance and emergencies.
UCANE members frequently collaborated with Laskey on these complex undertakings, valuing his understanding of constructability, scheduling challenges, and risk management on large-scale utility projects. His approach emphasized clear communication and consistency in
project execution, contributing to the successful completion of complicated infrastructure projects across the MWRA system.
As Fred Laskey enters retirement, UCANE recognizes the lasting impact of his work on Massachusetts’ water and wastewater systems. The projects he helped guide will serve the Commonwealth for decades to come, supporting public health, environmental protection, and economic vitality. We thank Fred for his dedication and leadership, and we wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement. n
UCANE’s Asbestos-Cement Pipe Removal Training Seminar
UCANE, in partnership with Atlas Technical Consultants, proudly hosted the first 8-hour Asbestos-Cement Pipe Initial Worker Training (OSHA Class II Certification) class of 2026 on January 14 at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton, MA.
This important training provided participants with essential knowledge and handson experience to safely work with asbestos-cement pipe in the field. A special thankyou to Chip McDonald of ATS Equipment Inc. for leading the hands-on portion of the course and sharing his expertise.
We appreciate everyone who helped make this program a success and remain committed to advancing workforce training and safety across the industry.
There are still spaces available for the class on March 11, 2026. For additinal questions or to request assistance with registering, please contact Brandon Ward, Legislative & Membership Administrator, at bward@ucane.com.
I nstallat Ion of UC an E’s 2026 off ICErs and Board of dIr EC tors
UCANE Officers & Board members in attendance (Top Row L-R): Querino Pacella, RJV Construction Corp.; John McGrath, Methuen Construction Co.; Chris Walsh, W. Walsh Company, Inc.; Fred Rogers, Scrap It, Inc./Minichiello Bros., Inc.; Michele Norton, HUB International New England; Ryan McCourt, McCourt Construction Company; Chris Valenti, GVC Construction, Inc.; Julia D’Allessandro, D’Allessandro Corp.; Marcella Albanese, Albanese Brothers, Inc.; Marco Gioioso, P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.; Brian Cooney, C.C. Construction, Inc.; Gerry Carney, Jr., C. N. Wood Company, Inc.; and Lisa French Kelley, W. L. French Excavating Corp.
Board Members not in attendance: Jerry Gagliarducci, Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.; Justin Goodheart, J. F. White Contracting Co.; Mark Langevin, Phoenix Communications, Inc.; William Leonard, Aqua Line Utility, Inc.; Karin Marshall, Boston Concrete Corp.; Mike McCarthy, J. Derenzo Co.; Richard Pacella, Jr., R. M. Pacella, Inc.; and Mark Szela, Insituform Technologies LLC
UC an E K ICK s off 2026
w Ith I naUgU ral dI nn Er on th E dorCh E st Er wat Erfront
On Wednesday evening, January 28, UCANE members gathered at the picturesque Venezia Restaurant on the Dorchester waterfront for the Association’s Annual Inaugural Dinner, marking the installation of UCANE’s incoming Board of Directors and the start of a new year of leadership.
Despite frigid winter temperatures, more than 200 members, partners, and guests filled Venezia’s elegant foyer for a cocktail reception before moving into the dining room for the formal program. The evening served as both a celebration of UCANE’s leadership and a reminder of the Association’s central role in advocating for and supporting the utility construction industry across New England.
The program opened with a powerful rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner performed by Todd Angilly, the national anthem singer for the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. In addition to lending his voice to the opening of the evening, Angilly shared insights from his professional work with corrections agencies, where he collaborates with public officials to help formerly incarcerated individuals re-enter the workforce—an issue closely aligned with UCANE’s ongoing workforce development efforts.
UCANE was honored to welcome Marty Walsh as the evening’s keynote speaker. Walsh, whose public service career includes time as a Massachusetts State Representative, Mayor of Boston, U.S. Secretary of Labor, and currently the Executive Director of the National Hockey League Players Association, delivered thoughtful and candid remarks on leadership, public service, and the evolving political landscape.
Without assigning blame or engaging in partisan rhetoric, Walsh reflected on the bipartisan cooperation that defined much of his career, noting that meaningful progress is often achieved when leaders are willing to work across ideological lines. He emphasized that collaboration—particularly around infrastructure investment—remains essential to addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Drawing on his experience as a union leader and
continued on page 46
longtime advocate for working people, Walsh spoke directly to UCANE members about the importance of sustained investment in water, sewer, electric, and fiber infrastructure. These systems, he noted, are foundational to economic growth, public health, and regional competitiveness. Clean water, he reminded the room, waits for no one.
Following the keynote address, UCANE Executive Director Joseph Nolan invited members of the Board of Directors to the stage and recognized several individuals whose terms had concluded. Calvin Brandford from CHB Excavating, Dan Horgan from R. H. White Construction Co., Inc., and Robbie Our from the Robert B. Our Co., Inc., were thanked for their service to the Association, with Brandford accepting a plaque in recognition of his contributions. All three have graciously agreed to continue supporting UCANE through service on the Government Relations Committee.
Nolan also recognized outgoing UCANE President Brian Cooney from C. C. Construction, Inc. for his years of dedicated leadership, including two years as President. Cooney was presented with a commemorative gift in appreciation of his commitment to
the Association and its members.
New board members, including Fred Rogers from Scrap It, Inc./Minichiello Bros., Inc. and Chris Walsh from W. Walsh Company, Inc. were introduced, and the full Board was formally recognized for its anticipated service in 2026. Incoming UCANE President Chris Valenti, from GVC Construction, Inc. then addressed the membership, reflecting on his family’s long-standing connection to UCANE—dating back to the Association’s founding—and outlining his priorities for the year ahead.
