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HomeMy WebLinkAbout092124 - 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. Committee Meetings; From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit News Vol. 9, Issue 28 Sept. 21, 2024 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/fd9a79074442/the-wsta-weekly-17985130?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/27544fb0-86cb-4eb4-a6fb-8958be87599c.png> e future. The WSTA Fall Committee Season is up and running. Don't miss out on meeting with your peers, discussing best practices and current events, and developing networks to utilize in th Upcoming Committee Meetings Finance Committee September 25 Pasco, WA LEARN MORE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2e831771f4&e=7ccb4f03e2> Public Ridshare Committee October 1 & 2 Spokane, WA LEARN MORE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=82ed98e7e5&e=7ccb4f03e2> Maintenace & Facilities Committee October 8 Bremerton, WA LEARN MORE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cf739a0642&e=7ccb4f03e2> Operations Committee October 9-13 Spokane, WA LEARN MORE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c6284efaf2&e=7ccb4f03e2> Leadership Symposium Day 1 - October 18 Day 2 - October 25 Both days are virtual More info coming soon Clerks of the Authority Committee October 24 Virtual LEARN MORE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=533afe091f&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA HR Roundtable Committee November 6 & 7 Tacoma, WA LEARN MORE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f6993f9c8f&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA 4th Quarter Board of Directors November 14 & 15 Spokane, WA LEARN MORE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3475713215&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Congressional Leaders Pivot as House Fails to Pass Six-Month Stopgap On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 202-220 against the six-month Continuing Resolution (CR) (H.R. 9494 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a83 61&id=17bbe3d19a&e=7ccb4f03e2> ) proposed by Speaker Mike Johnson and coupled with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE) Act (H.R. 8281 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/cli ck?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f190a049ac&e=7ccb4f03e2> ). Fourteen House Republicans joined most Democrats in rejecting that stopgap measure, while three Democrats voted for it. Two Republicans voted present. Speaker Johnson is now reportedly <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1a43eddf50&e=7ccb4f03e2> working on a “clean” CR that would run through mid-December to hopefully garner a mix of bipartisan support, which has been essential to keeping the government funded throughout this 118th Session of Congress. House leadership will be working through the details of that legislation over the weekend. The chamber could vote on the measure early next week, if the Speaker’s tentative timeline holds. Senate leaders are taking precautionary measures this week preparing for the event that their colleagues in the House may be unable to reach consensus on a funding patch. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is taking procedural steps to enable the chamber to potentially consider a bipartisan CR that would fund the government through December 13th. He filed a motion for cloture on the legislative vehicle for the measure on Thursday. In a statement <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6023d7d29b&e=7ccb4f03e2> on the failed House vote, Majority Leader Schumer offered that “We now have only a few days left for House Republicans to come to their senses, come to the table, and come together with Democrats to craft a bipartisan agreement. Democrats are prepared to work in a bipartisan way, just as we have many times this year, to avoid a shutdown.” We will continue to monitor any major developments from Capitol Hill. As a reminder, funding expires when the fiscal year ends on Monday, September 30, 2024. Federal fiscal year (FY) 2025 begins Tuesday, October 1st. The last day of scheduled legislative session is next Friday, September 27, 2024 before Congress is set to once again adjourn for a month-long October recess leading up to the November elections. We encourage all federal grant recipients to work toward executing any pending grant agreements as soon as possible to avoid potential delays that could be associated with a federal government shutdown if Congress fails to act by October 1st, the upcoming holidays, or personnel transitions within the Executive Branch during the final months of this calendar year. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Federal Reserve Issues First Benchmark Interest Rate Cut Since 2020 For the first time since March 2020, the Federal Reserve issued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b3c6a38b38&e=7ccb4f03e2> a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement cutting interest rates by 0.5 percent, officially lowering the benchmark interest rate to a range between 4.75 percent and 5 percent. The decision marks a major turning point for the United State economy and the Federal Reserve’s efforts to curb inflationary pressures. The FOMC indicated that it “has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent, and judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are roughly in balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate.” The Federal Reserve communicated that it expects to potentially issue up to two additional cuts before the end of the year. Route Fifty <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=258c7f5eaa&e=7ccb4f03e2> suggests that the immediate impact of lower interest rates should be felt by state and local governments soon in their capacity as project sponsors seeking lower borrowing costs to finance important infrastructure projects. The reduction could prompt refinancing of higher-interest bonds and add critical fiscal bandwidth. Transportation U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service * The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) proposed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f56df557e0&e=7ccb4f03e2> regulations <https://watransit.us12.list-man age.