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HomeMy WebLinkAbout011825 - 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. Legislative Update, Committee Registation, Leadership Opportunity, From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit News Vol. 10, Issue 2 January 18, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/a4cd682aa572/the-wsta-weekly-17987262?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/91751ad1-3691-6b98-7ed8-6b868e46fb19.png> Week 1 Legislative Update By Mike Shaw - WSTA Lobbyist The first week of the session has concluded. On Wednesday, it was a new start as Governor Bob Ferguson was sworn in and his staff moved into their offices that afternoon. Former Governor Inslee left the building, escorted by past staffers who reminisced about his twelve-year tenure. Legislators started this week focused on addressing the fiscal challenges. Budget committees held hearings on Inslee’s budget proposals, with fewer testimonies than usual, reflecting uncertainty about the new administration's commitment to these plans. Governor Ferguson has stated he wants to look at cuts before considering revenue bills. Regarding possible revenue options, last month, Sen. Noel Frame, the Senate Democrats’ revenue lead, inadvertently sent an email to all senators rather than to just her caucus, that listed nine new or higher taxes to be considered. The email, while not intended to be public, is accurate about the taxes being considered. See the Seattle Times story for details <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bd4629bdea&e=7ccb4f03e2> . (Oops! Missent email reveals WA Senate Dems’ tax plans | The Seattle Times <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d00083ed55&e=7ccb4f03e2> ). On Friday afternoon, House Transportation Committee Chair, Jake Fey, held a stakeholder meeting on the road usage charge (RUC). Principles were discussed such as treating the initial fee as a licensing fee would be cloaked in the state’s 18th Amendment – assuring that revenues generated could only be used for road purposes. Business representatives stated that was a condition of their support. Transportation Choices Coalition lobbyist, Bryce Yaden and I spoke to the RUC group that the 18th amendment treatment was problematic and would set a precedent that would be hard to change in future years. To address both the operating budget and the transportation budget shortfalls, this Legislature will have to take numerous tough votes – whether there is bandwidth to take one on the RUC is an open question. Among the 813 bills introduced so far, Rep. Andrew Barkis has introduced HB 1324 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=52ca851815&e=7ccb4f03e2> , funding the state transportation system using the climate commitment act revenues. With 22 Republican co-sponsors, Rep. Barkis would spend CCA money on major highway projects and bridge replacements. This bill is not yet scheduled for a hearing, but would require the transfer, in fiscal years 2026 through 2037, of 50 percent of the CCA auction proceeds, not already obligated, into the multimodal transportation account. WSTA’s legislative agenda recognized that maintaining CCA transit funding would be the session priority. This bill is an indication of challenges ahead. ________________________________ Washington State Transit Association 2025 Legislative Priorities Preserve, Maintain & Increase Public Transit Investments Incentivize Transition to Zero-Emission Fleets Support Safety and Security for Transit Employees and Customers Protect the Effective and Efficient Delivery of Public Transit To view in detail, CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=96d8e007ac&e=7ccb4f03e2> With Questions regarding WSTA legislative priorities or advocacy efforts, please contact WSTA Executive Director Justin D. Leighton: justin@watransit.com <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/27544fb0-86cb-4eb4-a6fb-8958be87599c.png> WSTA Spring Committee Season is here! Please don't forget to register now. WSTA 1st Quarter Board and Legislative Conference Feb. 24 & 25 | Olympia WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5cbf6783b9&e=7ccb4f03e2> Public Rideshare Committee Feb 27 & 28 | Wenatchee CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f60d195a9a&e=7ccb4f03e2> Clerks of the Authority Committee March 2 & 3 | Alderbrook Resort CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=da45dca4ba&e=7ccb4f03e2> Operations Committee March 5 - 7 | Lynwood, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=dbffbe72d0&e=7ccb4f03e2> State Roadeo Steering Committee March 12 | Ellensburg, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5246f13404&e=7ccb4f03e2> Human Resource Roundtable Committee March 20 - 21 | Olmypia, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1df6d8e40e&e=7ccb4f03e2> Finance Officers Leadership Committee March 26 | Walla Walla, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=36c4d2b0fd&e=7ccb4f03e2> State Roadeo Steering Committee March 9 | Virtual CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=44f61775e5&e=7ccb4f03e2> Marketing & Communications April 16 & 17 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7af16b6d8a&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Session 1 April 17 & 18 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=83b7424328&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Advanced April 28- 30 | Tulaliup Info Coming Soon <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b31909c8b7&e=7ccb4f03e2> Spring Maintenance Forum Maintenance & Facilities Committee May 6- 8 | Spokane Coming Soon <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fe3813e0-182a-647e-cce6-3c7ebae8a2e8.png> ________________________________ Applications Now Open <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6e59ccbbe1&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA is excited to open applications for the 2025 Transits Next Leader Institute Emerging program. WSTA is rebranding our entry level leadership program as "emerging" as we have grown our leadership program to include; TNLI Advanced, TNLI Executive and TNLI Lead. 2025 TNLI Emerging will accept 25 fellows for the upcoming class. Applications are now open and will be due January 31, 2025. We ask applications to read the syllabus completely as well as review all program events, including the 3 in-person sessions. We ask that fellows be sure they can attend and that their supervisors allow the time necessary to attend and complete the program. Learn more by visiting the TNLI Program Website <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c473777a58&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> U.S. Department of Treasury The U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) Office of Economic Policy published <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5e839ebc7c&e=7ccb4f03e2> an analysis <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a49c3e3f4b&e=7ccb4f03e2> highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration’s impact on U.S. economic growth in the aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic. The Administration’s policy response has fostered employment growth and reduced inflation, while uplifting rural communities, people of color, and historically marginalized places. The Treasury highlighted several accomplishments under the following respective categories: * Inflation and Unemployment: In December 2021, the unemployment rate fell to 3.9 percent compared to the forecasted six percent at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest data reflects stabilized inflation and unemployment rates, similar to pre-pandemic levels. * New Business Formation: Since the pandemic, the U.S. has experienced over 21 million new small business applications. These small businesses now account for half of the private sector employment, contributing over 70 percent of net private job growth. * Technology Manufacturing: Since the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act, the construction of