Valenti emphasized a renewed focus on expanding UCANE’s events, training opportunities, and committee engagement, reinforcing the Association’s mission to serve and support its membership. He also acknowledged the increasingly competitive environment for infrastructure funding, noting that emerging priorities such as PFAS mitigation and lead service line replacement have added complexity to the water infrastructure landscape. Valenti underscored the importance of continued advocacy on Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill to ensure clean water infrastructure remains a top priority.
continued on page 47 Dinner Meeting continued from page 45
The evening concluded over Venezia’s wellknown chicken parmesan dinner, followed by dessert and an informal discussion led by Nolan and Angilly on workforce development opportunities within the construction industry. The conversation highlighted practical approaches for expanding the labor pool while developing reliable, skilled employees to meet the industry’s growing demands.
As guests departed into the cold winter night, the tone was one of optimism and momentum—an ap -
propriate start to a new year of leadership and advocacy for UCANE.
UCANE’s next major event will be the Annual Forecast Dinner and Trade Show, scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Norwood. Members are encouraged to attend to meet and engage with members participating in the trade show and continue the conversation on the future of infrastructure investment in the Commonwealth. n
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
100 Wales Avenue-Rear Avon, MA 02322
Office: 508-583-2029
Plant: 508-587-6953
226 Nicks Rock Road Plymouth, MA 02360
Scale House: 508-732-9148
Asphalt Plant: 508-732-9140
Dagle Electrical Construction Corp.
Department of Labor, Methuen Obayashi Joint Venture Partner to Promote Safety, Health During Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project
Partnership to focus on preventing worker injuries, exposure to hazards
CONCORD, NH – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has signed a strategic partnership with the Methuen Obayashi Joint Venture to promote worker safety and health during construction of the Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project in Manchester.
The project will modernize Manchester’s drainage system to reduce sewer overflows with the construction of a gravity-fed stormwater conveyance tunnel. OSHA’s partnership with the civil construction company seeks to prevent workers' exposure to gas, pressurized zones, confined spaces and struck-by incidents, and ensure the use of shoring and protective systems in excavations.
The initiative will also assist contractors in developing and implementing safety and health management systems and train subcontractors on recognizing hazards when working in and around construction sites.
Partners will emphasize leadership engagement, accountability measures, worker participation strategies, and robust hazard identification protocols.
OSHA's Strategic Partnership Program works with employers, employees, professional and trade associations, labor organizations and other interested stakeholders to establish specific goals, strategies and performance measures to improve worker safety and health. n
HUB’s dedicated insurance and risk management specialists will work to help you build on your success and protect what matters most.
Advantage Drug Testing is a new UCANE member specializing in drug-free workplace programs and FMCSA compliance. Company President, Ted Dawson brings 17 years of experience advising employers on the FMCSA regulations and compliance programs.
G et to K now Your uCA
ne
AssoCiAte M e Mbers
Ted Dawson Owner, President
Advantage provides complete drug and alcohol programs with on-site and 24-hour emergency response services. Driver qualification file management systems and on-site FMCSA physical exams are available to ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations.
Patrick A Di Cerbo
Douglas J Di Cerbo
Advantage supports over 300 employers with managing FMCSA drug-free workplace programs, including many UCANE members. UCANE member companies have provided the insightful comments below.
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
Q: What services and products do you offer, and in what geographic areas do you solicit business?
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.” –
speaking, we believe that people appreciate the fact that we are committed to the industry.
Marcella Albanese
Q: To what do you attribute your success, and what advice would you offer to other businesses trying to support the construction industry?
Karagosian
A: Northwestern Mutual is a nationwide firm currently active in 42 states. We do comprehensive planning for owners and senior managers of design and construction firms and those who support them. We manage money as a component of the comprehensive financial planning process. We also provide executive benefits, golden handcuffs, qualified plans, and risk and tax mitigation strategies for owners and senior managers.
Q: How did you get started supporting the construction industry? What background and experiences do you bring to your current role?
A: We attribute the business success that we have had to our focus on the industry. We try to understand the problems that are unique to heavy construction and related fields. Our planning approach is designed to mitigate the risks that industry participants face in such a way that there is a high probability of a successful outcome.
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
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
A: My father-in-law was a heavy contractor in NYC. I’ve served the industry since 1993, and I believe I understand the realities of owning and running a heavy construction company very well having served the industry for so many years.
Q: What are some of the major companies that you have worked with that UCANE contractors might be familiar with?
Q: Looking ahead, how do you feel about the economy as it relates to the construction industry, and is Northwestern Mutual promoting any new services or products that you’d like to highlight?
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 4 High Street, Suite 131, North Andover, MA 01845 978-475-1312 —
A: I have worked with some of the most well-known building contractors, and heavy construction companies in the world and in America. Both public and private companies in a variety of areas. Generally
A: We are bullish on the construction industry and bullish on America. The amount of pent-up demand in the infrastructure space is at an all-time high. The construction volumes of our clients are up, and our process and products are uniquely suited to the balance sheets and estate and financial plans of construction industry participants. Northwestern Mutual enjoys the highest financial ratings of all major credit rating agencies, and we have found that heavy construction folks appreciate the safety and security of a firm like Northwestern Mutual.
UCANE is strengthened when members give other members an opportunity to bid!
Patrick DiCerbo
Douglas DiCerbo
Q&A with Pat DiCerbo
Christopher Clark
From Bid to Closeout: Managing Risk Beyond the Jobsite
For utility contractors, risk management doesn’t begin when the first trench is dug, and it certainly doesn’t end when the job wraps up either. On most projects, risk starts at the bid stage, follows a project through construction, and can resurface long after closeout through completed operations exposure.
That’s why contractual risk transfer (CRT) deserves more attention than it usually gets. Too often, it’s treated as boilerplate language buried deep in contracts. In day-to-day practice, though, CRT is one of the most effective tools for protecting margins, limiting uninsured losses, and ensuring insurance responds as it’s supposed to throughout a project’s lifecycle.
When CRT is approached strategically, it helps answer a critical question before a loss occurs: When something goes wrong, who actually owns the problem?
Risk Starts at the Bid Stage
Effective contractual risk transfer begins well before a project is awarded. The bid and contract review phase is where contractors have the most leverage, giving them the opportunity to define how risk will be allocated among subcontractors, vendors, and service providers.
