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HomeMy WebLinkAbout031525 - 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. Lots of Federal Updates Below!!! Register Now for Dispatch Forum, State Legislative, Update, Tracking the EOs, Committee Registation, From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit News Vol. 10, Issue 10 March 15, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/420b399dde20/the-wsta-weekly-17988278?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> Below are many updates on Federal issues. Over the last few weeks, we have purposely been adding more of these updates to the WSTA Weekly to keep everyone informed. Of course, this makes the weekly much longer than it has been, but we hope folks appreciate the sharing from our many federal advocates and partners. Just keep scrolling to see them all Registration Now Open <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/cd33a7f7-81a5-08bb-a155-61ce36746b52.png> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d2beff5913&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/a386d6ca-acbc-5b0f-5205-26646d845e6e.png> ________________________________ When ________________________________ May 19 | 8:30am - 5:00pm May 20 | 8:00am - Noon Where ________________________________ Tulalip Resort 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, WA 98271 Program: ________________________________ To view the program, CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fa0c45df79&e=7ccb4f03e2> Registration: ________________________________ The registration fee is $225, which includes breakfast, lunch, and beverages on Monday, breakfast and beverages on Tuesday, and meeting materials. Please register each person individually by Monday, April 28th. <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/748a01cb-244b-48d0-0410-166b659324fb.png> Registration Now Open <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=979cc1c5b7&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/91751ad1-3691-6b98-7ed8-6b868e46fb19.png> Week 10 Legislative Update By Mike Shaw - WSTA Lobbyist ________________________________ Welcome to week 10 of the legislative session. They just finished up floor action on Wednesday (House went into early Thursday morning), and the Legislature is back to committee action; the policy committees have until April 2nd to hear bills from the other chamber, while the fiscal committees have until April 8th. The House passed 262 bills to the Senate’s 273, and they have a little over two weeks to hold hearings on those bills. Those bills that did not survive the chamber of origin cutoff include: * HB 1324, Funding the state transportation system using climate commitment act (CCA) revenues. * HB 1518, Improving the end-of-life management of electric vehicle batteries. * HB1921, Supporting transportation system improvements by addressing utility facility removal and relocation responsibilities (RUC). * HB 1989, Concerning assaults committed against transit employees or contractors. * SB 5107, Concerning underinsured motorist coverage for local government employees. A few bills that survived include: * HB 1418, Adding two voting members that are transit users to the governing body of public transportation benefit areas. * HB 1491, Promoting transit-oriented housing development. * HB 1733, Increasing the reimbursement cap for moving and relocation expenses incurred by persons affected by agency displacements. * HB 1837, Establishing intercity passenger rail improvement priorities. * HB 1902, Convening a work group regarding the streamlining of permitting for transportation projects. * HB 1923, Increasing the availability of passenger-only ferries by establishing the mosquito fleet act. * HB 1980, Allowing certain private employer transportation services to use certain public transportation facilities. * SB 5581, Implementing safe system approach strategies for active transportation infrastructure. The revenue forecast will be released on March 18th and is expected to be slightly up, but not enough to solve their budget shortfalls. The various budget proposals (operating, transportation, and capital) will be unveiled by their respective committees on March 24th. Their committees will hold hearings and likely pass them from their respective chambers the following Saturday, March 29th. Once each chamber passes its version of the budgets, they will start negotiating in earnest, House versus Senate, in hopes of crafting budgets with enough votes to pass both chambers. They have until the scheduled end of the session, April 27th, to do that. On this day, March 14th, in 1900, US currency goes on the gold standard. Today, gold broke a landmark price record of $3,000 per ounce, so now you know what to buy WSTA’s Justin Leighton for his birthday this Sunday. Transportation (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 3/17 @ 4:00pm ESHB 1923 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0c0d6219a7&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Increasing the availability of passenger-only ferries by establishing the mosquito fleet act. (Remote Testimony Available). State Government & Tribal Relations (House) - HHR E and Virtual JLOB - 3/18 @ 1:30pm SB 5102 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c180b3b5ba&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Establishing a public records exemption for the proprietary information of public risk pools. (Remote Testimony Available). Environment, Energy & Technology (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 3/19 @ 8:00am 2SHB 1409 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=15898d0f03&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Concerning the clean fuels program. (Remote Testimony Available). (Support/Medium) E2SHB 1912 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=52b44534b3&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Concerning the exemption for fuels used for agricultural purposes in the climate commitment act. (Remote Testimony Available). Housing (Senate) - SHR 4 and Virtual JACB - 3/19 @ 1:30pm 3SHB 1491 