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HomeMy WebLinkAbout050325 - 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. Major Lawsuit filed, Last Legislative Update, From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit News Vol. 10, Issue 17 May 3, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/5d5ec5652c4a/the-wsta-weekly-17989195?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> King County sues Trump administration over homelessness, transit funding rules <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4b919a6eaf&e=7ccb4f03e2> Seattle Times By Mike Lindblom <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a7148b840a&e=7ccb4f03e2> and Greg Kim <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/ click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5ee456a075&e=7ccb4f03e2> Full Article Below: ________________________________ King County and seven other governments sued Friday to block Trump administration decrees that could halt millions of dollars for homeless aid and transit operations unless local agencies eradicate diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The county says it will seek a restraining order Monday to prevent the restrictions from taking effect. The other plaintiffs are Pierce County; Snohomish County; San Francisco; Santa Clara County, Calif.; Columbus, Ohio; Boston; and New York City. In March, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner posted on X that new conditions for federal homelessness grants required recipients not to “promote DEI, enforce ‘gender ideology,’ support abortion, subsidize illegal immigration, and discriminate against faith-based groups.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f4bbc2db81&e=7ccb4f03e2> warned agencies to avoid “discrimination” in the pursuit of DEI goals in an April 24 letter and instructed local agencies to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. King County’s lawsuit argues the executive branch lacks authority to change federal grant conditions without approval from Congress, which created the programs and holds the power to determine spending. King County has much at stake, including $66 million in federal homelessness grants, most of which go toward permanent housing with supportive services for formerly homeless people. A record 16,868 people experienced homelessness in 2024, according to a single-day King County count by the Regional Homelessness Authority. King County Metro Transit — which is typically the nation’s seventh-largest public bus agency and currently serves nearly 300,000 daily passengers — has $446 million in current federal grants, the lawsuit said. Although no money has been frozen yet, Metro spokesperson Sean Hawks said the county will suspend applying for further grants so long as they’re subject to a new March 26 “Master Agreement” issued by the Federal Transit Administration, which requires recipients to follow President Donald Trump’s executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a 8361&id=9f4a9cc591&e=7ccb4f03e2> prohibiting “illegal discrimination” in the form of diversity programs. Existing federal funds are still being spent, Hawks said. King County Executive Shannon Braddock said she had a duty to enforce the law and protect housing support and transit operations for residents. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said it does not comment on pending litigation. According to King County, if it agreed to the administration’s new conditions, any violation could make the county liable to the federal government for three times the amount of the grant — “further endangering critical services for county residents.” Last Tuesday, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority told the Metropolitan King County Council that a new requirement to check that all clients served by homelessness programs are U.S. citizens would have a chilling effect on people seeking services. “Even documented individuals are less likely to seek help if they are afraid of the repercussions to themselves, their friends and their family,” said Simon Foster, the authority’s deputy CEO. Lisa Edge, a spokesperson for the authority, added the organization was concerned about the Trump administration’s attempts to prevent transgender people, immigrants and other marginalized groups from accessing homelessness services, and said staff were reviewing legal and policy options to ensure services remain inclusive and consistent with the community’s values. The politicians and managers who steer Seattle-area transportation agencies, where money flowed generously during previous Trump and Biden administrations, have been quietly bracing for crisis. Like hundreds of its peers, Metro deploys millions in federal money for basic services, including so-called formula funds based on its service networks. The Federal Transit Administration typically covers 80% <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3b24584313&e=7ccb4f03e2> or more of the price of new buses, a huge outlay that for Metro amounts to $61.3 million for new buses budgeted in 2025-26 alone. A legion of less-visible capital needs, from water taxi maintenance to bus washing equipment, new trolley bus power poles and right-of-way improvements to Beacon Hill’s Route 36, all are scheduled for federal money. Metro won a highly visible $6.7 million award to buy rechargeable electric buses <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=dd5aabc523&e=7ccb4f03e2> , funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ad606832f0&e=7ccb4f03e2> and will undoubtedly look for more grants as it strives for a zero-emission fleet by the 2030s. Sound Transit isn’t a named party to the lawsuit but leans on similar federal largesse to renovate rail lines. As for diversity-related programs, many of those are actually created or required by federal law, such as Title VI studies under the Civil Rights Act to document that new bus-rapid transit or rail projects will provide equitable service, and avoid unfair impacts, to residents who are low-income or in ethnic minorities. In other cases, the U.S. Department of Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b47f75252b&e=7ccb4f03e2> requires local agencies to hire a certain number of minority- and female-owned small businesses, including big projects by Sound Transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=15 6a782c7b&e=7ccb4f03e2> , the Washington State Department of Transportation and others. It’s unclear what happens now, given that the Federal Transit Administration’s March 26 directive still contains former language that mandates a small-contractor diversity effort. In the light rail network, nearly $4 billion in federal grants have been distributed since 2017, such as a $1.2 billion grant for the 2024 Northgate-Lynnwood line and $780 million for the 2026 Federal Way extension, along with $4.2 billion in low-interest loans. But Sound Transit assumes $15 billion <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=05ca76454c&e=7ccb4f03e2> in future federal grants through 2046, not just to maintain its equipment but to cover part of West Seattle, Ballard, Everett, Tacoma or other future corridors. The expected cash flow might not take shape until after the Trump administration. <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/91751ad1-3691-6b98-7ed8-6b868e46fb19.png> The Last Legislative Update By Mike Shaw, WSTA Lobbyist The Legislature finished their legislative session at 6 pm, Sunday, April 27th. Passing the operating budget, transportation budget and capital budget, they finished not really knowing if the Governor would sign all the revenue bills upon which the budgets are built. Governor Ferguson has up to 20 days after the end of the session to make these decisions. The Governor has line-item veto authority on budget bills, but only section veto authority on policy bills, which include the various revenue bills. The operating budget <https://watransit.us12.list -manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=67b6b0e6bb&e=7ccb4f03e2> primarily relies on three major revenue bills: HB 2081 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=977aec15d2&e=7ccb4f03e2> : Business and Occupation tax (about $5.623 billion over the next 6 years); SB 5813 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=68bfbad5c4&e=7ccb4f03e2> : Tax rates, capital gains, estate tax ($635 million over the next 6 years); and SB 5814 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e8f0f29d2e&e=7ccb4f03e2> : Excise taxes ($2.68 billion over 6 years). There are several other revenue bills, see here <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f86b173095&e=7ccb4f03e2> , but those 3 are the primary sources of the roughly $9 billion in new revenue over the next four years (the Legislature budgets over two biennium). The budget, SB 5167 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c 3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bbb9ec3865&e=7ccb4f03e2> , contains over $5 billion in cuts to help cover the four-year $16 billion budget hole. The transportation budget <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b5e078b953&e=7ccb4f03e2> is supported by revenues created by these two bills: SB 5801 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c8479c657d&e=7ccb4f03e2> : the transportation resources bill. This bill raises the gas tax by 6 cents and has a inflator on that increase of 2% yearly. It also has weight fee increases, rental care and Peer-to-peer car sharing tax increases, and a luxury vehicle tax, among other revenue increases. See here for a good summary of the bill <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2bda6dd10c&e=7ccb4f03e2> , which raises about $3.2 billion over 6 years. SB 5802 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d9cebf2833&e=7ccb4f03e2> : Rebalancing statutory fund transfers and revenue dedications for transportation. This bill changes the general fund transfers that helped fund the Move Ahead Washington transportation funding package, transfers funds from the multimodal account and the public works account to the general fund, which supports the operating budget, and authorizes a 1/10th of 1 percent transfer of the state’s 6.5% sales and use tax to the multimodal account, starting in the next biennium (2027-29). This will transfer about $600 million biennially. Here is a good summary <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef 2a8361&id=d8324e3c8d&e=7ccb4f03e2> of the transfers. The transportation budget, SB 5161 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5a0d88e0a7&e=7ccb4f03e2> , and its associated revenue bills, addresses the decreasing fuel tax collections, and the project inflation pressures that made it impossible to complete many of the projects associated with the Connecting Washington and the Move Ahead Washington transportation packages. This budget should allow those projects to go forward and provides about $1 billion for fish passage barrier removal and helps fund the State Ferry improvement plan. Here is a summary of the budget expenditures <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0a5625fd7e&e=7ccb4f03e2> . As noted above, whether the Governor will sign all or a portion of the revenue bills is still unknown. If he veto’s any of those revenue bills then the budgets will not pencil out, and, I suspect, we will see a special session. ________________________________ 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=7513acfbe6&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=e71729764f&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 Spring Maintenance Forum Maintenance & Facilities Committee May 6- 8 | Spokane CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=dd48724f78&e=7ccb4f03e2> Transit Planners Committee May 12 - 13 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=49e3f0aca4&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA Dispatch Forum May 19-20 | Tulalip Resort CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=541be06a75&e=7ccb4f03e2> WSTA HR Committee June 4 - 6 | Ocean Shores CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7f3776aa75&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=2ab8f24a03&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Budget Reconciliation Congress * On Wednesday afternoon, the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee advanced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f45392a189&e=7ccb4f03 e2> legislation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=163ab76ba9&e=7ccb4f03e2> in a 36-30 vote fulfilling its instructions for the budget reconciliation package. The legislation would provide new funding to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to strengthen the national air traffic control (ATC) system and to the Coast Guard for maritime security enhancements. It would authorize annual registration fees on electric and hybrid vehicles as a new revenue source to support the Highway Trust Fund (HTF). The Committee estimated that these fees could generate revenues of approximately $38 billion for the Fund over ten years. In a separate hearing <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/c lick?