This process starts with indemnification provisions, which typically require the subcontractor to take responsibility for certain third-party bodily injury or property damage claims. These clauses are essential, but they must comply with state-specific anti-indemnity statutes, which vary by state, including across New England. Language that is too broad or not legally compliant can weaken protection rather than strengthen it.
Contracts should also spell out insurance re -
quirements in clear terms, including minimum limits, acceptable policy forms, and required endorsements. The decisions made here directly shape how risk is transferred once work begins, or whether it transfers at all.
During Construction: Making Risk Transfer Stick
Once crews mobilize, contractual risk transfer can’t be left on autopilot. It has to be actively managed to remain effective.
Additional insured (AI) requirements are a common example. Utility contractors often require upstream parties, such as owners or general contractors, to be named as additional insureds on subcontrac -
continued on page 54
tors’ commercial general liability, auto, and umbrella policies. Contracts should clearly require primary and noncontributory wording and specify coverage for both ongoing and completed operations.
However, AI language only works if it’s enforced. Relying solely on certificates of insurance is a common pitfall. If the endorsement doesn’t match the contract, the paper trail won’t hold up when it matters. Contractors should confirm that endorsements actually match the contract language and remain in effect for the duration of the project.
Waivers of subrogation also play an important role during construction. These provisions prevent insurers from seeking recovery against another party after paying a claim, helping preserve the intended allocation of risk and keeping finger-pointing to a minimum when something does happen.
Closeout Isn’t the Finish Line
For many utility contractors, the most significant exposure appears after a project is complete. Completed operations claims often surface months or years later, frequently tied to subcontracted work.
On one municipal water-line project, the job closed out on schedule and passed final inspection.
Months later, roadway settlement caused property damage and triggered a claim. While a subcontractor performed the work, the additional insured endorsement on file applied only to ongoing operations. The policy was renewed after closeout, but the updated endorsements were never collected.
The prime contractor ultimately defended the claim under its own insurance program, impacting deductibles and future premiums. The issue wasn’t the quality of work done. It was the paperwork. Contractual risk transfer had been written into the agreement, but it wasn’t enforced through closeout. A scenario like this is common when completed-operations additional insured (AI) language is missing or not maintained.
This is why CRT works best when it’s managed as a true lifecycle strategy, not a one-time checklist.
Best Practices That Strengthen Protection
Utility contractors can strengthen contractual risk transfer by treating it as an ongoing process rather than a one-time review:
• Conduct pre-contract reviews to confirm indemnity language aligns with insurance requirements continued on page 55
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and applicable law.
• Prequalify subcontractors by reviewing safety metrics, financial stability, and insurance programs.
• Perform annual audits to track policy expirations, update documentation, and verify compliance.
• Document everything, as missing paperwork is where most claims can fall apart.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
With tighter margins, more complex projects, and increased claim activity, contractual risk transfer has become a practical business tool. Not just a legal formality. Contractors who view CRT through a lifecycle lens, from bid to closeout, are better positioned to protect profitability, preserve coverage, and avoid costly surprises.
Working closely with experienced legal and insurance advisors helps ensure contracts do what they’re intended to do: transfer risk off your balance sheet, before it becomes a problem. Because once a claim hits, it’s too late to fix the contract. n
DigSafe.com or Call 811 Before You Dig
• Pre-mark the location of intended excavation using white stakes, paint or flags.
• In MA, ME, NH, RI and VT, notify Dig Safe® at least 72 hours in advance, not including weekends and holidays.
• Notify non-member facility owners.
• Maintain the marks placed by underground facility owners.
• Use caution and dig by hand when working within 18” of a marked facility.
• If a line is damaged, do not backfill. Notify the affected utility company immediately if the facility, its protective coating, or a tracer wire is damaged.
• Call 911 in the event of a gas leak, or if a damaged facility poses a risk to public safety.
• Know your state’s excavation requirements.
• Go to digsafe.com for educational material and current laws.
Massachusetts could receive nearly $93 million in federal funding – and $10 million is headed to Cape Cod and Nantucket.
On January 15, the U.S. Senate passed a trio of bills to provide funding for an array of projects across the government. The bills include $92.78 million in federal funding for Massachusetts, split across 93 projects in areas like infrastructure, energy and science.
In addition to Cape Cod-specific funding – like $1 million for the Hyannis Public Library Association –there is also funding for projects Cape Codders might find interesting elsewhere in the state. The Worcester Polytechnic Institute will get money to research destruction of PFAS, for example, while other funds go to assessing particle radiation releases associated with decommissioning Plymouth's Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant.
The Massachusetts federal delegation applauded the funds in a press release.
“I’m proud to have worked with the entire Massachusetts delegation to secure over $92 million in funding this year for projects that will make our water cleaner, our environment healthier, our workforce stronger, and expand justice in our communities,” said Senator Ed Markey, D-Mass. “From Provincetown to Williamstown, from Chelsea to Chicopee, it’s critical that we bring federal resources to our communities to make life better for everyone who calls the Bay State home.”
The funding package was previously passed by the House on January 8, and it will next head to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law. The legislation, if passed, will also avert another government shutdown.
Here are the 93 projects, provided by Markey's office. They are organized by region.
How much government money will Cape Cod, Islands get?
Cape & Islands (8 projects, $10
million)
• $3,000,000 for Barnstable County to address Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) require -
ments and implement groundwater remediation measures to prevent further PFAS release into Cape Cod's sole-source aquifer.
• $1,000,000 for Nantucket Resource Partnership to transform an existing facility into a central food hub.
• $800,000 for the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth to fund the development of a dedicated soil carbon measurement program.
• $1,000,000 for the Town of Yarmouth to replace a culvert that is currently restricting water flow in an important wetlands resource area.
• $1,000,000 for the Hyannis Public Library Association for construction, rehabilitation, and improvements of public facilities to enhance the Library as a neighborhood center and hub for community activities.
• $1,015,000 for the Town of Provincetown for the construction of resiliency measures for the central vacuum station that serves the downtown municipal wastewater system.