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7930ee92c0&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Promoting transit-oriented housing development. Transportation (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 3/20 @ 4:00pm SHB 1418 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b46782b469&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Adding two voting members who are transit users to the governing body of public transportation benefit areas. (Remote Testimony Available). SHB 1980 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cef0b28697&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Allowing certain private employer transportation services to use certain public transportation facilities. (Remote Testimony Available). Environment, Energy & Technology (Senate) - SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 3/21 @ 10:30am EHB 1814 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ce6070cb30&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Public Hearing - Streamlining certain decisions pertaining to the development or extension of a trail or path from the state environmental policy act. (Remote Testimony Available). Local Government (House) - HHR E and Virtual JLOB - 3/21 @ 10:30am ESSB 5184 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cf1c416a8a&e=7ccb4f03e2> - Exec Session - Concerning minimum parking requirements. ________________________________ 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=d997b6639b&e=7ccb4f03e2> With Questions regarding WSTA legislative priorities or advocacy efforts, please contact WSTA Executive Director Justin D. Leighton: justin@watransit.com <https://maassets.higherlogic.com/image/APTA/Executive_Action_Update_650x200_Final_3009955.png> Impacts of Executive Actions on Public Transportation: APTA Resources and Upcoming Webinar on Thursday, February 20 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=3aa217cb76&e=7ccb4f03e2> provides real-time updates and summaries regarding the President’s Executive Orders and other Administration actions that impact the public transportation industry. In addition, APTA will host a webinar on the first 30 days of the Administration <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2d26ca0382&e=7ccb4f03e2> and discuss the impacts of Executive actions on public transportation agencies, funding, current projects, and more. The Impacts of Executive Actions on Public Transportation webinar <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f22fa57abc&e=7ccb4f03e2> will be held on Thursday, February 20, at 3:00 pm ET. (APTA Members Only) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e5c68aec12&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://maassets.higherlogic.com/image/APTA/Legislative_Update_banner_2023_650x150_2420987.jpg> March 14, 2025 Congress Passes Transportation (THUD) Appropriations Bill Provides $20.9 billion for Public Transit and $16.2 billion for Passenger Rail Today, before the funding deadline at midnight, the Senate passed H.R. 1968, the “Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025” <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7301256ec9&e=7ccb4f03e2> to avoid a shutdown and fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year. The bill previously passed in the House by a vote of 217-213 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=edc1dd9f14&e=7ccb4f03e2> . President Trump supports this legislation and is expected to sign it quickly. In general, the full-year Continuing Resolution (CR) funds government programs, including programs of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act, through September 30 at the same levels as Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. The CR, together with Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) advance appropriations, provides $20.9 billion for public transit and $16.2 billion for passenger rail in FY 2025. Under the bill, total public transit investment increases less than one percent and total passenger rail funding decreases less than one percent. The bill eliminates all funding that was designated for earmarks in the FY 2024 THUD Appropriations Act. Public Transit The CR, together with IIJA advance appropriations, provides $20.9 billion for public transit in FY 2025, an increase of $82 million (0.4 percent) from the FY 2024 enacted level. This total funding represents 95 percent of the amount authorized in the IIJA. The CR includes a special provision to allow public transit formula and competitive grant funding (i.e., contract authority funded by the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund) to increase by $289 million as provided in the IIJA. The bill and IIJA also provide $3.8 billion for Capital Investment Grants (CIG), equal to the FY 2024 enacted level. Currently, communities are requesting more than $38.7 billion of CIG funds in FY 2025 and subsequent years to construct 58 projects in 25 states. View APTA’s CIG Project Pipeline Dashboard <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2 a8361&id=56bcc68048&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The bill retains important policy provisions enacted in the FY 2024 THUD Appropriations Act. First, it blocks the Rostenkowski Test, preventing a possible across-the-board cut of FY 2025 transit formula funds to each public transit agency. It also prohibits DOT from impeding or hindering a project from advancing or approving a project seeking a CIG Federal share of more than 40 percent. Finally, the legislation authorizes projects in the Expedited Project Delivery for CIG Pilot Program to be eligible for funding under the CIG program without further evaluation or rating. View APTA’s Public Transit Funding Table for FY 2025 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=82b5293491&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Passenger Rail The CR, together with IIJA advance appropriations, provides $16.2 billion for passenger and freight rail in FY 2025, a decrease of $99 million (-0.6 percent) from the FY 2024 enacted level. This total funding represents 78 percent of the amount authorized in