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HomeMy WebLinkAbout100226 - FW_ The WSTA Weekly From: The WSTA Team <WSTA@watransit.com> Sent: Friday, October 2, 2026 10:13 AM To: Heidi Eisenhour <HEisenhour@co.jefferson.wa.us> Subject: The WSTA Weekly ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. TNLI Nears Graduation, WSTA's Fall Committee Season, Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit in the News Vol. 11, Issue 25: October 2, 2026 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/15c901481b9c/the-wsta-weekly-17998710?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/0215a8c9-44a7-2be0-30d1-b2a80c32f66a.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/13b541dd-c2cb-676f-b036-38ffcdc0d3d2.jpg> 2026 TNLI Emerging Fellows Near Graduation This week, the 2026 TNLI Emerging Fellows completed their final in-person session of the program at Alderbrook in Union, WA. The Fellows completed their session by preparing for their final projects, which will be presented at WSTA's annual TNLI Leadership Symposium. The Leadership Symposium is a virtual event, and everyone is welcome. Please Mark Your Calendar: TNLI Leadership Symposium - Day 1 October 30 | 9:00am - 11:00am TNLI Leadership Symposium - Day 1 November 6 | 9:00am - 11:00am TNLI Leadership Symposium Website will be ofline for udpating October 5- 9 https://watransit.com/tnlisymposium <https://us.list-manage.com/14GuNjeo8e8?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/27544fb0-86cb-4eb4-a6fb-8958be87599c.png> We hate to say the word "fall" when we have been enjoying the summer, but it's time... it's time not just for your Pumpkin Spice Latte, but it's time for WSTA's Fall Committee Season! WSTA Committee attendance is open to WSTA Transit Agency Members only. Be sure you get registered! WSTA HR Committee October 14 & 15 Wenatchee, WA CLICK HERE to register <https://us.list-manage.com/xL8Pex0DIgr?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> WSTA Finance Committee October 15 & 16 Sequim, WA CLICK HERE to register <https://us.list-manage.com/9xpI4ItSBPt?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> WSTA Operations Committee October 21 & 22 Bremerton, WA CLICK HERE to Register <https://us.list-manage.com/mV3ZpRAonYN?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> WSTA Clerks of the Authority Committee October 22 - 8:30am - 12:30pm Virtual CLICK HERE to Register <https://us.list-manage.com/n1YY0VcFAAd?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> TNLI Leadership Symposium Day 1 October 30 - 9:00am - 11:00am Virtual & Anyone is Welcome Information Coming Soon TNLI Leadership Symposium Day 2 November 6 - 9:00am - 11:00am Virtual & Anyone is Welcome Information Coming Soon WSTA 4th Quarter Board of Directors November 12 & 13 Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE for Information <https://us.list-manage.com/nwHZbT6nNzO?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation * Advance appropriations authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, P.L. 117-58) expired yesterday. The law provided $36.8 billion worth of annual funding authorized by Division J of the IIJA for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 to FY 2026 to support public transportation, bridge, rail, port infrastructure, and multimodal transportation programs. At that time, lawmakers used an emergency spending designation to provide these Division J resources beyond what could be supported by the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) to spur economic stimulus in the aftermath of the pandemic. * Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell indicated that she would work to restore the advance appropriations by the upcoming expiration of the current Continuing Resolution (CR) funding most federal government operations on December 11, 2026. Congress chose to briefly extend the law’s surface transportation authorizations, but not Division J that provided advance appropriations under that short-term stopgap enacted into law in September. * Some Republican leaders have expressed a preference to address policy and funding for the programs funded under Division J of the IIJA to provide any new advance appropriations in the context of the next multiyear reauthorization rather than what many observers expect to be a second extension of IIJA authorizations other than Division J into the new year through the appropriations process. * Our team would note that many of these programs remain popular with lawmakers and should be addressed through either reauthorization or appropriations, while some others like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program have drawn ire and likely will not continue. Congress can choose to continue financing these programs by using HTF revenues despite the shortfall or by using General Fund transfers providing multiyear advance appropriations or becoming subject to annual appropriations. * We will continue to keep you updated as these discussions continue in the months ahead. Please see the list below for programs receiving advance appropriations under Division J of the IIJA. Department of Transportation (DOT) * Local and Regional Project Assistance (BUILD) Grants * National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) Grants * Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) * National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program * Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program * Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) * Bridge Formula Program (BFP) * Bridge Investment Program (BIP) * National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program * Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects (INFRA) Grants * Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) Program * Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program * Construction of Ferry Boats and Ferry Terminal Facilities * Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities * University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) * Federal-State Partnership (FSP) for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program * Amtrak National Network Grants * Amtrak Northeast Corridor (NEC) Grants * Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program * Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Program Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Federal Transit Administration * This morning, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published new proposed guidance <https://us.list-manage.com/JsYduFsvf4i?