• $1,875,000 for the Coonamessett Farm Foundation in Falmouth to propose a research fleet that will improve the resiliency of the state’s seafood continued on page 57
sector by developing best management practices for emerging fisheries and stock enhancement for existing fisheries.
• $350,000 for the Nantucket Police Department to purchase a police and port safety vessel for the Nantucket Police Department's Marine Division to better patrol and enforce the law in Nantucket Harbor and in surrounding waters.
How much money will the rest of the state get?
Central Massachusetts (12 projects, $10.37 million)
• $1,500,000 for Worcester Polytechnic Institute to build a continuous flow reactor for destruction of PFAS in contaminated soils and the plants that grow in them.
• $188,000 for the Town of Ashby to purchase an essential piece of Highway equipment, a loader with plow.
• $1,000,000 for the Town of Princeton for the construction of a new public safety building.
morial Community Association to renovate a historic building to create an essential community facility with a childcare center.
• $1,000,000 for the Town of Colrain to construct a shared disposal system for wastewater to service single and multi family homes that may be condemned without a sustainable solution.
• $950,000 for the Town of Leicester to build a water interconnection with the City of Worcester.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Holliston to build wastewater infrastructure in its growing downtown.
• $879,000 for Stop It Now! in Northampton to increase the awareness, availability, and effectiveness of child sex abuse prevention resources, including expansion helplines.
• $960,000 for the Town of Mendon for a water system expansion.
• $200,000 for the Army Corp of Engineers for operation and maintenance of Barre Falls Dam.
• $1,426,000 for the Army Corp of Engineers for operation and maintenance of Tully Lake.
• $160,000 for the Army Corp of Engineers for operation and maintenance of West Hill Dam.
continued on page 58
MA Receives $93M continued from page 57
North Shore (13 projects, $11.59
million)
• $550,000 for the City of Lynn for an urban forestry program.
• $250,000 for Gloucester Adventure for preservation work on the National Historic Landmark dory fishing Schooner Adventure.
• $786,000 for Endicott College to expand research capacity of its engineering program by investing in new instrumentation for its laboratories.
• $461,000 for the House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association to preserve and protect The House of the Seven Gables and its campus.
• $1,092,000 for the City of Gloucester to make upgrades to the Riverdale Park Pump Station to address deteriorating equipment and vulnerability to moisture and corrosion.
• $807,000 for the Town of Marblehead for the municipal wastewater treatment system, managing stormwater, and improving surface water quality.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Nahant to construct a new force main, assess the Wharf Road pump station, and improve stormwater drainage to reduce flooding and increase resilience.
• $1,092,000 for the City of Newburyport to design a new PFAS filtration system.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Essex to support the replacement of aging asbestos cement pipes.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Hamilton to extend new water piping and upgrade meters and infrastructure to improve water pressure, increase supply reliability, and prevent contamination from aging pipes.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Ipswich to replace two aging municipal groundwater wells.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Middleton to design and engineer a new water distribution system to address PFAS contamination.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Topsfield to replace a water main, remove asbestos cement pipe, and install new valves, hydrants, and fittings to protect public health and ensure safe, reliable water distribution.
Southeastern Mass and South Shore (13 projects, $13.66 million)
• $2,026,000 for the City of Fall River to implement a phosphorus deactivation program at the South Watuppa Pond.
continued on page 59
MA Receives $93M continued from page 58
• $700,000 for Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility to conduct a prospective health assessment and establish a monitoring system to assess particle radiation releases associated with decommissioning Plymouth's Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant.
• $350,000 for the Town of Dighton for improvements to the Power Plant Pump Station.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Swansea for Route 6 corridor sewer collection system.
• $1,092,000 for the City of Fall River to replace lead-contaminated service lines and pipes.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Foxborough for the Chestnut Street PFAS water treatment plant.
• $1,000,000 for the Town of Freetown to meet the newest drinking water standards and protect communities from exposure to harmful PFAS.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Plainville for a water treatment plant.
• $906,560 for the Town of Sharon lead water service and cast iron and asbestos concrete water main project.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Rockland to fund the
to the wastewater treatment plant.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Wareham for improvements to the existing water pollution control facility.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Westport to construct trunk sewer phases to provide sewer service and clean water to adjacent residential neighborhoods.
• $1,031,000 for the New Bedford Police Department, in conjunction with the New Bedford Port Authority proposal, for a new Harbor Safety Police Vessel for the Port of New Bedford.
Greater Boston (24 projects, $20.3 million)
• $1,664,000 for Roca, Inc. in Chelsea to engage 220 of Massachusetts’ highest-risk young people in an enhanced employment training program.
• $500,000 for the Charles River Watershed Association in Boston to identify effective flood reduction opportunities and work with communities to advance them.
• $286,000 for Revolutionary Spaces in Boston to stabilize Boston’s Old State House’s sub-basement to preserve this historic and irreplaceable building.
MA Receives $93M continued from page 59 developments in Boston.
• $250,000 for Justice for Housing to provide permanent housing to justice-involved individuals and their families in Boston.
• $375,000 for the American Association of State Climatologists to fund critical equipment and software to enable the state’s recently created Office of Climate Science (OCS) to support the implementation of the 2023 ResilientMass Plan.
• $1,092,000 for the City of Cambridge to provide primary disinfection of drinking water.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Randolph to construct a new water standpipe for public health and public safety.
• $1,031,000 for Eastie Farm to expand their Climate Corps fellowships.
• $275,000 for BMA TenPoint to establish a community-based violence and crime intervention and reduction project.
• $1,092,000 for the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute to expand their violence intervention programming.
• $1,031,000 for the City of Boston to reduce flooding and prevent pollution at affordable housing
• $1,031,000 for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County to upgrade technology and equipment required to respond quickly and effectively to children who are victims of crimes.
• $1,031,000 for the American City Coalition to fund the Roxbury Worx program, which would connect formerly incarcerated individuals with workforce development and job connections.
• $682,000 for the Phoenix for expansion of recovery resources.
• $1,031,000 for the City of Brockton for equipment for Brockton’s new Public Safety Complex.
• $1,031,000 for the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department for a facility to deliver behavioral health care and substance use disorder treatment for criminal justice-involved individuals.
