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HomeMy WebLinkAbout081624 - 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. Conference Thank Yous & State Roadeo Winners, From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit News Vol. 9, Issue 26 Aug 16, 2024 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/b1249e7524df/the-wsta-weekly-17984534?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> Thank You <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/2d47a08e-8c70-b255-f95a-869bc78b2552.png> ________________________________ The 48th Washington State Public Transportation Conference, Vendor Expo, and State Roadeo came this week, and it was a great success. A huge thank you to the amazing employees of Ben Franklin Transit for hosting this year. Additionally, thank you to the Roadeo Steering Committee, Washington State Department of Transportation for their partnership, the Sponsors for their financial, and the WSTA Staff and volunteers: Melanie, Brandy, Brenda, Marshall, David, and Charles. Over 700 public transportation professionals and supporters from Washington, Oegon, Idaho and beyond participated in the 5 days of events. For those who attended, we will have the presentations and links to photos in the coming week or so. But below is just a peak of the week All photos by: Charles Meyersberg <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/_compresseds/d1360919-2c8b-56b7-197e-409d0f4f66d3.jpg> E. Susan Meyer, CEO of Spokane Transit Authority, received her WSTA Board of Directors Reiterment Plaque from Justin D. Leighton, WSTA Executive Director, after 20 years on the WSTA Board, including 6 years as an Officer, including President. <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/_compresseds/2652d29b-ae25-9ac7-21bb-dd7770921abe.jpg> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/_compresseds/5dce8f16-4711-6f6d-44f5-c8f7773d0119.jpg> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/_compresseds/7ea5498b-d7ce-77e5-9a3b-70be1f9a3c0d.jpg> ________________________________ Congradulations to the 2024 Washington State Roadeo Winners <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/cf992894-e1f2-2f77-de2f-9f7a572b0778.png> State Roadeo in the News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5724ddd36f&e=7ccb4f03e2> BOC Category 1st Place Robert Floyd (Kitsap Transit) 2nd Place Daniel Savage (Intercity Transit) 3rd Place Johnathan Taylor (Whatcom Transportation Authority) 35’ Coach Category 1st Place Val Quill (Kitsap Transit) 2nd Place Frederick Sambrano (Intercity Transit) 3rd Place Angel Arteaga (Pierce Transit) 40’ Coach Category 1st Place Matt Chomjak (Community Transit) 2nd Place Gabe Belize (Ben Franklin Transit) 3rd Place Gabe Fernos (Spokane Transit Authority) Maintenance Category 1st Place Kitsap Transit 2nd Place Intercity Transit 3rd Place Community Transit A Pre-Trip Category Pre-Trip Coach - Tammy Klein (KCM) Pre-Trip Wheelchair Securement - Bonnie Mitchell (Pierce Transit) Grand Champion Kitsap Transit <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> House Speaker Johnson Considering Six-Month Stopgap On Wednesday, Roll Call reported <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c9c753acf4&e=7ccb4f03e2> that House Speaker Mike Johnson is deliberating whether to consider a six-month Continuing Resolution (CR), otherwise known as a stopgap measure, in order to placate demands from some conservative members, including the House Freedom Caucus (HFC). In a statement, the HFC indicated that “In the inevitability that Congress considers a Continuing Resolution, government funding should be extended into early 2025 to avoid a lame duck omnibus that preserves Democrat spending and policies well into the next administration.” The intent is to keep the federal government funded through the first or second quarter of early 2025, providing lawmakers elected to serve in the 119th Session of Congress the opportunity to work to finalize Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations working with a new presidential administration. However, the move would put House Republican leadership at odds with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole of Arkansas, as well as Senate and House Democrats, who have remained steadfast in their preference to pass spending bills leading up to or during the lame-duck session. A spokesperson for Speaker Johnson communicated that “The House Appropriations Committee has diligently moved all 12 bills out of committee and the House has passed 75 percent of government funding for the upcoming fiscal year while the Senate has yet to even consider a single appropriations bill. The House will continue its successful effort to responsibly fund the government for FY25 when it returns from its district work period.” As a reminder, funding for the current fiscal year expires on September 30th. We will be sure to update you on the status of the appropriations bills and the potential for Congress to pursue a CR over the weeks ahead. Economy * On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the July 2024 Consumer Price Index (CPI) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe 2ef2a8361&id=ab756098a1&e=7ccb4f03e2> revealing a 2.9 percent increase in overall CPI over the past 12 months. This is the first time CPI has fallen below 3.0 percent since March 2021, providing more evidence that inflation continues to cool and likely keeping the Federal Reserve on a steady course toward cutting interest rates next month. * New data <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0faf828447&e=7ccb4f03e2> from BLS shows an increase in non-farm payroll employment for large metropolitan areas from June 2023 to June 2024. Specifically, 24 large metropolitan areas saw growth, while 27 others experienced consistent numbers. The largest increases occurred in the metropolitan areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, and Paradise, Nevada (3.4 percent) and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (2.8 percent). Several other metropolitan areas saw increases of 2.5 percent each, including Indianapolis, Carmel, and Anderson in Indiana; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach in Florida. Direct Pay U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service * Today, the Administration is celebrating the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169). * The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminded <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4ac0e163b4&e=7ccb4f03e2> local governments and other entities interested in claiming tax incentives available through Direct Pay provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for projects placed in service in 2023 to complete the mandatory pre-filing registration process. As a reminder, Direct Pay (or "elective payment") was authorized by the IRA to allow units of local government and other tax exempt and governmental entities to receive a payment equal to the value of new and expanded tax credits authorized by the law for a variety of clean energy projects. * Eligible incentives are organized by project area and outlined