the IIJA. The CR and IIJA provide a total of $16.2 billion for passenger rail investments, including: * $7.3 billion for Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grants; * $6.8 billion for Amtrak grants ($4.5 billion for National Network grants and $2.3 billion for the Northeast Corridor); * $1.1 billion for Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grants; and * $600 million for Railroad Crossing Elimination grants. The bill eliminates $99 million that was designated for CRISI grant earmarks in the FY 2024 THUD Act. The CR retains important policy provisions enacted in FY 2024 THUD Appropriations Act, including authorizing CRISI grants for commuter railroad projects that implement or sustain positive train control systems. It also authorizes CRISI grants for passenger rail planning and project development activities (e.g., preliminary engineering). View APTA’s Passenger Rail Funding Table for FY 2025 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a84afda579&e=7ccb4f03e2> . BUILD Grants and U.S. Department of Transportation Policy Provisions The CR and IIJA provide $1.8 billion for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) competitive grants for surface transportation projects, including public transportation and multi-modal projects. The bill retains a provision that prohibits DOT from enforcing a mask mandate in response to the COVID-19 virus in FY 2025. View H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9ffe4b4139&e=7ccb4f03e2> and the section-by-section summary of the bill <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4e552a9c85&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Register for APTA Advocacy Afternoon at the Legislative Conference Please join APTA on Tuesday, May 20, for an Advocacy Afternoon <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=19f91ddb12&e=7ccb4f03e2> to advocate for full funding for public transit and passenger rail. Your voice is instrumental as Congress lays the groundwork for the next Surface Transportation Authorization Act, considers the FY 2026 THUD Appropriations bill, and debates other critical legislation. APTA will coordinate in-person visits with your Members of Congress and their staff the afternoon of Tuesday, May 20, between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET. To match you with your Members of Congress, please complete this form in its entirety <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e2aad94a70&e=7ccb4f03e2> to ensure the proper in-person meetings are scheduled on your behalf. A separate advocacy training and logistics webinar will be provided to Advocacy Afternoon registrants prior to May 20. <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. Human Resource Roundtable Committee March 20 - 21 | Olmypia, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=247a3d3a17&e=7ccb4f03e2> Finance Officers Leadership Committee March 26 | Walla Walla, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fd6ca68587&e=7ccb4f03e2> State Roadeo Steering Committee March 9 | Virtual CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c2417bbf19&e=7ccb4f03e2> Marketing & Communications April 16 & 17 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bebe1c047b&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Session 1 April 17 & 18 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3f15fe863f&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Advanced April 28- 30 | Tulaliup Sold Out Spring Maintenance Forum Maintenance & Facilities Committee May 6- 8 | Spokane CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c22f44eff3&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Dispatch Forum May 19-20 | Tulalip Resort CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=685b240223&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary * Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued guidance <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f25febb585&e=7ccb4f03e2> across Operating Administrations (OA) or modes instructing a review of competitive award selections for compliance with a series of recent Executive Orders signed by President Donald Trump, Memoranda issued by the White House, and Secretarial Orders issued by the Department. This review will apply to awards made after January 20, 2021 without fully obligated grant agreements or cooperative agreements already in place. Projects with partially obligated grant agreements will be subject to review before additional funds can be awarded. The Department may revise terms and conditions included in draft grant agreements. Fully obligated, executed grant agreements will not be subject to this review. Project sponsors with impacted scopes will be required to revise their scopes “to eliminate flagged activities, and where possible replace identified elements with relevant elements that align with program statute, the scope of the application submission, and current Administration EOs.” If a sponsor agrees to revisions or reductions, DOT may proceed toward execution of those agreements. If a sponsor declines to eliminate implicated activities or phases, DOT will proceed with a reduced award. See our special report <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&i d=29a9db9802&e=7ccb4f03e2> published yesterday outlining the guidance. We encourage all DOT project sponsors with awards yet to be executed and fully obligated from FY 2021-2025 to review this information as soon as possible. * DOT rescinded <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=435842e3f4&e=7ccb4f03e2> the memorandum issued by the Biden Administration in December 2021 entitled “Policy on Using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Resources to Build a Better America” and a separate memorandum from February 2023 updating that policy. The memoranda guided the implementation of funding authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (PL 117-58). In a press release <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361 &id=c7717bd59b&e=7ccb4f03e2> , the agency asserted that the two memos presented a “conflict with Congressional intent and the