• $852,500 for the City of Melrose to manage flooding and improve water.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Arlington for smallscale, cost-effective installations that manage stormwater regionally along the Mystic River Watershed.
• $1,092,000 for the City of Woburn to upgrade the water treatment plant.
continued on page 61
Your single source for precast concrete solutions
• $1,036,000 to the Town of Natick to support the construction of a water booster pump station at a Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA).
• $1,000,000 for the Town of Lexington to improve tree cover in and around the Mystic River Watershed communities.
• $1,000,000 for the Town of Wellesley to increase urban tree canopy, improve stormwater management using infrastructure, and protect and restore the ecological health of the Charles River Watershed region.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Needham for stormwater management project to reduce phosphorous and support restoration of the Charles River watershed.
• $200,000 for the Town of Wayland to replace an existing sewer system in Wayland that is aging and undersized, leading to potential failures.
Merrimack Valley (8 projects, $9.17 million)
• $1,956,000 for the Tyngsborough Sewer Commission to upgrade the Phalanx Street pump station
• $1,000,000 for the City of Haverhill to construct the state’s first municipal radial collector riverbank well system.
• $1,092,000 for the City of Lowell to support the completion of the first phases of the separation of the Humphrey’s Brook and Billings Street Wetlands combined sewer system in the Centralville neighborhood of Lowell.
• $1,092,000 for the City of Littleton to support the construction of a new sewer system to support economic development in the Town of Littleton.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Groton to bring clean potable municipal drinking water to the GrotonDunstable Regional High School and surrounding properties.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Westford for the construction of two new treatment facilities to remove PFAS contaminants from drinking water.
• $750,000 for the Phoenix enhances a comprehensive reentry and wellness effort that serves both justice-involved individuals and law enforcement personnel.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Merrimac to support engineering for critical upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant.
• $1,971,000 for the Town of Agawam to address portions of the downtown area that have inadequate and deteriorated stormwater infrastructure.
• $1,092,000 for the City of Chicopee to improve the nitrogen removal capabilities of the Chicopee Water Pollution Control Facility.
• $1,500,000 for the Williamstown Meetinghouse Preservation Fund to renovate, bring into ADA compliance, and preserve the Williamstown Meetinghouse building.
• $1,000,000 for the Town of Monson to renovate, add on to and repair the existing fire station.
• $3,700,000 for the Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee to provide a new concrete taxiway surface.
• $800,000 for the City of Holyoke for the Combined Sewer Overflow system.
• $1,092,000 for the Town of Blandford for upgrades to the Water Treatment Facility and distribution system.
MATERIALS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE:
• 1” MINUS PROCESSED GRAVEL
• ¾” & 1½” CRUSHED STONE
• SCREENED LOAM
• SCREENED SAND
• $1,092,000 for the Town of West Brookfield to construct a new water treatment facility.
• $735,000 for the Berkshire Innovation Center Security Operations Center, a centralized hub for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats within manufacturing facilities.
• $599,000 for the Town of Charlemont to purchase a fire engine.
• $1,015,000 for the Berkshire South Regional Community Center expand the building to address needs and enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
• $750,000 for the Town of Middlefield for improvements to the Middlefield Senior Center including HVAC upgrades and construction improvements to meet ADA requirements.
• $1,450,000 for the Army Corp. of Engineers for operation and maintenance of Knightville Dam.
• $165,000 for Shea Theater Arts Center to renovate Franklin County’s only large, publicly owned performing arts venue.
• $700,000 for the Town of Conway to purchase a replacement pumper fire truck for its volunteer fire department.
Written by Maggie Cullen, USA Today Network. Reprinted from the Cape Cod Times. n
NOW AVAILABLE: BOSTON GRAVEL
PLANT LOCATION: 200 LEGACY BLVD. DEDHAM, MA 02026 Plant: 617-590-0024 OFFICE: 1039 EAST STREET DEDHAM, MA 02026 Office: 781-329-4111 Fax: 781-329-1039
DELIVERIES AVAILABLE ON LARGE ORDERS. PLEASE CALL FOR PRICING. MATERIALS ACCEPTED:
• BROKEN ASPHALT
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2026 Scholarship Applications Available Now
UCANE to Award 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 2026 OR a current full-time college student who has not previously received a UCANE scholarship.
• 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.
HOW WILL THE APPLICATION BE JUDGED?
Twelve scholarships will be awarded. Two of the 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 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
WHAT MUST ACCOMPANY THE APPLICATION?
1. A transcript of high school or college grades through the latest period prior to April 12, 2026.
2. A letter of recommendation from the principal or faculty advisor/academic advisor.
3. A letter of recommendation from a community member familiar with the applicant’s ability and character.
DEADLINE:
Applications and letters of recommendation must be received by UCANE via email at bward@ucane.com no later than 11:59 PM on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
If you have any questions regarding the completion of the application, please contact Brandon Ward at bward@ucane.com or (508) 314-2449.
Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc. 300 Congress Street • Suite 101 • Quincy, MA 02169 Tel: 617.471.9955
Facing the Utility Labor Challenges with Smarter Tools and Stronger Training
(This is the second article in a 3-part series on anticipated 2026 utility contracting trends)
The construction industry is at a pivotal moment, facing an intensifying labor shortage alongside rising expectations for productivity, safety, and project delivery. With a significant portion of the workforce nearing retirement, contractors, particularly in the utility sector, must rethink how they attract, train, and retain the next generation of workers. Technology is emerging as a critical part of that solution – reshaping jobsites, redefining career pathways, and enabling new ways of working.
From digital collaboration platforms to subscription-based tools and tech-enabled training programs, today’s innovations are helping contractors do more with less while positioning construction as a modern, technology-forward career choice for the workforce of the future.
Technology and Training are Key Drivers for Next-Gen Workers
The growing workforce shortage threatens project timelines, costs, quality, and overall industry growth. With nearly a quarter of the construction workforce set to retire in the next decade, the need to bring in a new generation of workers has never been more urgent.
