News

US Dept of Labor Releases New Workplace Guidance to Prepare Employers, Workers for Opioid Emergencies

Opioid emergencies can happen anywhere, including at work, and being prepared can help save a life. OSHA's new guidance, "Opioid Overdose Rescue with Reversal Medications," is part of the Great American Recovery Initiative, a government-wide effort by the Trump Administration prioritizing addiction treatment and recovery.

Our Illinois LICA family is in the spotlight!

Drainage Contractor’s new Lessons from the Field 2026 e‑book, written by Bree Rody, features Executive Director Ryan Arch along with multiple Illinois LICA contractors including Eric Layden, LaVerne Weber, and Tyler Seals who shares lessons, challenges, and field‑tested wisdom from real jobsites.

We’re proud of the work our members do every day, and even prouder to see it recognized nationally.

Mapping What's Possible for Conservation

Across Iowa, farmers, conservation professionals, watershed groups and other partners are working together to put conservation into practice. New digital tools combined with more and better data have created a window of opportunity for us to accelerate the adoption of a wider range of practices across the landscape while making each new investment as useful as possible.

EPA/Corps Seeks Further Comment on WOTUS Rule

EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers are seeking additional comment on their proposed "waters of the U.S." (WOTUS) rule by suggesting new definitions for critical terminology. The agencies proposed the new WOTUS rule in November and received more than 22,000 comments, most seeking further clarification.

Court Stops USDA Reorganization

A federal judge has paused USDA's reorganization and most associated employee relocations until Oct. 2 as part of a lawsuit brought by federal employee unions and allied parties.

H-2B Coalition Asks Congress to Address Administrative Delays in Approving Visas

The H-2B Coalition, which LICA has joined as a participating member, continues to work for an increase in the annual H-2B cap for the number of workers eligible for temporary work status under the program. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which administers the program, announced it has already received enough petitions to fill the congressionally established H-2B cap for the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2027.

Tile Drainage Can Get You Through Wet Times

At $1,500 per acre, installing tile drainage isn’t an easy decision. But after the spring of 2026, with rain and more rain, some Saskatchewan farmers may be wondering if the investment is worth the money.

4 Tax-Smart Investment Moves Before Year End

As the end of 2026 approaches, look beyond investment performance and consider how taxes may affect your overall returns. Although tax considerations generally shouldn’t drive investment decisions, a year-end portfolio review may identify opportunities to reduce your taxes. Here are four to consider.

Make the Most of Your HSA Tax Benefits

If you’re eligible to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA), consider taking a closer look at your contribution strategy. You may be able to reduce your 2026 taxes while strengthening your long-term financial security. Although many people use HSAs to pay current medical expenses, they can also help fund retirement.

AGC Reports 701% Increase in Construction Input Costs

The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction rose 7.1 percent from July 2025 to July 2026 as numerous input prices accelerated to multi-year highs, according to an analysis of government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. AGC reports that the largest price increases affected petroleum products and metals that are subject to tariffs of up to 50 percent.

US DOT Closes 110 Schools for Lax English Proficiency Enforcement

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Aug. 31 unveiled a series of anti-fraud measures, including the closure of 110 commercial driver license schools linked to 5,000 drivers who failed English-language proficiency tests and a nationwide audit of state third-party CDL testing programs.

National Water Quality Month: Every Drop Matters

Every August, we recognize National Water Quality Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting clean water and the role each of us plays in preserving it for future generations. For ADS, water quality is more than a seasonal focus. It is central to our purpose: to protect and manage water, our world's most precious resource.

EPA Expands Exemptions from Biofuel Blending Rules

The Environmental Protection Agency this week announced it is granting more exemptions from biofuel-blending rules to oil refineries than initially expected while also seeking to soften the blow to agricultural-based fuels. The decision provides 29 full and partial small refinery exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.

House Returns to Complete Action on FY 2027 Funding Extension - Little Else

With the midterm elections just over two months away, the House returned to Washington this week to complete action on an extension of Fiscal Year 2027 funding to keep the government operating beyond the September 30 end of the fiscal year. By a vote of 370-48, lawmakers Tuesday passed a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government fully open through the midterm election season.

Smart Drainage Tech Helps Farmers Control Water Table Remotely

“We know that with the weather over the last 20 years we’re still getting about the same amount of total moisture every year in the Corn Belt,” said Scott Lukan, CEO of Agri Drain. “But the span in between moisture events, rain, is longer. It’s growing. This means that rain events have to be more intense if you’re still getting the same amount of moisture.”

What's Next in Ag Drainage?

Using technology and automation to target the use of inputs like fertilizer or irrigation can save costs, boost productivity, and minimize environmental impacts. That’s what is offered by precision agriculture, which has permeated nearly all parts of crop production except, until recently, drainage.

LICA Brings Contractor Perspective to North American Trade Parliament

On August 19, LICA CEO Dennis Mikula Jr. represented the association at the inaugural North American Trade Parliament (NATP) in Oakland, California.

The North American Trade Parliament was created to take real business and industry concerns across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico and move them beyond discussion.

The Dangers of Earbuds and Headphones

Earbuds and music headphones have become fixtures of everyday life, but on the job, they can pose serious safety hazards. What feels like a harmless habit can put you and the people around you at risk.

Most Frequently Cited OSHA Excavation Violations

Excavation and trenching work continue to rank among the most hazardous activities in the construction industry. OSHA’s excavation standard (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P) is designed to address life-threatening risks such as cave-ins, hazardous atmospheres, and falling loads. Despite clear regulatory requirements, enforcement data over the past five years shows a consistent pattern of recurring violations, many of which involve basic safety practices.

BRON Field Day: Where the Work Comes to Life

BRON welcomed contractors, industry partners, and LICA to Sheffield, Iowa, for its 585 Power Unit Showcase, bringing the drainage industry together for a day centered around equipment, installation, and time in the field.

National LICA CEO Dennis Mikula and Executive Vice President Allison Hack traveled from the National Office in Lisle, Illinois, to take part in the event and spend time with BRON representatives and contractors.