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HomeMy WebLinkAbout021426 - 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. State Legislative Update, Spring Maintenance Forum, Spring Committee Season, Federal Updates, and Transit Jobs Vol. 11, Issue 4 - February 14, 2026 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/ec0ac5277444/the-wsta-weekly-17993786?e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/0215a8c9-44a7-2be0-30d1-b2a80c32f66a.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/723df378-2e8a-6d24-f2a1-f33286c2c39f.png> By Mike Shaw, WSTA Lobbyist Most of this week (week 5) was spent on floor action – House and Senate passing bills from their respective chambers before the February 17th deadline. The House will continue to do so on Saturday and may work Sunday afternoon. The Senate has adjourned until Monday, when it is expected to take up the SB 6346 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22f e2ef2a8361&id=74689e5493&e=850008f825> , the millionaires tax. Both chambers have until 5 pm on Tuesday to pass their own bills before they revert to committee hearings. We are past the half-way point of session and the latest revenue forecast will be officially released on February 16, see https://erfc.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/02.16.26-AGENDA.pdf <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c41c1233da&e=850008f825> ,while the Transportation forecast will be released on February 18th, https://erfc.wa.gov /sites/default/files/2026-02/02.18.26-AGENDA.pdf <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ab1d5e849e&e=850008f825> Consequently, the various budget proposals will be released the end of next week and hearings the week of February 23rd. In anticipation of the transportation budget proposals, Senate Transportation Chair, Sen. Liias introduced SB 6352 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cb33553fac&e=850008f825> , concerning transportation resources. This is a fix/trailer bill to SB 5801 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b8aadec8ad&e=850008f825> , that passed last session and raised various transportation taxes such as the gas tax and assorted fees. SB 6352 tweaks some of those sections, and creates a “mobile credential” , an electronic extension of a driver's license. In part II of the bill, the bus and bus facilities grant program is amended to allow for grants for “safety or security enhancements for transit rolling stock or transit facilities.” This bill has a hearing in Senate Transportation on February 19th. Other bills of interest that have a hearing include: 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=eb2f35826b&e=850008f825> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/27544fb0-86cb-4eb4-a6fb-8958be87599c.png> Registation and Information Now Available WSTA Clerks of the Authority Februray 23 Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3eeff23133&e=850008f825> WSTA Public Rideshare Committee February 26-27 Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f1fd8ed954&e=850008f825> WSTA Operations Committee March 4-6 Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f7d00f53af&e=850008f825> 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=b7555aea91&e=850008f825> WSTA Finance Officers Leadership Committee March 25 Ellensburg, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=50a4d34690&e=850008f825> WSTA Maintenance & Facilities Committee March 31 Tulalip, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e381221f24&e=850008f825> WSTA Spring Maintenance Forum April 1-2 Tulaliup, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a5e5d7d0be&e=850008f825> 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=cc8947be64&e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration * The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) established <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=084c699014&e=850008f825> its Emergency Relief Docket for Calendar Year (CY) 2026. Grantees and subgrantees impacted by national or regional emergencies and disasters may request temporary relief from the agency’s administrative and statutory requirements. Petitions may be submitted at regulations.gov, by mail, or by contacting the agency directly. Office of the Secretary * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a Notice <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e825d65b30&e=850008f825> providing an opportunity for stakeholder feedback on an Information Collection Request (ICR) that it will submit to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding disability-related complaints in air travel. The agency seeks to renew its application to collect complaints received by air carriers. Public comments on the Notice are due on March 2, 2026. Congress * Pennsylvania Congressman Rob Bresnahan and Michigan Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet introduced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bf19542c7e&e=8 50008f825> a bipartisan measure intended to strengthen local decision-making in the administration of formula funding overseen by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Among other provisions, the Bridges and Safety Infrastructure for Community Success (BASICS) Act would increase funding for the Surface Transportation Block Grant (SBTG) Program, Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), and Metropolitan Planning (PL) Program; create a new rural and nonmetropolitan planning program; reauthorize the Bridge Formula Program (BFP) as a core formula program called the Strengthening Bridges Formula Program; and require additional sub-allocations under highway formula programs. A coalition of intergovernmental organizations endorsed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=88fbb9969c&e=850008f825> the bill and urged Congressional leaders to include it in the next surface transportation reauthorization. See a section-by-section summary <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c5228f8081&e=850008f825> and additional resources <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ed92aad1a2&e=850008f825> on