Administrative Procedure Act” and “displaced the long-standing authorities granted to States by law, added meritless and costly burdens related to greenhouse gas emissions and equity initiatives.” * DOT also issued an updated Order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f36eead4e2&e=7ccb4f03e2> setting forth policies and procedures governing the development and issuance of regulations promulgated by the agency. The Order is “intended to ensure that DOT, including each of its operating administrations (OAs) and all components of the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) with rulemaking authority, adheres to (i) all statutory requirements applicable to DOT rulemakings, including the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act,” “(ii) Executive Order 12866” “and any amendment thereto; (iii) all applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directives for rulemaking; (iv) the Department’s Strategic Plan; and (v) best practices for rulemaking, including best practices for economic analyses and for appropriate outreach to interested parties throughout the rulemaking process.” Build America Bureau * The Build America Bureau (BAB) issued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=727419b538&e=7ccb4f03e2> an amended Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c1a21afc85&e=7ccb4f03e2> for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Rural and Tribal Assistance (RTA) Pilot Program. The purpose of the program is to support the hiring of staff or procurement of expert firms to provide financial, technical, and legal support for the planning and design for rural and Tribal infrastructure projects. The amendment aligns the NOFO with new Executive Orders (EOs) issued by the Trump Administration and removes references to rescinded EOs. Applications for the program will be accepted between March 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) and April 17, 2025 at 4:59 p.m. Lawmakers Consider Tax & Spending Provisions for Reconciliation This week, we joined mayors and council members who were in Washington, DC to attend the National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference and to advocate for municipal priorities in meetings with their Congressional delegations on Capitol Hill. The budget reconciliation process is top of mind this week, and we wanted to share some insights from our discussions. The House Ways and Means Committee hosted closed-door sessions with their Members to discuss tax provisions and potential revenue offsets, as Senate Finance Committee Republicans met with President Donald J. Trump to explore their ideas. Members of the House Ways and Means Committee noted that the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds were under examination as of Monday, but no decision has been made on how to proceed. Senate Republican staff noted that concerns from state and local government officials were registering with decision makers, but continued engagement over the next few weeks would be critical. It is important to communicate how loss of that exemption would impact local budgets and capital projects already under development. On Medicaid, it appears the lawmakers are largely focused on the implementation of work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). The policy would be similar to those requirements associated with other safety-net programs, including the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). There may be an effort to resurrect the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA, S. 1557/H.R. 3238) over the next few weeks for potential inclusion in the tax package. The bipartisan legislation would strengthen and expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to encourage private investment in development or preservation of affordable housing units. Proponents should weigh in if they would like to see that happen. Yesterday, Republican majority members of the Senate Finance Committee met with President Donald J. Trump at the White House to discuss next steps in working toward an agreement with House GOP leadership. The discussion focused on tax policy and how to expand or make permanent provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) (P.L. 115-97). Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota offered that the strategy session is “part of a process of working with the White House and the House to get to the end result.” In assessing revenue offsets, the group reportedly reviewed options including ending tax breaks for sports team owners, taxing investment fund managers' carried interest compensation as ordinary income, and eliminating the state and local tax deduction for corporations. We encourage all local officials to weigh in with their priorities and concerns for tax reform as soon as possible. Agencies Implement Reductions in Force (RIF) Earlier this week, in accordance with the President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order 14210 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4558882a2d&e=7ccb4f03e2> “Implementing The President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative,” federal agencies began submitting plans to the White House for “large-scale reductions in force” (RIF) to meet the deadline this week. We have included some updates on those plans and judicial actions related to probationary employees below for your awareness. Our team will likely have more updates to report next Friday. U.S. Department of Education The U.S. Department of Education’s RIF plan <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=35d36fac63&e=7ccb4f03e2> will impact 1,315 workers or 50 percent of its workforce, leaving 2,183 workers. The Department started the year with 4,133 workers. In addition to the workers who were dismissed on Tuesday, 572 employees accepted separation packages offered in recent weeks. The Department indicated that impacted workers will be placed on administrative leave beginning on Friday, March 21st and will receive full pay and benefits through June 9, 2025. In response, a group of 21 Democratic attorneys general representing 20 