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HomeMy WebLinkAbout052325 - 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, Wa goes to WA, Conference Registation Opens Next Week! From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit News Vol. 10, Issue 20 May 23, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/cc8fe0178d9b/the-wsta-weekly-17989545?e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/91751ad1-3691-6b98-7ed8-6b868e46fb19.png> Message from the Exeuctive Director This week, Govenor Bob Ferguson signed the state Operating, Transportation, and Capital budgets without any significant vetoes, marking an end to the 2025 legislative process. As we all learned from Schoolhouse Rock <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=238914698e&e=7ccb4f03e2> , his signing of legislation is the last step in the legislative process, and we as transit can finally sigh relief. As we reported in our updates, the transportation budget proposed by the legislative conference committee retains transit funding without significant cuts. Critical grant programs like Special Needs Transportation, Rural Mobility, and Transit Support (kids ride free funding) will continue at the same level of funding. Further, critical capital-intensive grants, including Regional Mobility, Bus and Bus Facility, and Connecting WA and Move Ahead WA transit projects, will move forward without cuts. Unfortunately, the Green Transit Grant program will lose roughly $12 million due to the expiration of a fund transfer, and Rideshare Grants will also be cut in half. However, these small cuts amount to less than a 3% cut in funding but are made up for in other investments, such as on-time transit funding for the 2026 World Cup, and direct appropriations, such as $950,000 for RiverCities Transit to save service between Cowlitz and Clark County. Further wins in the budget include critical permitting reform that will assist public transit agencies in developing, building, and operating projects, particularly high-capacity transit, faster, more efficiently, and effectively. Permitting reform has been a long-standing priority for WSTA, and the actions taken by the legislature in 2025 are an essential step forward. We will monitor how these reforms get implemented and interpreted, and seek further refinement and changes in future sessions. Given the immense budget pressures of deficits, this outcome was a win for transit. I want to personally thank WSTA's state advocates, Mike Shaw and Lyset Cadena. They work tirelessly in Olympia on your behalf and deserve our daily gratitude. But, don't let your laurels down! With the uncertainty regarding the Trump Administration's implementation of federal dollars and programs and the congressional levels of federal funding, coupled with the uncertainty of the economy and inflation, we must stay vigilant. For a better, brighter future for all, <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/96275218-1924-4dfd-a90c-fc4153a1ab38.jpg> Justin D. Leighton Exeuctive Director Washington State Transition Association <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/8d77db17-6637-c783-dab2-f6da9eedd647.png> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d8772ebf14&e=7ccb4f03e2> Washington goes to Washington! <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/a10f384a-7926-9012-5859-f6be99790c25.jpg> U.S. Senator Patty Murray meeting with Washington State Transit Association members. This week, transit leaders across Washington State visited DC for the annual American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Legislative Conference. Nearly 40 transit board members, general managers, and staff met with the Washington State Congressional delegation to discuss critical issues, including federal transit funding, staffing issues at the Federal Transit Administration, inflation impacts, and uncertainty about how federal dollars will be distributed in the future. <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> House Passes One Big Beautiful Bill Act Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives adjourned for the Memorial Day recess after narrowly voting 215-214 to pass the reconciliation package, formally titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0d6099a0c3&e=7ccb4f03e2> ). The White House had offered support for the package in the House in a Statement of Administrative Policy (SAP) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=23f316d69f&e=7ccb4f03e2> , calling on lawmakers “to show the American people that they are serious about ‘promises made, promises kept.’ President Trump is committed to keeping his promises, and failure to pass this bill would be the ultimate betrayal.” The 1,118-page bill now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers are likely to amend the measure upon their return to Washington, DC in June. We encourage you to review our update <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cb12f0ec38&e=7ccb4f03e2> from yesterday for an overview of changes to the package and notable provisions for local governments. Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary * The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is soliciting <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=71d0fefa26&e=7ccb4f03e2> nominations for individuals to serve on a new Advisory Board that will provide strategic vision and high-level guidance to the agency on efforts to modernize and enhance U.S. transportation systems. According to a notice from the agency, the Advisory Board will include ten members “representing a range of industry leaders and experts across key sectors of transportation, including aviation, logistics, infrastructure, construction, finance, and legal affairs.” The agency will accept nominations for the Advisory Board through June 2, 2025. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration * Pursuant to the Executive Order (EO) entitled “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers,” the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rescinded <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f8f19d8363&e=7ccb4f03e2> 2016 guidance that had provided some flexibility for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to meet English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements. The agency issued new guidance <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=01aad45157&e= 7ccb4f03e2> mandating that, beginning June 25, 2025, drivers who fail to meet ELP requirements will be placed out-of-service. Infrastructure Financing U.S. Department of the Treasury * Last week, Moody’s Ratings downgraded the U.S. credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, the first time the agency has lowered the nation’s perfect rating since 1917. Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings had previously downgraded the nation’s credit rating in 2023 and 2011, respectively. In a statement <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3163e00 0d4&e=7ccb4f03e2> , Moody’s offered that the action “reflects the increase over more than a decade in government debt and interest payment ratios to levels that are significantly higher than similarly rated sovereigns.” The move could have implications for borrowing and interest rates used in financing for public infrastructure projects moving forward. Direct Pay and the Future of the IRA U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service * The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) shared a reminder <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=be9dc1fb6d&e=7ccb4f03e2> that 2025 pre-filing registration <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9950e716fc&e=7ccb4f03e2> is now open for local governments and other qualifying tax-exempt organizations to receive elective payment, or Direct Pay, for clean energy tax credits <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6f0286a0ba&e=7ccb4f03e2> authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169). As we have reported previously, pre-registration is a mandatory step for eligible entities in the Direct Pay election process. The agency outlines that process on a dedicated website <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c5ba0bf28f&e=7ccb4f03e2> and in a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6cb53b7a8b&e=7ccb4f03e2> . IRS will hold office hours to answer additional questions and provide further information. See the schedule of those sessions with registration links below. * Wednesday, June 4, 2025: Registration <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a358d64b76&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Wednesday, June 18, 2025: Registration <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a85d92be4e&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Wednesday, July 2, 2025: Registration <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ab4e46f274&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Wednesday, July 16, 2025: Registration <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a7a21a4989&e=7ccb4f03e2> * However, we would caution that, while the IRA authorized the use of elective payment through 2032, the remaining timeline and eligibility for its use with various clean energy incentives could change significantly pending recent legislative action. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b53d1f8eba&e=7 ccb4f03e2> ), which is now under consideration in the Senate and subject to change, currently maintains the elective payment process, but the measure - in the form it passed the House - either accelerates the expiration of, phases out, repeals the transferability of, or modifies most eligible tax incentives. See below for a review of proposed provisions in the bill related to each credit: * Section 45Y Clean Electricity Production Credit: accelerates expiration of the credit by only allowing its application for facilities beginning construction within 60 days of enactment or placed in service prior to December 31, 2028, with an exception for nuclear facilities where the 60-day clause does not apply; repeals transferability except for nuclear facilities; bars eligibility for solar and wind leasing arrangements; and restricts access to certain prohibited foreign entities * Section 48 Investment Tax Credit for Energy Property: phases out the credit for geothermal heat pumps (the last remaining eligible property after 2024) from CY 2029 through CY 2031 and restricts access to certain prohibited foreign entities * Section 48E Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit: accelerates expiration of the credit by only allowing its application for facilities beginning construction within 60 days of enactment or placed in service prior to December 31, 2028, with an exception for nuclear facilities where the 60-day clause does not apply; repeals transferability except for nuclear facilities; bars eligibility for solar and wind leasing arrangements; and restricts access to certain prohibited foreign entities * Section 45Q Credit for Carbon Oxide Sequestration: repeals transferability for carbon capture equipment with construction beginning two years after enactment and restricts access to certain prohibited foreign entities * Section 45U Zero-Emission Nuclear Power Production Credit: provides for the expiration of