The construction industry’s workforce challenge is no longer just about filling open roles, though. It’s also about redefining what a career in construction looks like. As labor shortages persist, technology is emerging as both a productivity driver and a powerful recruitment and retention tool, reshaping how work is performed and how the industry attracts new talent. Today’s jobsites are increasingly digital, relying on GNSS/GPS-enabled equipment, tablets, automation, and data-driven workflows. These tools reduce
manual, repetitive tasks while creating roles that blend hands-on work with technology, appealing to a newer, more tech-native workforce and increasing efficiency, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. In many cases, new entrants adapt quickly to digital systems, reinforcing the idea that modern construction careers require both technical aptitude and traditional trade skills.
For example, instead of manually entering performance data into daily field logs at the end of the day, foremen on utility jobs increasingly record data
continued on page 66
throughout the day on their mobile devices, assisted by intuitive electronic logs, voice-to-text, error checking, AI, and other modern capabilities. This efficient process reduces the task from hours per day to minutes per day.
Additionally, equipment operators digging trenches for utility pipes are likely to be assisted by automated machine control systems guided by 3D models.
Construction technology companies are helping accelerate this transition by investing in workforce development programs that integrate technology directly into education and training. Many college construction management programs have students using advanced estimating and project management software applications, equipping them to use those programs right away when they are hired. In some cases, schools may even be introducing those applications to companies still using paper or spreadsheets. These initiatives also support broader industry goals, including expanding access for women, veterans, and underrepresented groups.
The result is a more resilient workforce model, and one that positions construction as a technology-forward industry with clear career pathways. By aligning training, education, and innovation, contrac -
tors are not only addressing today’s labor gaps but also building a more engaged, future-ready utility workforce for the years ahead.
Rapid Adoption of Common Data Environments
Utility construction has reached a turning point in recent years, as technology advancements deliver on long-promised improvements to collaboration, integration, and execution. Rather than adding complexity, new digital tools such as common data environments (CDEs) increasingly help contractors close the gap between connected workflows and real-world jobsite demands. CDEs are critical because they minimize the time contractors spend trying to search for information or learn individual modeling software, a vast majority of which goes unanalyzed and unused.
CDEs have become more interactive and collaborative, with design coordination moving directly into 3D models. Design reviews, constructability discussions and change management increasingly occur within shared digital spaces, enabling faster iteration and stronger alignment across teams. This modelcentric approach improves transparency, reduces rework and helps projects move more efficiently from planning through construction, with all stakeholders working from a consistent, up-todate source of truth.
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For instance, a CDE can help ensure utility field teams are always working from the latest drawings, with real-time visibility into design changes as they occur.
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• ADS Pipe & Chambers
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� Tapping Sleeves & Gates Installed / Cut
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• Line Stop / EZ Valves
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• Cutting of Chilled Water Lines & Steam Lines
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Mechanical Services
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Pressure Testing & Disinfection of New Mains
Installation & Testing of Backflow Preventers
Large Diameter Hydraulic Pipe Cutting
Hydrant Installation & Repair
Electronic Leak Detection
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In 2026, the construction hardware and software subscription model is expected to see even greater maturation, with a focus on more refined and comprehensive programs. Subscription-based technology models are gaining momentum across the construction industry, offering contractors a flexible alternative to one-time purchases and perpetual licenses. Tech subscriptions deliver greater cost predictability, scalability, and access to innovation at a time when margins, labor, and schedules re -
continued on page 67
Technology in Const. continued from page 66
main under pressure.
That growth reflects a broader shift in how utility contractors evaluate technology investments. Instead of large upfront capital outlays, subscription models bundle hardware, software, updates, connectivity, cybersecurity, and support into manageable recurring costs, lowering barriers to adoption for firms of all sizes.
This approach helps utility contractors stay competitive as digital tools – such as machine control, fleet management, and construction management software – move from modern conveniences to essential assets. Companies still relying on spreadsheets or paper-based workflows increasingly find themselves at a disadvantage against peers using real-time data, automation and integrated platforms. Subscriptions also support recruiting and retention efforts, particularly among younger workers who expect modern, technology-enabled environments.
Beyond affordability, subscriptions provide builtin technology assurance. Contractors gain immediate access to the latest features, updates and cybersecurity protections, while standardizing tools across teams and equipment. The result is greater consistency, fewer surprises and a more resilient, future-
ready operation, making subscriptions a strategic foundation for long-term growth rather than a simple purchasing option.
In conjunction with the rapid advancement of CDEs and the willingness of new workers to embrace technology capabilities, subscription-based hardware and software models have matured, giving utility contractors a lower-risk path to technology adoption. The powerful combination of these trends allow utility contractors to integrate new tools gradually while aligning workflows across their technology stack. This shift is enabling teams to focus less on managing systems and more on delivering projects, supporting tighter schedules, recruiting a new generation of workers, and improving cost control.
Ian Warner currently serves as the director of industry workforce development and innovation for Trimble where he focuses on emerging technologies and implementations across educational institutions, key accounts and individual project case studies. n
wishes to congratulate the 2020 Officers and Board of Directors of the Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc.
2021 Wishes to Congratulate the 2026 Officers and Board of Directors of the Utility Contractors’ Association of New England, Inc.
OFFICERS
OFFICERS
President: Marcella Albanese...................... Albanese Brothers, Inc.
President: Chris Valenti..............................GVC Construction, Inc.
President Elect: Ryan McCourt...................... McCourt Const. Company
President Elect: Querino Pacella............................RJV Construction Corp.
Treasurer: Brian Cooney.............................C. C. Construction, Inc.
Treasurer: Lisa French Kelley............W. L. French Excavating Corp.
Secretary: Chris Valenti .............................GVC Construction, Inc.
Secretary: Justin Goodheart............. ...J. F. White Contracting Co.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Vincent Barletta ................................................................... Barletta Heavy Division
Marcella Albanese ............................................................... Albanese Brothers, Inc.
Nick Biello .........................................................................................J. D’Amico, Inc.
Gerry Carney, Jr. ............................................................ C. N. Wood Company, Inc.
