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HomeMy WebLinkAbout121925 - The WSTA WeeklyALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Happy Holidays, Spring Maintenace Forum, Spring Committee Season is coming, WSTA 2026 Legislative Agenda, Deadline Extended, Federal Updates, and Transit Jobs Vol. 10, Issue 35 December 19, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/15eb63aca8a5/the-wsta-weekly-17993006?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/bbbb19bd-18cb-4ecf-9a01-07f516413e76.jpg> Registration Now Open for Associate Members and Agency Attendees <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/9479d8a6-40eb-dc30-5c94-b67d44802785.png> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0eadc4f724&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ac1f7af6-c337-2422-ab93-2a7d87645318.png> 2026 WSTA Legislative Priorities ________________________________ Preserve, Maintain & Increase Public Transit Investments Support Safety and Security for Transit Employees and Customers Incentivize Transition to Zero-Emission Fleets Reduce Costs and Streamline Processes to Strengthen Public Transit Protect & Defend the Effective and Efficient Delivery of Public Transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=32782f8a16&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/27544fb0-86cb-4eb4-a6fb-8958be87599c.png> Registation and Information Now Available WSTA Board of Directors Meeting & Legislative Conference (for Board members Only) January 26 & 27 Olympia, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=36931cd2ed&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Clerks of the Authority Februray 23 Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d17e2716cd&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Public Rideshare Committee February 26-27 Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=193bc4beae&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Operations Committee March 4-6 Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=28bff9c64e&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Roadeo Steering Committee March 11 Ellensburg, WA Email will be sent to Cmt. TNLI Meet and Greet March 18 Virtual WSTA HR Roundtable Committee March 19 - 20 Bellingham, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5429c06179&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Finance Officers Leadership Committee March 25 Ellensburg, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=439cd0c831&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Maintenance & Facilities Committee March 31 Tulalip, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1f640f6436&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Spring Maintenance Forum April 1-2 Tulaliup, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=649114d074&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Session 1 April 1-2 Tulaliup, WA Info sent to Fellows For WSA Meetings and Events Beyond April, please see WSTA's 2026 Master Calendar CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d8976dbdaa&e=7ccb4f03e2> Deadline Extended, January 6, 5:00pm 2026 Applications Now Open <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fe3813e0-182a-647e-cce6-3c7ebae8a2e8.png> Applications for the 2026 TNLI Emerging Program have been extended due to constraints of the holiday season. Be sure to prepare all your application materials before submitting, and double-check the in-person events, as those are mandatory and can not be made up in any other way. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b9f91d5d0e&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=59375001a9&e=7ccb4f03e2> a final Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=84b14cf940&e=7ccb4f03e2> for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program. As we reported previously, the Department will award up to $1.5 billion in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) and potentially additional appropriated funding to support regionally or locally significant projects that enhance surface transportation infrastructure. The final NOFO contains additional information on award requirements, eligible activities, and the Administration’s priorities for funding. In the FY 2026 round, DOT will prioritize projects that enhance safety, expand transportation options for American families, are located in Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs), have a higher percentage of non-federal funding committed, and have not previously received an award under the program. The application deadline is February 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). See our updated grant memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/clic k?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=911dca0cc1&e=7ccb4f03e2> for more information and let us know as soon as possible if you are interested in this opportunity. * DOT issued two new Notices pertaining to consumer protections for air travel. The first Notice <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=33162e14f9&e=7ccb4f 03e2> states that the agency will not enforce airline refunds for certain flights cancelled and rescheduled under a different flight number through June 30, 2026 and will consider whether to initiate a rulemaking to modify the definition of a cancelled flight. A second Notice <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0ee87701fa&e=7ccb4f03e2> provides enforcement discretion for airlines to provide meals and hotels to travelers impacted by cancellations or significant delays due to unscheduled maintenance required to replace or modify elevator aileron computers (ELAC). * DOT released <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=37b53a23ea&e=7ccb4f03e2> a National Strategy <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4ebaca434a&e=7ccb4f03e2> and Comprehensive Plan <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4f2783fa43&e=7ccb4f03e2> to support U.S. advanced air mobility (AAM) deployment. The pillars of the agency’s efforts will include leveraging existing programs to support innovation and begin operations; initiating engagement with partners, research and development, and planning; developing new policies and models; and working to “transform” the aviation ecosystem. Federal Transit Administration * The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) updated its webpage <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=103eccf4ab&e=7ccb4f03e2> of mental health resources for transit workers. Covered topics include stress management, suicide prevention, and mental health crisis response. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration * California sued the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) over its recent decision to withhold over $33 million of the state’s Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) funding due to alleged violations of federal English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards for commercial drivers. The state argued in a filing <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d 76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3ddcb0c765&e=7ccb4f03e2> that the action was “arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of discretion, and contrary to law; imperils the safety of all persons driving in California; and threatens to wreak significant economic damage on the State and the Nation.” Surface Transportation Board * The Senate confirmed the renomination of Surface Transportation Board (STB) Member Michelle Schultz to serve a new term on the Board. Member Schultz previously held leadership roles on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and has been a Member of STB since 2020. Congress * Politico reports <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=83454ce9f0&e=7ccb4f03e2> that Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito intends to introduce and hold a markup of its surface transportation reauthorization bill in early March. The Chair indicated that the government shutdown delayed the release of the bill but lawmakers