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=608264e0b9&e=7ccb4f03e2> on the HTF prior to the markup, Committee Chair Sam Graves argued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2 ef2a8361&id=ca4b843967&e=7ccb4f03e2> that the fees would help strengthen the solvency of the HTF and ensure that all roadway users pay into the Fund. A proposed $20 annual fee on non-electric and hybrid vehicles was ultimately stripped from the measure through a manager’s amendment <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=87d972def2&e=7ccb4f03e2> adopted by the Committee. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Press Release <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0ffc450e0a&e=7ccb4f03e2> Legislative Text <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ccbd947f31&e=7ccb4f03e2> Manager’s Amendment <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f9db1404a7&e=7ccb4f03e2> The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) advanced its recommendations, which would provide $10 billion net reduction in the deficit, by a vote of 36-30 after a somewhat contentious hearing. The T&I provisions would provide new funding to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to strengthen the air traffic control (ATC) system and to the Coast Guard for maritime security enhancements. It would establish annual registration fees on electric and hybrid vehicles to increase revenue and contribute toward the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF). Specifically, the legislation includes: * Provisions to establish a $250 annual registration fee on electric vehicles and $100 annual registration fee on hybrid vehicles to be imposed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and increased annually for inflation through October 1, 2035 with revenues to be deposited into the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) with exemptions for farm vehicles and commercial motor vehicles. * $104 million worth of grant assistance to be overseen by FHWA to make grants of up to $2 million to state motor vehicle departments beginning in the first fiscal year following the date of enactment and to remain available until September 30, 2029 to support the implementation of the fees. * Instructions for FHWA to issue regulations and guidance as necessary on the fees and the collection process. * $12.5 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support the acquisition, construction, sustainment, improvement, and operation of aviation safety facilities, equipment, and personnel to remain available until September 30, 2029, including: * $4.75 billion for telecommunications infrastructure and systems replacement; * $3 billion for radar systems replacement; * $2.16 billion for Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower and terminal radar approach control facility replacement, with at least $240 million set-aside for Contract Tower Program and airport sponsored-owned ATC tower replacement; * $1 billion for air traffic controller recruitment, retention, training, and advanced training technologies; * $550 million for unstaffed infrastructure sustainment and replacement; * $500 million for runway projects, airport surface surveillance projects, and implementation of Section 347 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (PL 118-63), which supports agency initiatives to address near misses, runway incursions, and surface safety risks; * $300 million to expedite the implementation of NextGen programs as required by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024; and * $260 million to support the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative. * Provisions to facilitate the rescission of unobligated balances from the following seven programs authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act (PL 117-169): * Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) * Neighborhood Access and Equity Grants * Environmental Review Implementation Funds, and * Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants; * Federal Aviation Administration * Alternative Fuel and Low-Emission Aviation Technology Program; and * General Services Administration (GSA) * Assistance for Federal Buildings * Use of Low-Carbon Materials, and * Emerging Technologies funding. * $21 billion for the Coast Guard for maritime border security and migrant and drug interdiction, including investments in assets, shoreside infrastructure, and depot maintenance. * $5 million for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to establish a public website with data on motor carrier compliance with agency operating requirements. President Signs Executive Orders Targeting “Sanctuary” Jurisdictions President Donald Trump signed two executive orders with significant implications for local governments and their approach to public safety and law enforcement operations. The two orders signal the Administration’s approach of shifting toward a more assertive intergovernmental partnership on immigration enforcement. The Administration outlines their intent to pursue enforcement actions against state and local governments confirmed or perceived to be “sanctuary” jurisdictions. The orders arrive as federal courts review other early actions taken