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HomeMy WebLinkAbout042625 - 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, From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit News Vol. 10, Issue 16 April 26, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/96964b5c6f2c/the-wsta-weekly-17989078?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 15 Legislative Update By Mike Shaw, WSTA Lobbyist With only a few days until the end of the 2025 legislative session, the budget negotiations are done! The operating, transportation and capital budgets are scheduled to be released Saturday at 10 am, and voted upon on Sunday, the 105th day of the 105-day session. Week 15 started with the grim news that Senator Bill Ramos died while on a trail run last Saturday. Sen. Ramos was a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, a former Federal Transit Administration employee, and a key member of the transportation budget negotiating team. His untimely death hit the Legislature hard and added another layer of stress to a very tired legislature. WSTA’s condolences go out to his spouse, King County Councilmember Sarah Perry. The rest of the week saw the Legislature grinding through the various revenue bills that will support the budgets we expect to see Saturday. One of those bills, SB 5801 <https://watransit.us12.list- manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0ded980f28&e=7ccb4f03e2> , provides the majority of the funding for the transportation budget. It was heavily amended as it pasted the House Transportation Committee on Wednesday, see the summary table for detai <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7ff90ea00e&e=7ccb4f03e2> ls. It contains a 6 cent gas tax increase with a 2% yearly inflator, and increases to various fees and vehicle taxes, generating about $3.2 billion over six years. It also contains provisions providing transit agencies some permitting relief, and allows bus-mounted traffic safety cameras to be used to detect public transportation lane-only violations. It passed the House late Thursday night. Moreover, on Thursday night, the House passed SB 5802 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e4f2d1a8d4&e=7ccb4f03e2> , which provides the state general fund (GF) some immediate relief by eliminating GF transfers to the Move Ahead WA Flex Account in years 2026 and 2027, transferring Multimodal Account money to the GF, and redirecting Public Works Assistance Account transfers form the Move Ahead Account to the GF. This provides about $340 million to the GF. Later in the 2028 biennia, the GF repays the Multimodal account by making yearly transfers of 1/10 of the state’s 6.5% sales and use tax from the GF. We will know a lot more on Saturday. ________________________________ 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=79ad3d956a&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: 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=0a2d4bbca3&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 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=cb78473d69&e=7ccb4f03e2> Transit Planners Committee May 12 - 13 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=60897519db&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Dispatch Forum May 19-20 | Tulalip Resort CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d69670c303&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA HR Committee June 4 - 6 | Ocean Shores CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=aa057f3435&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA 2nd Qrt Board Meeting June 12-13 | Walla Walla, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d191ef9802&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Transportation U.S. Department of Homeland Transportation Office of the Secretary * Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=258a7f025b&e=7ccb4f03e2> a letter <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.co m/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f576c56355&e=7ccb4f03e2> to recipients of federal transportation funding regarding their obligation to “comply fully with all applicable Federal laws and regulations,” which include “those protecting free speech and religious liberty and those prohibiting discrimination and enforcing controls on illegal immigration.” * On the issue of discrimination, the Secretary states that “whether or not described in neutral terms, any policy, program, or activity that is premised on a prohibited classification, including discriminatory policies or practices designed to achieve so-called ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion,’ or ‘DEI,’ goals, presumptively violates Federal law. Recipients of DOT financial assistance must ensure that the personnel practices (including hiring, promotions, and terminations) within their organizations are merit-based and do not discriminate based on prohibited categories. Recipients are also precluded from allocating money received under DOT awards—such as through contracts or the provision of other benefits—based on suspect classifications. Any discriminatory actions in your policies, programs, and activities based on prohibited categories constitute a clear violation of Federal law and the terms of your grant agreements.” * On the matter of immigration, the Secretary’s letter offers grantees the assessment that “your legal obligations require cooperation generally with Federal authorities in the enforcement of Federal law, including cooperating with and not impeding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other Federal offices and components of the Department of Homeland Security in the enforcement of Federal immigration law. DOT has noted reported instances where some recipients of Federal financial assistance have declined to cooperate with ICE investigations, have issued driver’s licenses to individuals present in the United States in violation of Federal immigration law, or have otherwise acted in a manner that impedes Federal law enforcement. Such actions undermine Federal sovereignty in the enforcement of immigration law, compromise the safety and security of the transportation systems supported by DOT financial assistance, and prioritize illegal aliens over the safety and welfare of the American people whose Federal taxes fund DOT’s financial assistance programs.” * The Local Infrastructure Hub (LIH) will host a webinar next week with Connor Torossian, the new Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), to share best practices for prospective applicants of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program. The virtual session <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.co m/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=beb6821c2c&e=7ccb4f03e2> will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). * As a reminder, proposals for the program are due on June 26, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET. See our grant memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=77684 92336&e=7ccb4f03e2> for more information on that opportunity. