Local 16 lands Nevada megaproject thanks to federal Infrastructure Bill
Insulators International Staff — Fri, May 10, 2024 @ 11:05 AM
In Nevada's dynamic construction landscape, where So-Called "Right to Work" laws often pose challenges, the Redwood Materials project in McCarren, Nev., signified a significant shift.
This $3.5 billion megaproject to build a massive battery recycling and manufacturing facility created substantial opportunities for HFIAW Local 16 San Francisco and its members.
The project was supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Once signed into law by President Biden in late 2021, it authorized $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending, with $550 billion going toward "new" investments and programs.
The project was also covered by a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) and Davis Bacon guidelines, which benefited Local 16 signatory contractors and provided members the opportunity to showcase their expertise, hopefully opening doors for future work opportunities in the state.
Local 16 members recently completed their portion of Phase One of the project, but they still have a way to go before the work is completed. The Redwood Project has seven phases in total, and it is estimated that Local 16 members have about three years left on the job.
Under the PLA, Farwest Insulation Contracting leads the mechanical insulation work, with General Foreman Victor Hernandez at the helm. A combination of seasoned journeymen and several apprentices formed the backbone of Farwest's crew, which dealt with rigorous schedules and demanding work hours, often under adverse weather conditions.
Shifts panned 10 hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work as needed. Local 16's members met or exceeded the Phase One project timeline.
"The expertise demonstrated by our members not only ensured the project's success but also showcased the high standards of mechanical insulation practices upheld by Local 16," said Local 16 Organizer Aureliano Ochoa.
For Farwest Insulation Contracting and Local 16, working on a high-profile megaproject provided the opportunity to make an impression in Nevada, demonstrating that union labor is better trained, professional and able to finish the job on time and under budget.
"The project at Redwood Materials allowed us to showcase our commitment to excellence and safety," Hernandez said. "It was a powerful teaching and learning experience for everyone involved."
As construction continues, the members of Local 16 hope their hard work and expert craftsmanship will open more doors for future projects in Nevada.