Mike Biszko, III .................................................................. Biszko Contracting Corp.
Andrew Daniels...................................................................................J. Derenzo Co.
Brian Cooney ....................................................................... C. C. Construction, Inc.
George DeFelice ......................................................................DeFelice Corporation
Julia D’Allessandro .................................................................. D’Allessandro Corp.
Jerry Gagliarducci ..................................................Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.
Jerry Gagliarducci ..................................................Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.
Joe Gioioso ...........................................................................P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.
Marco Gioioso.......................................................................P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.
Dan Horgan .........................................................R. H. White Construction Co., Inc.
Mark Langevin .........................................................Phoenix Communications, Inc.
Lisa French Kelley ...................................................W. L. French Excavating Corp.
William Leonard ...................................................................... Aqua Line Utility, Inc.
Bill Leonard .............................................................................Aqua Line Utility, Inc.
Karin Marshall .......................................................................Boston Concrete Corp.
John Our................................................................................ Robert B. Our Co., Inc.
Mike McCarthy .................................................................................... J. Derenzo Co.
Querino Pacella ..................................................................RJV Construction Corp.
Richard Pacella, Jr. .......................................................................R. M. Pacella, Inc.
Ryan McCourt .......................................................McCourt Construction Company
Brian Rawston ..............................................................................Jay Cashman, Inc.
John McGrath ................................................................. Methuen Construction Co.
Fred Rogers ..................................................... Scrap-It, Inc./Minichiello Bros., Inc.
Michele Norton....................................................... HUB International New England
Erik Sveden ...............................................................................................Milton CAT
Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.
Fred Rogers ......................................................Scrap It, Inc./Minichiello Bros., Inc.
Jordan Tirone.....................................................DeSanctis Insurance Agency, Inc.
David Walsh. ..................................................................Pawtucket Hot Mix Asphalt
Mark Szela .................................................................. Insituform Technologies LLC
Christopher Walsh............................................................. W. Walsh Company, Inc.
with dEdiCation and CommitmEnt
UCANE PrEsidENt Chris VAlENti GVC ConstruCtion, inC.
Chris is Vice President of GVC Construction, Inc. of Lunenburg, MA where he works with his wife Geselle who is President of the company. His brother Michael Valenti, Jr. is also a Vice President of the company, and works side by side with Chris and Geselle.
GVC was founded by Geselle and Chris in March of 2000, and along with Mike 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 company is now SDO Certified, MBE/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 for two years in each role of Secretary, Treasurer, and President Elect.
Chris 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 2026. 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.
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.
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 UCANE several committees and served on the Board of Directors for four years. He previously served for two years each as Secretary and Treasurer, and he is now serving as UCANE President Elect. Querino is an effective communicator and a staunch supporter of clean water programs, as well as open and fair competition in the underground construction industry.
FrENCh KEllEy - w. l. FrEnCh ExCaVatinG Corp.
Lisa French Kelley is a Principal at W. L. French Excavating Corp. of North Billerica, MA. She is responsible for visiting jobsites and staying on top of industry related issues, regulations, and legislation that impact her family’s business.
Lisa has been around the underground construction industry her entire life. As a young girl she would accompany her dad as he would plow in his Mack truck, or go with him to the garage on weekends. She has worked full-time with the company for 23 years, taking a hiatus from time to time while raising three children.
In 2018, W. L. French Excavating Corp. joined UCANE and Lisa immediately became involved by attending Government Relations Committee meetings, and in 2020 she was later elected to the Board of Directors.
Lisa has gained the respect and admiration of her peers and brings fresh ideas and perspective to our industry. She was honored to move up the ladder at UCANE and be voted Secretary in 2025. She now has moved up to hold the office of UCANE Treasurer.
Justin is a General Superintendent at J.F. White Contracting Company, of Framingham, MA. JFW has been an active member of UCANE since 1978. Justin has been on the Board of Directors for four years and is honored to be in a leadership role in the association as UCANE Secretary.
Justin’s father was in the lumber industry. His father built the log home that he grew up in as a child. Growing up Justin always enjoyed working side by side with his father on different projects around the home. As a teenager Justin spent a couple summers framing and roofing houses. After high school Justin attended Northeastern University in Boston where he graduated with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a minor in Business Administration.
He is currently a General Superintendent and often tasked with some of the most challenging and difficult projects. As a young engineer at JFW, he was fortunate enough to work with and learn from some of the best people in the business. Twenty-one years later, he is now a senior leader in the company, helping to train another generation of young engineers.
BRIAN COONEY C. C. Construction, Inc.
MARCELLA ALBANESE Albanese Brothers, Inc.
GERRY CARNEY, JR. C. N. Wood Company, Inc.
KARIN MARSHALL Boston Concrete Corp.
WILLIAM LEONARD Aqua Line Utiity, Inc.
FRED ROGERS Scrap It, Inc./Minichiello Bros., Inc.
MARK LANGEVIN Phoenix Communications, Inc.
RICHARD PACELLA, JR. R. M. Pacella, Inc.
MICHELE NORTON HUB International New England
D’ALLESSANDRO D’Allessandro Corp.
MIKE McCARTHY J. Derenzo Co.
Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.
RYAN
McCourt Construction Company
P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.
JOHN
Methuen Construction Company
McCOURT
McGRATH
JULIA
MARCO GIOIOSO
BRIAN RAWSTON Jay Cashman, Inc.
ROBBIE OUR Robert B. Our Co., Inc.
CHRISTOPHER WALSH W. Walsh Company, Inc.
MARK SZELA Insituform Technologies LLC
JERRY GAGLIARDUCCI
Scituate Heavy Precast Division 120 Claypit Road, P.O. Box 636
President: Chris Valenti..............................GVC Construction, Inc.
President Elect: Querino Pacella............................RJV Construction Corp.
Treasurer: Lisa French Kelley............W. L. French Excavating Corp.
Secretary: Justin Goodheart............. ...J. F. White Contracting Co.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marcella Albanese ............................................................... Albanese Brothers, Inc.
