NASSCO was formed in 1976 as a contractor organization to set standards for the assessment, maintenance and rehabilitation of underground infrastructure. Now, 50 years later, NASSCO continues to build awareness of aging underground infrastructure and provides viable solutions through education, technical resources and advocacy.
While NASSCO membership is still primarily made up of contractors (33%), it has grown over the years to represent public agencies (24%), consulting engineers (16%), suppliers of materials and equipment (19%) and associate members involved in underground infrastructure who do not fall into other membership categories (8%). In other words, today NASSCO member composition mirrors the entire underground infrastructure industry. The benefit is that all facets of the industry are fairly represented in the development of NASSCO Performance Specification Guidelines and other technical resources.
NASSCO has also grown geographically throughout North, South and Central America. In fact, the number of NASSCO members who live and work in Canada has grown so rapidly that NASSCO saw the need to hire a dedicated Canadian Government Relations firm to help communicate the need to fund underground infrastructure and promote NASSCO’s Pipeline Assessment Certification Program as a national Canadian standard.
With nearly 40,000 individuals trained in PACP since its inception in 2001, NASSCO has built upon that success with its Inspector Training Certification Program, Building Sewer and Drain Inspection Program, Drain Cleaning Certification Program and PACP for Asset Management online course. With many more programs planned, NASSCO continues to support the industry through education and training.
As we reflect on NASSCO’s past, we are also looking toward the future. What does the next 50 years hold for NASSCO and our industry? With the advent of automated defect recognition we now have another tool in our toolbox for the proper assessment of pipe conditions. With cutting-edge cameras, we have clearer imagery than ever before. In spite of these advancements, however, we still struggle with workforce development and attracting qualified talent to our industry. What will this look like in the next 50 years?
Join us March 2-5 in Puerto Rico as we explore these questions and more. During our time together, we will also honor our founders, celebrate NASSCO accomplishments and set the course for the next 50 years. Held at El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, the four-day event will kick off with a day of golf and networking at our welcome reception. Then NASSCO members will get down to business. Following a keynote speech by representatives from the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, NASSCO members will meet to vote on the association’s 2027 fiscal year operational budget, incoming board members, and receive updates on everything new to NASSCO.
Other activities include a special first-time attendee welcome reception, productive NASSCO committee meetings, a special technical day where attendees can earn CEU/PDH credits, and a “Back to the ‘70s” awards banquet. The celebration will conclude with a NASSCO beach party on Palomino Island, allowing attendees to relax and unwind after a heavy schedule of meetings and technical learning.
To register for NASSCO’s 50th anniversary celebration in March, visit nassco.org/events and sign up today.
Sheila Joy is executive director of NASSCO. She can be reached at director@nassco.org.
