The Law Will Require Construction Contractors To Have An Apprenticeship Program For Certain Bridge Contracts In Excess of $500,000

Kingston, NY — Today, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein signed into law a new policy that requires construction contractors entering into contracts with Ulster County to have apprenticeship agreements for certain bridge contracts in excess of $500,000.  Contractors shall have apprenticeship agreements appropriate for the type and scope of work to be performed and must be registered with and approved by the New York State Commissioner of Labor.

“This law will help ensure we have a well-trained next generation of high skilled local tradesmen to tackle the monumental task of rebuilding essential infrastructure throughout the Hudson Valley,” said County Executive Mike Hein.   “There is much work to be done as we focus on delivering safe, high quality roads and bridges for our citizens.  My Administration’s `Building a Better Ulster County´ initiative is a $15 million investment in our community, our people and our economy.”

“County Executive Hein has always been a great friend of the hardworking men and women of our community.  He consistently shows leadership in fighting for high quality jobs for the people of the Hudson Valley,” said Todd Diorio, President of Hudson Valley Construction Trade Council and Business Manager of Local 17.  “Today’s signing will ensure well-trained high quality workers are prepared to meet Ulster County’s future infrastructure needs for many years to come.”

“We applaud County Executive Hein for his vision in this signing of his support of apprenticeship,” said Sam Fratto, Business Manager of IBEW 363.  “This action will directly create opportunities and jobs for residents in the local building trades.”

The County Executive’s 2015 Budget Address called for an aggressive Infrastructure Investment Program to address $10 million in critical road and bridge improvements in 2015, known as “Building A Better Ulster County.

Pictured below: County Executive Mike Hein joined by (from left): Mike Ham Business Representative, IUOE Local 825; Matt Stoddard, President - Business Agent, Iron Workers Local 417; James Malcolm, Council Representative, Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters; Sam Fratto, Business Manager, IBEW Local 363; Todd Diorio, President of Hudson Valley Construction Trade Council and Business Manager of Laborers Local 17; Michael Gaydos, Business Manager & Financial Secretary/Treasurer, Iron Workers Local 417; Scott Smith, Council Representative, Carpenters Local 279; and Dean Tamburri, Field Representative & Recording Secretary, Laborers Local 17