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> governing the implementation of the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program. If finalized, the guidance would amend the agency’s methodology to evaluate and rate projects under the program and steps in the CIG process from project initiation to construction grant award. According to a Notice, the “proposed revisions are intended to streamline the CIG process, improve accountability of CIG project sponsors, and improve overall readability of the policy guidance.” The amendments include requiring the initiation of environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) before requesting entry into Project Development, raising the level of required funding commitments for New Starts and Core Capacity projects prior to the Engineering phase, increasing the CIG percentage share for projects in corridors with birth or marriage rates near or above the national average, and allowing CIG projects to be eligible for project justification warrants that meet defined ridership and cost thresholds. FTA will accept public comments on the proposed guidance until November 16, 2026 to inform a final guidance document. * FTA will host a webinar <https://us.list-manage.com/B8u_p4J57kC?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> on a recent Safety Advisory issued in response to recent incidents of Overhead Centenary System (OCS) and pantograph failures on rail transit systems. The virtual session will take place on October 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Office of the Secretary * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced <https://us.list-manage.com/l_4jKGUkzqu?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> “Track 1” project selections under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects (INFRA) program. The agency will award $426 million in funding to 12 surface transportation projects of national or regional significance in 12 states intended to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of people and goods movement. See a fact sheet <https://us.list-manage.com/k5I1 JZ8oYfq?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> highlighting the awards. Please let us know if you are interested in facilitating a debriefing on your grant application with DOT staff. * DOT finalized revisions <https://us.list-manage.com/ZjBCGCTYHuS?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> to its regulations governing the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Programs. According to a Federal Register Notice, the final rule removes “race- and sex-based presumptions that DOT determined to be constitutional” in the certification of DBEs and ACDBEs and “completes the transition to a system of individualized determinations of social and economic disadvantage.” The rule also “addresses administrative challenges identified by stakeholders,” such as demonstrating economic disadvantage against “non-disadvantaged individuals with comparable qualifications” rather than “similarly situated” individuals in Personal Narratives (PNs). State United Certification Programs (UCPs) are now in the process of recertifying DBEs and ACDBEs based on new standards, and the final rule establishes a deadline of December 24, 2026 for UCPs to complete the reevaluation process. The regulation became effective last Friday, September 25, 2026. * DOT announced <https://us.list-manage.com/rSJ4Cf2grk9?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> the winners of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Infrastructure (ARPA-I) Ideas and Innovation Challenge. The agency awarded $700,000 in prizes to four entities showcasing innovations in transportation including agentic arti Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration * The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted <https://us.list-manage.com/goUKeMCilrP?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b 075e2b> a coordinated commercial motor vehicle enforcement operation in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia last weekend. The agencies shared that the operation resulted in 78 drivers placed out of service and 25 vehicles placed out of service. Senators Release Bipartisan Permitting Reform Legislation October 1, 2026 Yesterday, leaders of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee released <https://us.list-manage.com/R6WRuPwJ05f?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2i d=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> the text of a comprehensive permitting reform agreement. The 417-page measure entitled the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 would reform federal environmental review and permitting processes under bedrock laws and enact targeted policies intended to advance domestic energy development. See the bill text <https://us.list-manage.com/lgUS3nCM6Wa?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> and a fact sheet <https://us.list-manage.com/s5x5anagqo0?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e 2b> from the sponsors of the legislation. The measure was introduced after months of negotiations between bipartisan leaders of both Senate Committees. In a joint statement, Senate EPW Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito argued that the “reforms we secured in this deal will transform our nation’s ability to power our economy and fuel future growth, while continuing to protect the land, water, and wildlife we all cherish.” Senate ENR Committee Chair Mike Lee offered that the legislation would fix a “broken” permitting process, while Senate EPW Committee Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse expressed optimism that the measure would help “lower energy bills” for consumers and create “more clean energy.” The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 would comprehensively amend federal permitting processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). It would amend procedures for environmental reviews; clarify the roles and responsibilities of federal, state, local, and Tribal agencies; and place limits on the scope and timeline of judicial reviews. For NEPA reviews specifically, the legislation would set a two-year deadline for Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) reviews and a one-year deadline for Environmental Assessment (EA) reviews. It would also update procedures for the adoption of categorical exclusions (CEs) by other agencies. The legislation includes a series of policies intended to strengthen permitting capacity and modernize the environmental review process across the federal government. It would mandate updated data standards, the testing and design of new technologies, and the creation of tracking tools to improve accountability. It