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration * Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7790549cc4&e=7ccb4f03e2> the release of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Automated Vehicle (AV) Framework. The Framework is built upon three principles: improving the safety of ongoing AV operations on public roads; enhancing innovation by removing regulatory barriers to deployment; and enabling the commercial deployment of AVs. In a new video, the Secretary highlighted <https://watransit.us12.list-manag e.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e3e58a07aa&e=7ccb4f03e2> the first two actions under the Framework intended to advance the agency’s goal of modernizing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for commercial AV deployment. NHTSA will streamline <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4a43cdc995&e=7ccb4f03e2> crash reporting for vehicles equipped with certain advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving systems (ADS) and also expand <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click? u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=493ffeeb30&e=7ccb4f03e2> its AV Exemption Program (AVEP) to include domestically produced vehicles. * NHTSA shared <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=34cfe5fa86&e=7ccb4f03e2> the positive news that traffic fatalities decreased in the U.S. by 3.8 percent between 2023 and 2024. Early estimates <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=04dcf22e23&e=7ccb4f03e2> demonstrate the nation also experienced an eleventh consecutive quarterly decline in fatalities. In addition, Americans killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2023 decreased by 4.3 percent from the year prior. * NHTSA also highlighted <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0c3d43333b&e=7ccb4f03e2> the dangers of distracted driving during an awareness campaign this month, particularly among young drivers ages 18 to 34. New reporting <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=64e8b7c89a&e=7ccb4f03e2> from the agency shows that 13 percent of all crashes in 2023 stemmed from distracted driving and contributed to nearly 325,000 injuries and 4,000 deaths, which the agency notes are “likely underreported.” Federal Buildings General Services Administration * Democratic leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee expressed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=732708b5bb&e=7ccb4f03e2> concerns regarding recent initiatives undertaken by the General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service (PBS) and the broader work of the agency under the Trump Administration. A group of 25 Committee Democrats urged the agency in a new letter <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1d64d82f34&e=7ccb4f03e2> to detail its workforce reduction efforts; implementation of funding appropriated to the agency by the Inflation Reduction Act (117-169) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (PL 117-58); and building disposal, construction and design standards, and childcare initiatives. <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Senior Procurement Specialist - Construction Community Transit Salary Range: $86,433.0 - $1129,649.00 As a Senior Procurement Specialist, you will promote and manage Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs outreach and compliance. You will lead and advise project teams to effectively procure, establish, and administer complex contracts for a wide variety of commodities, professional services, information technology, construction, capital equipment, vehicles, and supplies. You will provide strategic procurement direction and advice to managers and staff. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fa855a4cb3&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=41b5910bc3&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=14693587f0&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=6f47077d80&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=e06f2e940e&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Back on track: Extended shutdown allowed crews to replace 600 feet of worn-out rail <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5c939db501&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Sound Transit’s The Platform * Skagit Transit considering improvements, expansions to Sedro-Woolley routes <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=35300c7334&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Skagit Valley Herald (pdf included) * Port of Whitman County supports project to establish fare-free bus loops between Palouse towns <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c3f9479d55&e=7ccb4f 03e2> . Lewiston Tribune * Arbor Health and Lewis County Transit launch Tuesday transport service <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7a266892a3&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Centralia Chronicle * Jeopardy champ Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=686b406c87&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Planetizen ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=54a4f1ac53&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=29fb06d8bc&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2a107a9567&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ad8d9fec75&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a131dc2d92&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=723e689a7c&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cd3ddc3eb0&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c6774d970a&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0a1780408c&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9b71b848e8&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=836fe811d4&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0a9ea0f664&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=55aa566fda> or unsubscribe from this list <https://watransit. us12.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c0e5ee8e&t=b&e=7ccb4f03e2&c=55aa566fda>  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/open.php?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=55aa566fda&e=7ccb4f03e2> 5=0.01;236=0;237=0;238=0;239=0.02;240=0;241=0;242=0;243=0;244=0;245=0;246=0.24;247=0.49;248=0.04;249=0.36;250=0;251=0;252=27;253=1;254=0;255=4.85;256=0;257=0.44;258=0.04;259=0;260=0;261=0;262=0;263=0 ;264=0;265=0.07;266=0.93;267=0;268=0;269=0;270=0;271=0;272=0;273=0;274=0;275=0.04;276=0;277=0;278=0;279=0.04;280=0;281=0;282=0;283=0;284=0;285=0;286=0.07;287=0.12;288=0;289=0.26;290=0;291=0;292=0;293 =0;294=3905;295=3.59;296=335;297=2.53;298=0.01;299=0.02;300=0.05;301=0.01;302=0.86;303=0.44;304=0;305=0;306=0.02;307=0.18;308=0;309=0;310=0.01;311=0;312=0;313=0;314=0;315=0;316=0;317=0;318=0.05;319=0 .98;320=0.02;321=0.18;322=0.01;323=0;324=0;325=0;326=0.06;327=0.01;328=2.27;329=1.62;330=3.53;331=3.24;332=0;333=0;334=1.86;335=2.84;336=0;337=0;338=1.46;339=0;340=0;341=0;342=0;343=0;344=0;345=0;346 =2.33;347=3.58;348=1.86;349=2.84;350=1.46;351=0;352=0;353=0;354=2.4;355=1.46;356=0;357=1;358=0;359=0