the legislation. * The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade unanimously approved <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=754198cb63&e =850008f825> 11 bills related to motor vehicle safety and autonomous vehicles (AVs). See a memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=28f23bd4b7&e= 850008f825> provided by Subcommittee staff for a summary of each of those measures. A bill that would establish a federal framework for the introduction of automated driving systems (ADS) and ADS-equipped vehicles onto roads (H.R. 7390) was adopted in a 12-11 vote; however, Democrats expressed a willingness to continue bipartisan negotiations on an AV framework moving forward. Congress * Utah Senator John Curtis introduced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3603103042&e=850008f825> a new bipartisan permitting reform measure <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=19b5a7259c&e=850008f825> with California Senator Alex Padilla and other colleagues entitled the ePermit Act. The bill would expand the use of interactive, digital, and cloud-based technologies in the federal environmental review and permitting process. Provisions in the legislation would provide for the establishment of data standards, the creation of a unified interagency data system, and the development of prototype tools. Trade Congress * On Tuesday, the House of Representatives failed to adopt legislative language that would have extended a prohibition for the chamber to consider measures terminating certain emergency tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration. The prohibition had been in place since last March, but three Republicans voted with Democrats against a proposed extension through the end of July. * With the prohibition no longer in effect, the House on Wednesday was able to consider and then pass legislation (H. J. Res. 72 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe 2ef2a8361&id=ca6ccd7591&e=850008f825> ) in a 219-211 vote to terminate the February 2025 national emergency justifying the Administration’s 35 percent tariffs on Canada. Six Republicans voted with all but one Democrat to secure passage. The Senate had passed a similar measure (S. J. Res. 77 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=aadcf4ff1 9&e=850008f825> ) in October in a 50-46 vote; however, the votes are generally seen as symbolic, as any such legislation sent to the President’s desk would be vetoed with a likely lack of votes in any chamber for a veto override. <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=9ed1a48d50&e=850008f825> 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 ________________________________ Chief Executive Officer LINK Transit Salary Range: $$185,000 - $220,000 Under the guidance of the Board of Directors, this position serves as Chief Executive Officer, providing leadership in the overall operation of the Agency and assuring the delivery of cost-effective, consumer-responsive, and efficient transportation services according to the policies and directives of the Board; serves as primary liaison with elected, business, media representatives, and other community groups within the two-county district. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0b0f2113e8&e=850008f825> ________________________________ ________________________________ 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=6ea750daeb&e=850008f825> 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=411fbe3a97&e=850008f825> *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=7e0cfa9784&e=850008f825> ________________________________ 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=673e613121&e=850008f825> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Sound Transit may have set a ridership record for Seahawks Super Bowl parade <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1fa3190f42&e=850008f825> . KOMO * Port of Olympia to host Olympia-Lacey FIFA World Cup 2026 fan zone: Transportation, road closures <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6b3da1a363&e=850 008f825> . The JOLT News (2nd subheading, WSDOT mention) * Friday Roundtable: Community Transit’s History <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=337b7456fb&e=850008f825> . Seattle Transit Blog * Sound Transit to test extra trains between Lynnwood, Seattle <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=31c088b912&e=850008f825> . Everett Herald (pdf included) * Sound Transit announces three key executive hirings <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8acad07b45&e=850008f825> . Trains * C-TRAN ridership grows for fourth consecutive year <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=14ab9557fd&e=850008f825> . Clark County Today * County council hears pitch on C-Tran subdistrict as light rail funding debate continues <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b7c310c8f2&e=850008f825> . The Reflector * Community Transit to pay $25.4M for Everett Goodwill property <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=11898059fc&e=850008f825> . Everett Herald (pdf included) ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=959fd805ce&e=850008f825> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7cf47939dc&e=850008f825> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=95f78464ba&e=850008f825> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=696ef905c4&e=850008f825> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8116e84790&e=850008f825> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=40898dd355&e=850008f825> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a644504bba&e=850008f825> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=563d1eaf69&e=850008f825> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=91ffa4154d&e=850008f825> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bf98493ee7&e=850008f825> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a72abad9fa&e=850008f825> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=568149ba4b&e=850008f825> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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