intend to move the legislation forward before the expiration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) in September. On the other side of the Capitol Hill, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves hopes for his Committee to mark up the House reauthorization measure in the first part of the year. * The Urban Institute released a new report <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f540e0607a&e=7ccb4f03e2> on the impacts of the IIJA four years after its enactment to inform the reauthorization process. The think tank found that the law resulted in an “overall increase in ground transportation capital investment compared with previous years…concentrated among highway projects” serving passenger cars and trucks. The report noted that “state and localities primarily leveraged transportation funds from IIJA to expand highway construction rather than invest in transit,” while “rail projects have experienced a net decline in spending.” The value of the law’s historic levels of investment was also reduced due to high construction cost inflation, a decline in productivity, and a decrease in non-federal match committed by state and local governments. The Institute argued that, to address these challenges in the next reauthorization bill, lawmakers should focus on “spending more effectively, focusing on projects that advance environmental sustainability, and ensuring that funds go to the communities that need them most.” Permitting Congress * Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=53cc8f4add&e=7ccb4f03e2> the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act (H.R. 4776 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d9a21cbc36&e=7ccb4f03e2> ) in a 221-196 vote. The bill would affirm that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a “purely procedural statute” that “does not mandate particular results” or “any specific environmental outcome or result;” amend the definition of Major Federal Action to trigger a NEPA review and clarify the scope of reviews to impacts of projects that “share a reasonably close causal relationship;” shorten permitting timelines; and establish judicial review limitations for NEPA claims. According to the Office of the Democratic Whip, the final version passed by the House includes an amendment filed by Maryland Congressman Andy Harris that would exempt “project authorizations for which a Federal agency has filed a motion to remand or otherwise reopened between January 20, 2025 and the date of enactment of this act from the NEPA and judicial review reforms made by this act.” See a webpage <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click ?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=145aef9691&e=7ccb4f03e2> with resources on the legislation from the House Natural Resources Committee. <https://maassets.higherlogic.com/image/APTA/Executive_Action_Update_650x200_Final_3009955.png> Impacts of Executive Actions on Public Transportation: Since January 20, President Trump has issued almost 100 Executive Orders, Memoranda, and Proclamations to carry out his Administration’s policy goals and agenda. Many of these directives, together with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) actions, directly impact the public transportation industry. These Executive Orders and other directives pause some transportation funding; terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; impose new tariffs; and establish priorities for DOT competitive grants. APTA’s Executive and Regulatory Actions Tracker <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e8ce1804c8&e=7ccb4f03e2> provides real-time updates and summaries regarding the President’s Executive Orders and other Administration actions that impact the public transportation industry. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Finance and HR Manager Jeffeson Transti Salary Range: $71,990 to 91,592 Annually The Finance/HR Manager is responsible for the administration, supervision, and leadership of all finance and human resources functions for Jefferson Transit. This position ensures the agency’s financial integrity, compliance with regulatory requirements, effective HR operations, and strong internal coordination. Serving as a key member of the management team, the Finance/HR Manager integrates the Finance and HR sections into Jefferson Transit’s broader organizational goals, fostering professionalism, collaboration, and operational excellence. In this role, the Manager is expected to uphold the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct as a representative of a public agency. Every function within Jefferson Transit depends—directly or indirectly—on the finance and human resources processes. The Finance/HR Manager plays an essential role in maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and responsiveness of these functions while supporting staff, management, and community-facing operations. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b63f124398&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ ________________________________ WSTA Jobs Board: WSTA offers a comprehensive clearinghouse for transit jobs across the state. Use our website to see the latest job postings. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9a9050aee6&e=7ccb4f03e2> If you are a transit agency and have an opening - please use the submit button on the website. Attention Transit Vendors Please sign up for the WSTA Vendor Email Distribution List to be the first to know. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8d2b73864f&e=7ccb4f03e2> *If you are not a vendor please do not sign up <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/1877cd28-850f-4d18-987c-7fcdc524d617.png> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/16fd6fee-3218-4d70-b1fe-2056df0f1434.gif> WSTA pays an annual membership to the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC), which allows our Transit Agency members access to their services. Check out what is new with MRSC. Available for WSTA Transit Members: Ask MRSC - Ask MRSC Archives <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1f50dae63d&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ Ask Transit WSTA's partn <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/d4f5e03c-25b5-4812-8415-e6065dfea42a.png> er, the Washington State Transit Insurance Pool (WSTIP), provides an "Ask Transit" tool, which allows agency employees to ask a question, and staff will work to research that question and respond back. . Click Here to Ask Transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=86211ea749&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * ST Downtown Tunnel Board Meeting <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8b1b407796&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Transit Blog * Transit-oriented development moves forward at new South King County Link stations <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=481e3466f4&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Sound Transit’s The Platform * Sound Transit Board Closes In on Fare Gate Proposal <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3321d54031&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Urbanist ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3e2ba2b0f1&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=afbf2ae750&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bdb026958a&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=354df8f78f&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f12b9d2147&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cb18c5ff62&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a8313f890f&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=864acdf102&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f9bae6596f&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f3e0514e3e&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=eea61c8ccc&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4b7923df85&e=7ccb4f03e2> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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