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HomeMy WebLinkAbout041225 - 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. Roadeo Winner!, Legislative Update, From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit News Vol. 10, Issue 14 April 12, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/cea19ea80227/the-wsta-weekly-17988853?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> International Roadeo Winner! <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/1841feaf-0392-bafc-5f2d-731b1d799ae7.png> Last weekend, the American Public Transportation Assocation (APTA) held its annual International Roadeo for 40' foot operators and maintenance teams. Several Washington State operators and maintenance staff competed in the event held in Austin, Texas. We want to congratulate Matt Chomjak, of Community Transit, who took 1st place in the 40' bus competition. Great work to all the Washington State competitors. WSTA will hold its annual State Roadeo Competition on August 16-17 in Seatac, WA. ________________________________ Below is an internal article from Community Transit honoring their employee. Congratulations to driver Matt Chomjak, who took first place at the American Public Transportation Association’s International Bus Roadeo in Austin, TX on April 6. Matt competed against 74 other drivers from across the US and Canada in the 40-foot bus division and walked away the champion! Matt is now a 2-time champ, as he took 1 st place at the APTA International Roadeo back in 2006. Community Transit’s Vehicle Maintenance Team also finished strong, earning 13 th place out of 52 teams. It was the first time the group competed at this level and they performed very well! The team included mechanics Conor Moan, Cooper Meston and Blake Hanrahan led by Instructors Jayen Hass and James King. Great job team. The combined overall scores resulted in a 5 th place finish for Community Transit. Also in attendance were Chief Operating Officer Roland Behee, Transportation Manager Alex Askew, Transportation Assistant Manager Trent Botham and Vehicle Maintenance Manager David Tidwell. The Bus Roadeo offers a unique learning opportunity for operators and maintenance teams to engage with other transit agency professionals up close and personal. We are so proud of our competitors for representing Community Transit! Stay tuned for a more detailed article coming soon, with more information about the event and statements from the competitors and others who attended in support. <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/5ef1313f-07ac-5810-cec6-cdf1a0725ef9.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/91751ad1-3691-6b98-7ed8-6b868e46fb19.png> Week 14 Legislative Update By Mike Shaw, WSTA Lobbyist Today, April 11th, is the 89th day of the 105-day regular session, and there are 16-days to go. Next week, Wednesday, the Legislature will reach the next session deadline, Opposite House Cutoff. That is the last day to consider opposite house bills, except for matters necessary to implement the budgets, matters that affect state revenue, or amendments, differences and business related to the interim or closing the session. Budget negotiations are ongoing, and the latest rumors are that the transportation budget negotiators have been given the “number” by legislative leadership that they must negotiate under. The Senate and House transportation budgets proposals had differing revenue numbers: the House crafted a budget with about $4,436M in revenue (over 6 years), while the Senate transportation budget was based on $3,040M in new revenue over 6 years, the transfer of the fish passage obligation to the capital budget and a transfer of 3-tenths sales and use tax from the general fund to the multimodal account (SB 5802 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=40f44aaaad&e=7ccb4f03e2> ). While both relied on gas tax increases and increased sales tax of luxury vehicles, the amounts they raised differed. Hence, they needed a “number” so they knew how big they could build the negotiated budget. The capital budgets are similarly working under different numbers: the Senate capital budget, as mentioned earlier, has the entire fish passage obligation to address. SB 5804 <https://watransit.us12 .list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b113b6baec&e=7ccb4f03e2> would help by using utility taxes currently funding the public works assistance account to fund $5 billion in bonds <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0722c88c37&e=7ccb4f03e2> to pay for culvert replacements. Whether the House is willing to adopt that approach is unknown, however, there is opposition to SB 5804., which currently sits in the Senate Rules Committee. The operating budget negotiations are shrouded in rumors: they have a budget number, or they have a revenue number or they …...are still pondering that after the Governor announced <https://watransit .us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1d2444236d&e=7ccb4f03e2> he would not sign a budget based on a wealth tax. See: Search is on in Washington Legislature for new tax options <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=38b12ef17b&e=7ccb4f03e2> With only 16 days to go, they need to decide by April 27th, the end of the regular session, or they could be starting a special session as early as April 28th. Moreover, the Legislature could be forced back into session if the next revenue forecast is horrible or if the federal government cuts significantly Medicaid <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/ track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a4526f95e2&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Many of the links I used are from the Washington State Standard, <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5aad22de1b&e=7ccb4f03e2> a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet. I highly recommend it and please donate if you can. ________________________________ 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=33fc7f01e7&e=7ccb4f03e2> With Questions regarding WSTA legislative priorities or advocacy efforts, please contact WSTA Executive Director Justin D. Leighton: justin@watransit.com 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=5f8402f163&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=b162916c1e&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://maassets.higherlogic.com/image/APTA/Executive_Action_Update_650x200_Final_3009955.png> Impacts of Executive Actions on Public Transportation: 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=128efa370d&e=7ccb4f03e2> provides real-time updates and summaries regarding the President’s Executive Orders and other Administration actions that impact the public transportation industry. <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. Committees are open to only transit agency members Marketing & Communications April 16 & 17 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=59545ef63a&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Session 1 April 17 & 18 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1bf079de77&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=b6f50aab58&e=7ccb4f03e2> Transit Planners Committee May 12 - 13 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d1b3795d1e&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Dispatch Forum May 19-20 | Tulalip Resort CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=91a9446e84&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Senate