would also authorize $20 million in annual funding from Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 to FY 2033 for a Permitting Improvement Fund to enhance agency performance. The measure includes specific provisions to reform permitting processes for electric transmission and energy projects, including onshore and offshore energy, geothermal energy, and hydropower. It would authorize $20 million in funding annually from FY 2026 to FY 2031 to establish a program to facilitate voluntary streamlined processes for local permitting of distributed energy systems. It would also create a $50 million annual formula program at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) from FY 2028 to FY 2032 to support the use of coastal resources, coastal and natural infrastructure, and ecosystem services provided by natural systems. Additionally, the bill would address new costs to the electric grid stemming from data center development. The measure expresses the sense of Congress that “computational load owners and computational load operators should incur the full cost of the transmission service they require” and would mandate that data centers pay for any associated transmission costs they incur. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) would be charged with promulgating regulations to effect those changes. The Senate hopes to vote on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act upon its return to Washington following the midterm elections in November. In the meantime, the Senate EPW Committee and ENR Committee are engaging stakeholders to inform any potential changes to the legislation. Please let us know if we can facilitate any engagement with your Congressional delegation on your behalf. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Assistant Manager - Facilities Community Transit Salary Range: $101,355.00 - $152,033.00 As Assistant Manager for Facilities Maintenance, you will manage day-to-day operations covering multiple shifts. You will personally supervise crews on multiple shifts to manage facilities activities for on-base and road teams covering locations within a 1,300 square mile area. You will ensure compliance with union contracts and agency policies and promote a positive working environment. <https://us.list-manage.com/19q3nwT8VXc?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> ________________________________ ________________________________ WSTA Jobs Board: WSTA offers a comprehensive clearinghouse for transit jobs across the state. Use our website to see the latest job postings. <https://us.list-manage.com/oZCvl846VbI?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> 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://us.list-manage.com/R4lDJ9prQN5?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> *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://us.list-manage.com/fE17GlNenjQ?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> ________________________________ 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://us.list-manage.com/TxXF4NVAI23?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Island Transit weighs new policy for nearly $74 million in reserves <https://us.list-manage.com/vqxdk8GMHOH?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> . Whidbey News Times (pdf included) * Link Transit riders can win prizes for skipping solo car trips in October <https://us.list-manage.com/OprbSEpjQrU?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> . Lake Chelan Mirror * Pinehurst Station opens in North Seattle, Sound Transit’s first infill stop <https://us.list-manage.com/18qQWenMB5t?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> . Lynnwood Times * Lewis County Transit promotes from within for new executive director <https://us.list-manage.com/qvxIKNxoM7_?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> . Centralia Chronicle * Tacoma on the Go provides free transit for Tacoma Mall employees <https://us.list-manage.com/1Bd0jloBLBW?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> . KIRO * Community Transit offers one week of fare-free rides to mark anniversary <https://us.list-manage.com/ygBAuUPczGm?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> . Everett Herald (pdf included) * Ben Franklin Transit rolls out new Dial-A-Ride app <https://us.list-manage.com/1AnvFX3AZY5?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> . KEPR * Metro Flex expands on-demand transit to Auburn and Federal Way <https://us.list-manage.com/c2NP6Ni3ySg?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> . KIRO * Everett Transit, Community Transit advance merger plan to boost service, keep paratransit <https://us.list-manage.com/gqiOafypgSO?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> . KOMO * 'Keep Pierce Moving' Campaign Touts Major Bus Service Expansion Plan <https://us.list-manage.com/idPBmrS9f_x?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> . The Urbanist ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://us.list-manage.com/goUZppyneGI?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> Latest Issue <https://us.list-manage.com/wEPUXzqfR6i?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d8 92b2280e7203b075e2b> * Metro Magazine News <https://us.list-manage.com/KGLfpox3tSz?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> * National RTAP <https://us.list-manage.com/lBq0Z1uVD7B?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> * Transit Talent <https://us.list-manage.com/PHLi2bVj0xl?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://us.list-manage.com/ae5tWTHW3MA?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> * T4America <https://us.list-manage.com/1200mQjs6DW?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> * CTAA News <https://us.list-manage.com/h65GDboEGm9?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://us.list-manage.com/7U3RROAipSO?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> ________________________________ <https://us.list-manage.com/USCjm2lQ6rA?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> <https://us.list-manage.com/o9PRMaQo4Gx?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://us.list-manage.com/tQ1QTMFLXbx?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2629 12th Court SW Olympia, WA 98502 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/profile?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c0e5ee8e&e=7ccb4f03e2&c=b0de7f88d4> or unsubscribe from this list <https://watransit. us12.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c0e5ee8e&t=b&e=7ccb4f03e2&c=b0de7f88d4> <https://us.list-manage.com/FrY2GxETOaXGnOd8J5oE8n?e=7ccb4f03e2&c2id=557ec01f7a5d892b2280e7203b075e2b>