the credit on December 31, 2031 and restricts access to certain prohibited foreign entities * Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit: eliminates wind energy components sold after December 31, 2027 and eliminates the credit for all other components after December 31, 2031; repeals transferability for components sold after December 31, 2027; and restricts access to certain prohibited foreign entities * Section 45W Credit for Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicles: accelerates expiration to December 31, 2025 and allows vehicles acquired pursuant to a written binding contract entered into before May 12, 2025 to qualify for the credit * Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit: accelerates expiration to December 31, 2025 * Section 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit: accelerates expiration to facilities where construction begins after December 31, 2025 * Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit: extends the credit through the December 31, 2031; amends eligible activities; eliminates transferability for fuel produced after December 31, 2027; and restricts access to certain prohibited foreign entities * As we have reported previously, Republican Senators seem inclined to pursue potential changes to provisions of the reconciliation measure when they reconvene in June following the Memorial Day recess. We will be sure to keep you updated on impacts to direct pay. <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=f43290bce0&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 WSTA HR Committee June 4 - 6 | Ocean Shores CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b57c134432&e=7ccb4f03e2> TNLI Session 3 Jun 12-13 Walla Walla, WA WSTA 2nd Qrt Board Meeting June 12-13 | Walla Walla, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=03dc14589d&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Director of Public Transportation Washington State Department of Transportation Salary Range: $128,796.00 - $165,120.00 Annually WSDOT is currently seeking a strategic leader to serve as Director for the Public Transportation Division. Reporting to the Assistant Secretary of Multimodal Development and Delivery (M2D2), this key leadership position will provide direction for a division of over 90 FTEs and manage more than 20 state and federal programs, working in partnership with over 100 public transportation organizations across the state. The Public Transportation Director will lead efforts to enhance public transportation services, ensure compliance with state and federal policies, and promote sustainability, including the transition to zero-emission fleets. This director role is responsible to develop and implement multimodal transportation strategies, ensure inclusive public engagement, and guide the division to meet the goals of the Climate Commitment Act and Move Ahead Washington. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0fc6df6f3f&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=694d37123d&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=e9105311af&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=6c88d0eb2f&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=dee38457a6&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Sound Transit approves contract to build Bothell bus facility <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=42c24a1a3a&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Everett Herald (pdf included) * Sound Transit Starts I-90 Testing, Full 2-Line Opening Slips to 2026 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=aadcdc8b2d&e=7ccb4f03e2> . The Urbanist * Cheers to the bus driver! Seattle’s Nathan Vass turns his daily bus exchanges into a book <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6b9b4f81a8&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KUOW * Ben Franklin Transit Art Bus showcases local high school artists <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0934cc2bb9&e=7ccb4f03e2> . KEPR * WTA to enhance existing bus routes instead of pursuing rapid transit system <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0b522b3590&e=7ccb4f03e2> . Cascadia Daily News (pdf included) ________________________________ * Passenger Transport <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=48a4846978&e=7ccb4f03e2> Latest Issue <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6 c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=dfdc4073cf&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Metro Magazine News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=22219867dd&e=7ccb4f03e2> * National RTAP <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d2117b9e28&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Transit Talent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=978a7102f7&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Voices of Public Transportation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6c46f6f7cb&e=7ccb4f03e2> * T4America <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=486523726f&e=7ccb4f03e2> * CTAA News <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=33b47de347&e=7ccb4f03e2> * Shared-Use Mobility Center <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=40d3bce65d&e=7ccb4f03e2> ________________________________ <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e6c93705f6&e=7ccb4f03e2> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ac1a8e4a97&e=7ccb4f03e2> <mailto:justin@watransit.com> <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=487432ce09&e=7ccb4f03e2> Copyright © WSTA, 2016, All rights reserved. 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