The SCV Water board of directors authorized a Community Workforce Agreement Tuesday for greater local workforce participation and veteran employment opportunities.

During the board meeting, an agreement was enforced with officials from the Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council to fulfill SB 634.

The legislation was amended in 2017 to incorporate provisions for the potential development of this agreement, which is a five-year pilot program for contracts of recycled water construction projects over $500,000, according to the water agency.

“The goal is that at least 30 percent of all construction labor hours for these recycled water projects come from veterans and qualified local residents,” said Bill Cooper, board president.

Contractors and local unions will rely on nonprofit veterans’ support organizations, such as “Helmets to Hardhats,” to recruit and refer skilled craft workers, according to officials.

Helmets to Hardhats is a program designed to help military service members successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a quality career in the construction industry.

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“As a veteran, it’s great to see that there are job opportunities for other veterans,” said R.J. Kelly, SCV Water board member and Vietnam War veteran. “It’s great that they are able to learn through apprenticeship programs to receive valuable skills and job training.”

Additionally, the council and local unions will first recruit and refer skilled craft workers who reside within the SCV Water service area, and then within 50 miles, for projects built under this agreement, according to the water agency.

“I’m excited to see local skilled tradespeople be able to stay off the freeways and work closer to home, on infrastructure we need,” said Maria Gutzeit, board vice president.

The pilot program has the potential to result in more project dollars coming back into the community directly to benefit local workers as well as the veteran community, according to officials.

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