by the Administration in the space. Executive Order 14287 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c20c8c75dd&e=7ccb4f03e2> , Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens, directs the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to compile a list of “sanctuary” jurisdictions that are perceived not to be cooperating with federal immigration agents within 30 days and notify them of their non-compliance. It also directs federal agencies to potentially suspend or terminate federal funding, including grants and contracts, to these jurisdictions. Executive Order 14288 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f39f800d60&e=7ccb4f03e2> , Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens, seeks to expand federal support for state and local law enforcement by providing legal resources and indemnification for officers facing legal expenses related to actions taken in the line of duty. The order also affirms the Administration’s intent to initiate legal action against state or local officials who obstruct the enforcement of criminal laws or “unlawfully engage in discrimination or civil-rights violations under the guise of ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ initiatives that restrict law enforcement activity or endanger citizens.” Additionally, it calls for a review of existing “Federal consent decrees, out-of-court agreements, and post-judgment orders” with state and local law enforcement agencies in order to potentially modify or rescind measures that may impede effective policing. Finally, the order directs the Attorney General and the Secretary of Defense to increase the transfer of surplus military and national security equipment to support local crime prevention efforts. It is strongly recommended that local elected officials consult with appropriate legal counsel to understand the legal and financial implications of these executive orders and to review existing policies, intergovernmental agreements, and related practices to ensure continued compliance with federal laws and regulations. Local government officials can review the Congressional Research Service (CRS) publication on “Sanctuary” Jurisdictions: Policy Overview <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ea516ecf98&e=7ccb4f03e2> , which offers background on “sanctuary” jurisdictions and relevant legal considerations. In other legal developments affecting “sanctuary” jurisdictions, the Administration filed a lawsuit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bf96dcf125&e=7cc b4f03e2> in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York against the City of Rochester, New York, Mayor Malik Evans, the City Council, and City Council President Miguel Meléndez Jr., challenging their long-standing “sanctuary” city policies. The U.S. Department of Justice contends that these policies, which they state limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, violate the U.S. Constitution and requests that the District Court declare the city’s policies invalid. In a joint statement <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6313e6ceb2&e=7ccb4f03e2> , Mayor Evans and Council President Meléndez affirmed that “The City’s Sanctuary City policy is legally sound and always has been, including during the entirety of the Trump Administration’s first term. The City fully intends to defend the legality of its policies and to use this opportunity to hold the federal government to task and ensure that it does not commandeer local resources in violation of the Constitution’s Tenth Amendment. The City of Rochester is committed to investing its resources in public safety for all, not doing the federal government’s work of immigration enforcement.” <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Executive Director Twin Transit Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000 The Executive Director of Transit Services is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the organization by working with the board of directors and the executive management team to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9088305c0e&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=cab96fefc2&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=2511097519&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=3067a50bef&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=8e60048f17&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * City planned to withhold West Seattle light rail environmental concerns from regulators, public <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=06abd01933&e=7ccb4 f03e2> . KUOW * State study supports more city-to-city bus service in Yakima Valley <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=4650541f82&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Yakima Herald-Republic (pdf included) * New Grape Line bus service running between Yakima and Pasco <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b35fcf8c28&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Yakima Herald-Republic (pdf included) * Sound Transit ridership still below pre-pandemic levels despite new services <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=14b638f357&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Center Square * New survey shows transit travel up in Seattle region following COVID-19 travel changes <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b560023661&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Mass Transit * West Seattle Link Gains Federal Approval to Fully Enter Design Phase <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=630d72441d&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Urbanist * Harrell wants to reduce review times for light-rail station permits <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=19a21d99f9&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (pdf included) * Sound Transit Board approves funding for West Seattle and Ballard Link Extension planning amid public concerns and CEO trans <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2e f2a8361&id=4c16159f56&e=7ccb4f03e2> ition. 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