computer, electronic, and electrical facilities has more than doubled. There has been an increased concentration of high-tech manufacturing facilities, including semiconductor manufacturers and electric vehicle (EV) battery production. * Public Infrastructure: Since the passage of the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, capital investments have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. As a result, state and local capital spending for infrastructure investments has grown the largest amount since 1980. Office of the Secretary * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a draft designation for the National Multimodal Freight Network (NMFN) described in a Notice <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u =6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=161d7dc2e2&e=7ccb4f03e2> and outlined on the following map <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3dc6c61359&e=7ccb4f03e2> . According to the agency, the goals of the NMFN are to “assist States in strategically directing resources toward improved system performance for the efficient movement of freight on the Network, to inform freight transportation planning, to assist in the prioritization of Federal investment, and assess and support Federal investments to achieve the national multimodal freight policy goals and the national highway freight program goals.” FHWA will accept public comments on the draft through February 27, 2025 and intends to designate the Network this spring. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration * The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7e792e5433&e=7ccb4f03e2> a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 High Priority Program – Commercial Motor Vehicle (HP-CMV). The agency will award $46.6 million in funding to support projects that reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. FMCSA strongly encourages local governments and local law enforcement agencies to apply as direct applicants or in partnership with Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) lead agencies. The application deadline is March 7, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). See our memorandum <https://watransit. us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8f063d4e3a&e=7ccb4f03e2> on the program. U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service * The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=13b82908ef&e=7ccb4f03e2> a notice of intent to propose regulations <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a5e11a4b8d&e=7ccb4f03e2> governing the Section 45Z Clean Fuels Production Credit authorized by the IRA. One of 12 incentives eligible under the Direct Pay provisions of the law, the credit is available for the production of transportation fuels with lifecycle greenhouse (GHG) emissions below certain levels from 2025 to 2027. It consolidates and replaces previous credits for biodiesel, renewable diesel, and alternative fuels and incorporates a new IRA credit for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The guidance outlines taxpayers and fuels eligible for the credit. IRA also published a table <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c2 2fe2ef2a8361&id=d25b1fc465&e=7ccb4f03e2> that will enable taxpayers to determine lifecycle emissions of eligible fuels, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will release a separate model. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Outreach Coordinator Mason Transit Salary Range: $26.56 - $36.13 per hour0 Under the direction of the Operations Manager, the Mason Transit Authority’s (MTA) Outreach Coordinator position is primarily responsible for implementing community outreach, marketing, special events, and public involvement activities of the agency. This includes planning and coordination with a variety of external groups individuals and agencies and requires regular participation in outreach events. The Outreach Coordinator assists with the development of marketing, public notices, and rider information and keeps the MTA website current. This position requires the ability to effectively communicate with strong writing and public speaking skills, and be highly organized with a critical thinking and creativity skillset. The assignment of specific duties to the Outreach Coordinator will vary depending on the Agency’s business needs and individuals’ expertise and skill sets. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d7cdb9704f&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=54fb88e530&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=cffab31306&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=19f9b36fc9&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=21967f11d4&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Should public transit prioritize more riders or broader access? WTA to decide <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6a202519b3&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Skagit Transit approves capital budget <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5db52f5d3f&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Skagit Valley Herald (pdf included) * Metro secures millions in federal funding to make RapidRide a reality in South King County <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=79f7255c8b&e=7ccb4f03e2 > . KIRO * What the failure of Initiative 2117 means for Spokane’s transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6ef1281ce9&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Range Media * Exploring Better Density Maps and Link Station Areas <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=88245e27f7&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Transit Blog * Bus drivers point to culture of 'service over safety' in special King County Council meeting <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b2f2009d6f&e=7ccb4f03 e2> . KUOW * STA lands $2 million grant for Division Street rapid bus route to Mead <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5374e7e20e&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Spokesman-Review (pdf included) * Seattle Hiring Small Army of Planners for Sound Transit 3 Work <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b4db14d997&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Urbanist * Skagit Transit celebrates $19.5 million grant <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=398abbe572&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Skagit Valley Herald (pdf included) * Link Transit unveils new bus in Waterville, adds 4 to roster <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=216c188228&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Empire Press (pdf included) * Ben Franklin Transit wants to make big changes to bus fares, but it will take a bit longer <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5a58348ddc&e=7ccb4f03e2 > . Tri-City Herald (pdf included) ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=014a48fd30&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=45726bd98a&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1ced7159ec&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ecd030a725&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7ea7abb160&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=05a5044935&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cfecf765d4&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c404ddf408&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1cd58a9d55&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8fa4f76fc0&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a94709a5e1&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=06718e1d7f&e=7ccb4f03e2> 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=f622058f64> or unsubscribe from this list <https://watransit. us12.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c0e5ee8e&t=b&e=7ccb4f03e2&c=f622058f64>  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/open.php?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f622058f64&e=7ccb4f03e2>