West Virginia Utility Contractors Association

The West Virginia Utility Contractors Association (WVUCA), a division of CAWV, is one of the original sponsors of EXPO. Our members are engaged in construction of water systems and wastewater treatment projects in West Virginia and surrounding states.

Like EXPO, the association has grown to meet the needs of West Virginia’s utility construction industry. WVUCA and its members work closely with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and federal regulatory agencies on issues related to funding, bidding and construction of wastewater treatment facilities. It also works with the American Council of Engineering Companies regarding project specifications and bidding documents.

Funding for water and sewer projects is a top priority of WVUCA. Association members annually visit Washington, D.C., where they meet with the state’s congressional delegation to push for funding of West Virginia’s infrastructure projects.

WVUCA works in conjunction with the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council to promote the development of water and wastewater systems throughout the state. Not only is this infrastructure necessary to provide the citizens of West Virginia with adequate public drinking water systems, it is also vital to future economic development in our state.

Currently, WVUCA is working with a task force that is charged with reducing the amount of time to get a project awarded following a bid opening. Rapid price increases for pipe, cement, fuel and other construction material makes it imperative that contractors get firm prices and material suppliers are reluctant to hold their quotes more than 60 days.

Participating in the task force are contractors and engineers, along with representatives of the WV Infrastructure Council, WV Department of Environmental Protection, WV Bureau of Public Health, WV Water Development Authority, WV Public Service Commission and Rural Utilities Service.

In addition, WVUCA work with the Rural Utilities Service, division of the US Department of Agriculture, has led to development of weather delay specifications used to bid projects, utilization of best practices to control liquidated damages and claims, and a reduction in the need to request contract time extensions.

Overall, WVUCA promotes continuous learning and sponsors seminars throughout the year to keep its members informed about issues and developments in the utility construction industry. Membership in WVUCA provides contractors with a voice for promoting excellence in the utility industry, and affords members the benefits of continuing education, an online planroom and opportunities for networking with state and federal agencies that oversee utility work.