in a fact sheet <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ac49d95272&e=7ccb4f03e2> . This comprehensive White House website <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5dc02fa226&e=7ccb4f03e2> outlines the process to claim those payments, while this table <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a3c60924e3&e=7ccb4f03e2> offers a review of eligible projects and the amounts of the corresponding tax credits. * Pre-filing registration is a requirement for eligible taxpayers to receive direct or elective payment of these tax credits. The registration number generated by the pre-filing registration tool must be included on a taxpayer’s annual return and filed before any payments can be received. IRS recommends that taxpayers submit pre-filing registration “at least 120 days prior to when the organization or entity plans to file its tax return on which it will make its election.” The agency continues to host office hours to assist project sponsors in navigating the pre-filing registration process, and we have included information and registration links for upcoming sessions this fall below: * September 4, 2024 (1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET): Registration <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=23cbde8c49&e=7ccb4f03e2> * September 18, 2024 (1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET): Registration <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=401035a8b4&e=7ccb4f03e2> * October 2, 2024 (1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET): Registration <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0a94d50afe&e=7ccb4f03e2> * We encourage all units of local government, special district governments, and your partners in tax-exempt nonprofit organizations to review this opportunity and consider how these tax credits may be applicable and beneficial to your clean energy projects under development. Please let us know if you have any questions. Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=73010228f4&e=7ccb4f03e2> that the Ports of Oakland and the Northwest Seaport Alliance, which includes the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle, have joined the Freight Logistics Optimizations Works (FLOW) initiative. Developed in response to supply chain disruptions exacerbated by the pandemic, the FLOW platform collects, aggregates, and anonymizes key information on inbound containerized freight in an effort to inform capacity decisions and mitigate supply chain challenges for participants. A press release states that with the addition of the new participants, the FLOW platform now includes ports handling 95 percent of inbound container traffic on the West Coast. Federal Transit Administration * The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6cdc8e2f48&e=7ccb4f03e2> a final rule <https://watransit.us12.lis t-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0448ff068f&e=7ccb4f03e2> updating requirements for the Public Transportation Safety Certification Program (PTSCTP). The program provides training for rail transit agency safety professionals and officials from State Safety Oversight (SSO) agencies. A press release states that the new regulation has “improved the recertification process and refined communication procedures to manage the program more effectively. As part of the revisions, FTA is providing greater flexibility in the curriculum to address changing training needs as the industry evolves. The updated rule also streamlines administrative requirements to help ensure everyone who needs to receive training does so.” The final rule will become effective on November 1, 2024. * FTA will host a public roundtable <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9fe867b176&e=7ccb4f03e2> on September 10, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) to examine issues in bus operator visibility as well as research and actions to improve visibility through vehicle design. The agency invites transit agencies and other stakeholders to join and requests that interested participants register <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=82250db3a5&e=7ccb4f03e2> by September 6, 2024. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Executive Director Island Transit Island Transit in Coupeville, WA is seeking an Executive Director for this municipal corporation that provides fare-free public transportation to the 87,000 residents of Island County, two hours north of Seattle. Residents enjoy a coastal lifestyle on two main islands, Whidbey and Camano, which are connected by bridge to the mainland. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=204dd8ed1d&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=a54d9d3a6c&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=1319b61a53&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=73b0a9ed7c&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=615bd6c5aa&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * New bus service to waterfront begins in September <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d754de20c6&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Does light rail solve I-5’s traffic congestion? <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3a5c073aa5&e=7ccb4f03e2> Seattle Times (pdf included) * Where Did King County Metro’s Ridership Go? <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=12ffcc6d89&e=7ccb4f03e2> The Urbanist * First Look at WSLE’s High Bridge. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5052de1b49&e=7ccb4f03e2> Seattle Transit Blog * Larsen tours Whidbey Island transit facility with eyes on expansion. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b6f8594a2d&e=7ccb4f03e2> Whidbey News Times * Stanwood couple's advocacy expands transportation options for rural areas. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f15ed86e3c&e=7ccb4f03e2> Stanwood Camano News (pdf included) * Sound Transit preparing for Lynnwood light rail opening on Aug. 30. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d8ff01c582&e=7ccb4f03e2> KIRO Newsradio * Skagit Transit plan eyes clean future. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e74ed92b39&e=7ccb4f03e2> Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (pdf included) ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7abd2bc693&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d81c9e82c6&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c3d7842536&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=01b587e631&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c75f15f1d4&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e1147962b4&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=df6b230d79&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d644f49cca&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=503bec8b7d&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=86255e2e9f&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=81a6f8d8f9&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c386087983&e=7ccb4f03e2> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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