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a 8361&id=126c562e26&e=7ccb4f03e2> on Thursday against the Trump-Vance Administration to prevent the RIF efforts at the Department. The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Massachusetts. The Plaintiffs allege that the Administration's actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act (ACA) and Congressional authority. Probationary Employees In other news related to federal worker terminations, yesterday, U.S. District Judge William Alsup of the Northern District of California issued a preliminary injunction ordering the Trump Administration to reinstate probationary employees who were fired last month from nearly a half dozen federal agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA), Defense (DoD), Energy (DOE), the Interior, (DOI) the Treasury, and Veterans Affairs (VA). Judge Alsup’s order also prohibits the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from issuing any guidance on the termination of employees. Yesterday, a second federal judge from the District Court of Maryland ordered <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2 a8361&id=66c599a1d3&e=7ccb4f03e2> the mass reinstatement of federal workers at 18 major agencies — USDA, Commerce (DOC), Education (ED), Health and Human Services (HHS), Homelans Security (DHS), Labor (DOL), State, Transportation (DOT), and the Treasury. <https://mcusercontent.com/acc078cb625f971c65ab97a69/images/52e69ccd-cbd3-6afc-064b-da80c4b2d4de.png> Special Report U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Guidance to Conduct Project-by-Project Review of FY 2021-2025 Awards March 13, 2025 Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy (OST-P) issued guidance across Operating Administrations (OA) or modes instructing a review of competitive award selections for compliance with a series of recent Executive Orders signed by President Donald J. Trump, Memoranda issued by the White House, and Secretarial Orders issued by the Department. This review will apply to awards made after January 20, 2021 without fully obligated grant agreements or cooperative agreements already in place. Projects with partially obligated grant agreements will be subject to review before additional funds can be awarded. The Department may revise terms and conditions included in draft grant agreements. Fully obligated, executed grant agreements will not be subject to this review. Per the guidance from OST-P, applicable Executive Orders and Memoranda will include: * Executive Order 14148 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=afcc040656&e=7ccb4f03e2> , Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions; * Executive Order 14154 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9b51693837&e=7ccb4f03e2> , Unleashing American Energy * Executive Order 14151 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=890ea64e4e&e=7ccb4f03e2> , Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing * Executive Order 14168, <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=76a61eddbc&e=7ccb4f03e2> Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government * Secretarial Order 2100.7, <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=76b4227aac&e=7ccb4f03e2> Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound Economic Analysis in Department of Transportation Policies, Programs, and Activities * Secretarial Memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=eba771ef87&e=7ccb4f03e2> on Implementation of Executive Orders Addressing Energy, Climate Change, Diversity, and Gender Department officials are instructed to review all award selections for projects announced from federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 through 2025 without grant agreements and partially obligated grant agreements. Department officials will be tasked with identifying programs in which awards may include: “equity activities, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities, climate change activities, environmental justice (EJ) activities, gender-specific activities, when the primary purpose is bicycle infrastructure (i.e., recreational trails and shared-use paths, etc.), electric vehicles (EV), and EV charging infrastructure.” Department Teams will also review programs that fulfill criteria listed below: * Statutory language includes equity requirements, climate considerations, or bicycle infrastructure. * NOFO mandatory evaluation criteria includes equity and/or climate requirements. * Eligible activities included bicycle infrastructure, EV and/or EV charging infrastructure. If OST-P and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) affirm that a program is not implicated and a subsequent project-by-project review is not required, appropriate offices may proceed with negotiating and finalizing grant agreements with project sponsors. Programs identified in that process will then be subject to the project-by-project review. DOT Teams will examine projects and document any project scope elements or activities that should be flagged for potential removal, including: * Project activities such as equity analysis, green infrastructure, bicycle infrastructure, EV and/or EV charging infrastructure. * Project purpose or primary project benefits include equity and/or climate such as projects that purposefully improve the condition for EJ communities or actively reduce GHG emissions. The guidance provides this important note: “If project scope elements are based in statute, program offices should consult with applicable legal counsel, and following legal concurrence, raise any proposed scope changes to OA leadership.” OA leadership, the modal administrators, will review those findings and offer recommendations to OST-P and OGC on whether projects should continue without change, be subject to revisions to scope including modifications or reductions, or be subject to cancellation. Project sponsors with impacted scopes will be required to revise their scopes “to eliminate flagged activities, and where possible replace identified elements with relevant elements that align with program statute, the scope of the application submission, and current Administration EOs.” If a sponsor agrees to revisions or reductions, DOT may proceed toward execution of those agreements. If a sponsor declines to eliminated implicated activities or phases, DOT will proceed with a reduced award. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has provided a copy of this DOT memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b0832690cb&e=7ccb4f 03e2> . We encourage all DOT project sponsors with awards yet to be executed and fully obligated from FY 2021-2025 to review this information as soon as possible. The Department rescinded <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a7b596b16b&e=7ccb4f03e2> the memorandum issued by the Biden Administration in December 2021 entitled “Policy on Using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Resources to Build a Better America” and a separate memorandum from February 2023 updating that policy. The memoranda guided the implementation of funding authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (PL 117-58). In a press release <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=244199d7b0&e=7ccb4f03e2> , the Department asserted that the two memos presented a “conflict with Congressional intent and the Administrative Procedure Act” and “displaced the long-standing authorities granted to States by law, added meritless and costly burdens related to greenhouse gas emissions and equity initiatives.” <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Finance/HR Assistant Okanogan County Transit Authority/TranGO Salary Range: $26.20 per hour Responsible for assisting in operations in the areas of accounting, finance, budget, procurement, and contracts. Assists in the agency's human resources programs including recruitment, labor relations, compensation and benefit administration, staff development, drug testing program, and record keeping in accordance with state, federal, and local laws. Bilingual, English/Spanish preferred. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cde956b87e&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=1114447059&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=6bd1f48090&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=54a1952657&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=51e4a9940a&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Change in transit sales tax looks unlikely <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=194493a449&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Whidbey News-Times (pdf included) * King County Metro Installing ORCA Readers for All-Door Boarding Systemwide <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0e2f22e513&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Urbanist * Transit union announces security and safety task force <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=adee63b399&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Renton Reporter (pdf included) * Celebrating the groundbreaking of a new transit-oriented development project that will bring affordable housing to Bellevue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef 2a8361&id=909b5b432e&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Sound Transit’s The Platform * Sound Transit board says it’s picked a new CEO <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=12c1f8543b&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Times (pdf included) * King County executive wants Sound Transit CEO job. What could that mean for Pierce County? <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ec09a2626c&e=7ccb4f03e2 > Tacoma News Tribune via Yahoo * Snohomish County transit agencies report increased ridership <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b2144dea13&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Everett Herald (pdf included) * King County Metro Spot Improvements <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=324b7bd5a0&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Transit Blog * Sound Transit begins testing trains in Federal Way, bus loop set to open on March 30 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4206acb0a6&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KIRO * ORCA transit ridership grows to 151 million trips <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d6871f7c4a&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Sound Transit press release * Change in transit sales tax looks unlikely <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4e9198a48c&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Whidbey News-Times (pdf included) * King County City Council approves task force to improve transit safety legislation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fc24fea363&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Daily (UW) * Washington House Passes Mosquito Fleet Act, Queuing Potential Foot Ferry Expansion <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=878456796d&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Urbanist * Bill to allow more housing near bus stops and rail stations progresses in Olympia <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=62fe728989&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KUOW ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d24ddbaea8&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d5316efc32&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3250ac428c&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d1a32ee317&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4d2671dd75&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=dce5c85e87&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=db0e1147ab&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b192250902&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e393a9d281&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=525d17b0d2&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=450f91b4f6&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=793cdbb8ec&e=7ccb4f03e2> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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