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ecaf534ceb&e=7ccb4f03e2> governing the Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit as amended by the Inflation Reduction Act (PL 117-169). The credit of up to 30 percent is available to support the installation of alternative fuel vehicle refueling property placed in service between December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2033 in low-income communities and non-urban census tracts. The proposed rules describe qualifying alternative fuels, credit-eligible property, prevailing wage and apprenticeship (PWA) requirements, and other related issues. IRS also published updated guidance <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d5616c1f69&e=7 ccb4f03e2> clarifying eligible census tracts for the purposes of the credit. * A press release <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6af17cb542&e=7ccb4f03e2> from the U.S. Department of the Treasury notes that the credit is eligible under the elective payment (or “Direct Pay”) provisions of the IRA and may be claimed by tax-exempt and governmental entities. Treasury published a fact sheet <https://watransit.u s12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=43c3279a40&e=7ccb4f03e2> with additional information on how those entities can access and calculate the value of the credit. See a White House website <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b5f0ec09a3&e=7ccb4f03e2> and a one-pager <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/c lick?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=37d3fb02b1&e=7ccb4f03e2> of eligible incentives for more information on the Direct Pay process. Federal Transit Administration * The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f09148bd24&e=7ccb4f03e2> approximately $300 million worth of awards <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e3f2a6e1ab&e=7ccb4f03e2> to support 18 passenger ferry service modernization projects in 14 states through its Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Ferry Programs. The total funding includes $56.3 million to eight projects in seven states through the Passenger Ferry Grant Program (Passenger Ferry Program), $49 million to six projects in five states through the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program (Low-No Ferry Program), and $194 million to four projects in two states through the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program (Rural Ferry Program). In a press release, the agency highlighted funding to support the replacement of aging vessels with electric ships, ferry fleet expansions, and the construction of new terminals and docks to enhance service. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Transit Manager Yakima Transit The City of Yakima needs a Transit Manager with excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively lead a team dedicated to providing exceptional customer service for our customers relying upon public transportation within the City of Yakima. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4be0a3cf3a&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=fccaa2e3f0&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=c64c3cd73a&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=bfdd2f4d62&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=2665d91140&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Sound Transit CEO Goran Sparrman to get a raise and an extension. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=65e40b6503&e=7ccb4f03e2> Seattle Times (pdf included) * Sound Transit faces backlash over soaring costs of West Seattle light rail. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=543689f5cd&e=7ccb4f03e2> KCPQ * Big changes coming to Tacoma Dome Station. Would you like more parking or better biking? <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2c3cb903dd&e=7ccb4f03e2> Tacoma News Tribune (pdf included) * Metro Works to Smooth Out Bumpy RapidRide G Launch. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e963f32c91&e=7ccb4f03e2> The Urbanist * RiverCities board extends Lexington bus route until September 2025. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d44a1ea349&e=7ccb4f03e2> Longview Daily News (pdf included) * Link train service restored after electrical issue had caused delays. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=123b62b7d1&e=7ccb4f03e2> Seattle Times (pdf included) * Kitsap Transit secures most of funding needed for ferry replacement. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6887a8562e&e=7ccb4f03e2> Washington State Standard * Travel Community Transit with Rick Steves. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c20eb6d4&e=7ccb4f03e2> Seattle Transit Blog ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=391f3a17f4&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4194233c11&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5f30a3f543&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=193082b013&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1177c1df4a&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=96f96f3d4e&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4983f29fec&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=04344dc59b&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e7d92aebfc&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=109b1d12a8&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=704ac902ce&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5512dfe118&e=7ccb4f03e2> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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