and House Pass Budget Blueprint The House and Senate have passed the same version of the budget resolution, unlocking the budget reconciliation process that will be utilized in hopes of advancing key components of President Donald J. Trump’s policy agenda. On Saturday, the Senate passed its amendment to the House-passed budget resolution (H.Con.Res. 14 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c7 0c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f1ef3bb06e&e=7ccb4f03e2> ) by a vote of 51-48. After several days of negotiations, Speaker Mike Johnson secured enough support from House Republicans for the chamber to adopt the resolution by a vote of 216-214. To get the measure over the finish line in the House, Senate Majority Leader John Thune apparently agreed to pursue deeper spending cuts than the targets proposed by his counterparts in the Senate. Lawmakers may now begin drafting the actual reconciliation legislation that can pass with only a simple majority in the Senate, bypassing the filibuster-proof threshold of 60 votes and eliminating the need for any Democratic support to advance the measure. Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation * The House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit is soliciting legislative proposals for inclusion in the surface transportation reauthorization measure under development. Stakeholders may utilize the following form <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8494b98f6c&e=7ccb4f03e2> to submit up to five proposals with the title and description of each proposal, relevant modal administration, and legislative text, if applicable. The Subcommittee states that “Committee staff may coordinate bipartisan meetings to further discuss your organization’s submissions.” Please let us know if we can support the development of any responses to the T&I Committee. We encourage you to consider weighing in with your policy priorities. Office of the Secretary * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced its schedule of webinars <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=344c0b901d&e=7ccb4f03e2> for prospective applicants of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program. The agency will hold a session with a focus on Implementation Grants this Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET); a session focused on Action Plans on Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET; and a session focused on Supplemental Planning and Demonstration Activities on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET. As a reminder, the application deadline for the program is June 26, 2025. See our grant memorandum. Federal Transit Administration * The House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f0f6676015&e=7ccb4 f03e2> to examine federal transit policies and programs as the Committee works to develop the next surface transportation reauthorization. In his opening statement <https://watransit.us12.list-manag e.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=037b0106bc&e=7ccb4f03e2> , Subcommittee Chair David Rouzer argued that, despite “significant investment” in public transportation, “ridership today hovers around 79 percent of pre-pandemic levels” and “crime has become more rampant.” He stated that “we can no longer afford to throw money at issues and hope to see change, and this includes public transportation systems. We have an opportunity in the next surface bill to ensure that public transportation systems have the flexibilities they need to deliver high quality services.” Democratic leaders on the Committee urged the panel to maintain robust investment in transit in the reauthorization, with Full Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen arguing <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1153d0453e&e=7ccb4f03e2> that historic levels of investment are “improving safety, helping transit agencies purchase new buses and rail cars, and therefore, creating jobs and economic opportunity.” A new piece <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2 ef2a8361&id=aa87982722&e=7ccb4f03e2> from CQ provides additional context on the transit funding debate heading into the next surface transportation reauthorization process. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Manager - Engineering Design Controls Community Transit Salary Range: $115,182 - $172,774 As Manager of Engineering Design Controls, you will work under general direction from the Director of Capital Development and Delivery to establish design standards, specifications, and guidelines to support Community Transit’s capital projects, including both horizontal and vertical construction efforts. In partnership with the Manager of Project Controls, you will establish, lead, and maintain a comprehensive design control program, ensuring consistent application of design standards and specifications across all projects. This includes reviewing and approving design plans, specifications, and estimates. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3ff66d8d2d&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=e7d21e2b9b&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=6109fc0953&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=67a43adc78&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=f59e2285b4&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Bus service between Longview-Kelso and Rainier to start this summer <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=69b05e00fb&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Longview Daily News (pdf included) * Lynnwood Link Extension named best construction project of year by AGC <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0d9dfe3720&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (pdf included) * Sound Transit’s looming money crunch prompts a request in Olympia <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=92653faa0c&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Times (pdf included) * Skagit Transit considers on-demand service for Anacortes <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f18c1b5064&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Skagit Valley Herald (pdf included) * Issaquah Kicks Off Light Rail Station Planning <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=65d3e6c47d&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Urbanist * Lewis County Transit Executive Director Joe Clark to retire <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=271f540fd9&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Centralia Chronicle ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6752c59f6e&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6ec8d95ac5&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d252620b00&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9e3d8b2637&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=64fdc05bf3&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1be4250882&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7d6fa34cb3&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e2a730aebb&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a37c5fc63b&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d9bab68996&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ec9549b87c&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=95a685e95e&e=7ccb4f03e2> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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