Utility & Transportation
contracTOR
BOB BRIANT STEPS DOWN AS DAVE RIBLE TAKES THE HELM
december 2025
NEWARKAsPHALT CORP MANUFAQURER OF HOT & COLD ASPHALT SINCE 1965
C&HAGENCY
DAVE RIBLE
As HE DESERVEDLY STEPS INTO THE ROLE OF CEO OF THE UTCA! WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT YOUR LEADERSHIP WILL BE INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE AS YOU CONTINUE TO GUIDE OUR INDUSTRY TO NEW SUCCESSES. WISHING You ALL THE BEST IN YOUR NEW PosITION.
ANo A SPECIAL THANK You To BOB BRIANT JR.
FOR DEDICATING 43 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE UTCA - YOUR FRIENDS AT C&H AGENCY Exclusively Serving Contractors' Insurance & Bonding Needs for Over 50 Years 55 Lane Road, Suite 210 • Fairfield, New Jersey 07004 P.O. Box 10003 • Fairfield, New Jersey 07004 PHONE 973.890.0900 • FAX 973.890.9038 • E-MAIL: info@chagency.com
www.chagency.com
T
he holiday season is often a time for reflection and ex pressing gratitude for the blessings of the past year. In that vein, I want to offer my sincere appreciation to my industry colleagues who have entrusted me with the honor of running this Association and have continued to support me as we work together to strengthen our industry.
And what a year it has been! Following another wildly successful convention at the Borgata, UTCA members and staff were soon back in Atlantic City for the League of Municipalities Conven tion which was highlighted by our cocktail re ception at the MGM Tower Pool. Despite the scores of receptions taking place during the convention, this event has become a "must-at tend" for industry colleagues, legislators and policymakers from across the state. In addition to the busy social calendar, UTCA has remained active across multiple areas. Our legislative team was in the middle of the action during the recent election in which Mikie Sherrill was elected as New Jersey's first Democrat female Governor. Staff is working closely with Sherill's team and the legislative leaders who will shape policy over the coming years. In fact, UTCA and our partners recently hosted a fireside chat with Gov-Elect Sherrill which was one of her first public events since the election. This well-attended discussion provided valu able insights into her priorities when she takes office in January. Utility costs were a hot-button topic throughout the past year, and the Association continues to focus on issues facing this sec tor of the industry. The UTCA Utility Committee met a few weeks ago and is focusing on its priorities for the upcoming year. The DOT Committee also had a productive meeting with key DOT staff this fall, and the Safety Committee is hard at work planning for next year's Safety Conference. This always interest ing event will feature FBI Training Instructor Tim Latterner who will discuss how to prepare for an active shooter situation. The Civil Rights Committee has been busy unpacking the extraordinary changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program resulting from the USDOT rule eliminating race and gender-based contracting preferences in construction
2 UTILITY & TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTOR I DECEMBER I 2025
projects. While the implications of this rule are still being deter mined, it's safe to say New Jersey's DBE program is undergoing a dramatic shift. And soon enough UTCA members will be jetting off to enjoy a dream vacation at the luxurious Westin Seven Mile Beach Resort in Grand Cayman. I also want to acknowledge the major change taking place at our Association with Bob Briant Jr., retiring after 43 years with UTCA. Bobby began his career with UTCA in 1982 and assumed the role of CEO in 2006 following the retirement of his father, Bob Sr. Bobby has been a tremendous leader as well as a friend and mentor to many of us, and his commitment to our industry is unmatched. Fortunately, Bobby has agreed to remain with the Association in a part-time role so we can continue to lean on him for his wisdom and advice. While Bobby is transitioning into semi-retire ment, we are excited to watch UTCA contin ue to thrive under the leadership of our new CEO, Dave Rible, who assumes this role on January 1. Dave joined UTCA in 2019 and has served as Executive Director since 2022. A former State Assemblyman and Director of the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Dave brings a wealth of experi ence and valuable relationships that will serve the Association well for years to come. On behalf of the entire membership, I offer a heartfelt thank you to Bobby for his decades of service to the industry and we wish him and Dave the best in their new roles. In closing, I would like to extend my best wishes for a joyful hol iday season and a successful new year to everyone. I encourage you to take some time to relax, enjoy quality moments with fam ily and friends, and reflect on the year ahead. Life is precious, and I hope you find both rest and fulfillment during this special time.