Gerry Carney, Jr. ............................................................ C. N. Wood Company, Inc.
Brian Cooney ....................................................................... C. C. Construction, Inc.
Julia D’Allessandro .................................................................. D’Allessandro Corp.
Jerry Gagliarducci ..................................................Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.
Marco Gioioso.......................................................................P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.
Mark Langevin .........................................................Phoenix Communications, Inc.
William Leonard ...................................................................... Aqua Line Utility, Inc.
Karin Marshall .......................................................................Boston Concrete Corp.
Mike McCarthy .................................................................................... J. Derenzo Co.
Ryan McCourt .......................................................McCourt Construction Company
John McGrath ................................................................. Methuen Construction Co.
Michele Norton....................................................... HUB International New England
Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.
Fred Rogers ......................................................Scrap It, Inc./Minichiello Bros., Inc.
Mark Szela .................................................................. Insituform Technologies LLC
Christopher Walsh............................................................. W. Walsh Company, Inc.
Congratulates UCANE on Celebrating 72 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: Chris Valenti..............................GVC Construction, Inc.
President Elect: Querino Pacella............................RJV Construction Corp.
Treasurer: Lisa French Kelley............W. L. French Excavating Corp.
Secretary: Justin Goodheart............. ...J. F. White Contracting Co.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marcella Albanese ............................................................... Albanese Brothers, Inc.
Gerry Carney, Jr. ............................................................ C. N. Wood Company, Inc.
Brian Cooney ....................................................................... C. C. Construction, Inc.
Julia D’Allessandro .................................................................. D’Allessandro Corp.
Jerry Gagliarducci ..................................................Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.
Marco Gioioso.......................................................................P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.
Mark Langevin .........................................................Phoenix Communications, Inc.
William Leonard ...................................................................... Aqua Line Utility, Inc.
Karin Marshall .......................................................................Boston Concrete Corp.
Mike McCarthy .................................................................................... J. Derenzo Co.
Ryan McCourt .......................................................McCourt Construction Company
John McGrath ................................................................. Methuen Construction Co.
Michele Norton....................................................... HUB International New England
Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.
Fred Rogers ......................................................Scrap It, Inc./Minichiello Bros., Inc.
Mark Szela .................................................................. Insituform Technologies LLC Christopher Walsh............................................................. W. Walsh Company, Inc.
Best wishes to UCANE’s 2026 Officers & Board. We applaud your dedication and commitment to the underground
to
OFFICERS
President: Chris Valenti..............................GVC Construction, Inc.
President Elect: Querino Pacella............................RJV Construction Corp.
Treasurer: Lisa French Kelley............W. L. French Excavating Corp.
Secretary: Justin Goodheart............. ...J. F. White Contracting Co.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marcella Albanese ............................................................... Albanese Brothers, Inc.
Gerry Carney, Jr. ............................................................ C. N. Wood Company, Inc.
Brian Cooney ....................................................................... C. C. Construction, Inc.
Julia D’Allessandro .................................................................. D’Allessandro Corp.
Jerry Gagliarducci ..................................................Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.
Marco Gioioso.......................................................................P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.
Mark Langevin .........................................................Phoenix Communications, Inc.
William Leonard ...................................................................... Aqua Line Utility, Inc.
Karin Marshall .......................................................................Boston Concrete Corp.
Mike McCarthy .................................................................................... J. Derenzo Co.
Ryan McCourt .......................................................McCourt Construction Company
John McGrath ................................................................. Methuen Construction Co.
Michele Norton....................................................... HUB International New England
Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.
Fred Rogers ......................................................Scrap It, Inc./Minichiello Bros., Inc.
Mark Szela .................................................................. Insituform Technologies LLC Christopher Walsh............................................................. W. Walsh Company, Inc.
Skanska proudly congratulates UCANE on their 72nd anniversary and the 2026 Officers and Board of Directors.
As committed as we are to being the best in construction, we are just as committed to the people in the communities where we live, work and play.
Building What Matters
Route 146 Reconstruction Design-Build in North Smithfield, RI
OFFICERS
President: Chris Valenti..............................GVC Construction, Inc.
President Elect: Querino Pacella............................RJV Construction Corp.
Treasurer: Lisa French Kelley............W. L. French Excavating Corp.
Secretary: Justin Goodheart............. ...J. F. White Contracting Co.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marcella Albanese ............................................................... Albanese Brothers, Inc.
Gerry Carney, Jr. ............................................................ C. N. Wood Company, Inc.
Brian Cooney ....................................................................... C. C. Construction, Inc.
Julia D’Allessandro .................................................................. D’Allessandro Corp.
Jerry Gagliarducci ..................................................Gagliarducci Construction, Inc.
Marco Gioioso.......................................................................P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.
Mark Langevin .........................................................Phoenix Communications, Inc.
William Leonard ...................................................................... Aqua Line Utility, Inc.
Karin Marshall .......................................................................Boston Concrete Corp.
Mike McCarthy .................................................................................... J. Derenzo Co.
Ryan McCourt .......................................................McCourt Construction Company
John McGrath ................................................................. Methuen Construction Co.
Michele Norton....................................................... HUB International New England
Richard Pacella, Jr. ....................................................................... R. M. Pacella, Inc.
Fred Rogers ......................................................Scrap It, Inc./Minichiello Bros., Inc.
Mark Szela .................................................................. Insituform Technologies LLC
Christopher Walsh............................................................. W. Walsh Company, Inc.
As a proud and longtime UCANE member, HUB International would like to congratulate Chris Valenti, President, and all the 2026 Officers and Board of Directors.
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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 72nd 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.
With more torque, giving you the power you need to get things done. Completely re-imagined, it delivers enhanced grading, ride and stability. And its new cab layout simply redefines operator comfort. This is the complete package of power, performance and comfort.
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100 Quarry Drive | (508) 634-3400
NORTH READING
84 Concord Street | (978) 276-2400
WAREHAM 14 Kendrick Road | (508) 291-1200
STOUGHTON
207 Page Street | (781) 399-8580
SCARBOROUGH 16 Pleasant Hill Road | (207) 885-8000