COVER STORY
48 CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF BOB BRIANT, JR.
DEPARTMENTS
2 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 7 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW 15 LEGAL DIG 31 LEGISLATIVE NEWS 61 LABOR RELATIONS 73 THE PIPELINE
NEWS
83 MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS IN 2026 95 FLEET SAFETY: DASH CAMERAS AND GPS MONITORING
Published Bimonthly During 2025
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Publisher: Robert A. Briant, Jr. Editor: Helene Nasdeo Editorial Contributors: Ryan Sharpe, Dan Neville, Kyle England Advertising Manager: Helene Nasdeo Production/Graphics: Lauren Hagan, Helene Nasdeo Circulation: Helene Nasdeo Printed By: Triangle Press Affiliations: ARTBA, Clean Water Construction Coalition, Water Infrastructure Network Utility & Transportation Contractor(ISSN 8750-3190) Copyright© 2024 by the Utility & Transportation Con tractors Association is published six times per year by UTCA, 2107 Highway 34 South, Wall, NJ 07719. Call (732) 292-4300 to subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Red Bank, NJ, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to UTILITY AND TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTOR, PO Box 728, Allenwood, NJ 08720.
UTILITY & TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTOR I DECEMBER I 2025 3
CONCRATiULATIONS TO
BOB ViOU
BESTWIS
Representing Public Contractors in all Aspects of Construction Law For Over 85 Years
HONORING DECADES OF DEDICATION AND LEADERSHIP THANK YOU, BOB BRIANT JR. WITH DEEP GRATITUDE, WE RECOGNIZE BOB BRIANT JR. FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF VISIONARY LEADERSHIP, DEDICATION, AND TIRELESS SERVICE TO THE UTILITY AND TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTORS A SSOCIATION (UT A . I
Our mission is to deliver exemplary services that are responsive to the needs of our community, and drive us toward our shared vision for the future of New Jersey.
Based On The Values Of Quality, Honesty and Hard Work, We're Building A Better New Jersey.
TA' S S IMJE OUTH r= L., =--
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
I
202 Reeves Road, Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302 P: 856-451-5300 I F: 856-455-3461 southstateinc.com
Is your company exposed to Fines & Penalties? New Jersey has recently implemented the RetireReady Business IRA Retirement Plan Program Mandate. Below are some Key Elements: If you have been in business for over 2 years If you have over 25+ employees You Must Auto-Enroll all your employees in the NJ RetireReady Business IRA Program or a company retirement plan. If you do not comply, you may be penalized. Protect your company by scheduling a full review of your Retirement Plan Options. Learn how our specially discounted UTCA Retirement Plan Program is a cost effective way to stay compliant, save at higher levels, and gain access to important education assistance.
Kevin Ellman CFP and CEO
Michael Csedrik Director of Retirement Plans
Contact: Michael Csedrik Tel: 201.632.2050 Email: mcsedrik@wpsllc.net
Wealth Preservation Solutions, LLC. 45 Eisenhower Drive, Suite 550 Paramus, New Jersey 07652 wealth preservationsol utions.com Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS). member FINRNSIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Wealth Preservation Solutions, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS.*Empower is a sponsor of the ACP and is not affilated with Kestra Financial.
Investor Disclosures
RLD
RELATIONSHIPS. RESOURCES. RESULTS. Experience a World of Difference
union paving
1140 Globe Ave. Mountainside, NJ 07092 Phone: 908.232.4100 www.unionpaving.com An Equal Opportunity Employer
Congratulations on Your Well Deserved Retirement!
Robert Briant, Jr. We Thank You For All That You've Done For Our Industry!
David Rible We Look Forward To Working With You As The New CEO!