Washington Report: 2020 Issues

December 14, 2020

FY 2021 Appropriations Update - New CR Expires December 18, 2020
Senate Set to Consider WRDA Legislation
New Members of the 117th Congress
Trump Administration Releases Final Regulatory Agenda
EPA Introduces Environmental Finance Clearinghouse
FEMA Announces Proposed National Strategy on PPE Distribution
FEMA Considering Revisions in Determining Disaster Declarations
FHWA Proposes Changes to MUTCD
Potential Cabinet Officials in a Biden Administration and Committee Leadership in the 117th Congress

December 7, 2020

FY 2021 Appropriations Update – Continuing Resolution Expires December 11, 2020
APWA Advocates for Public Works Vaccination Priority
House Releases WRDA Legislation
Defense Bill Includes PFAS Provisions
NEPA Revisions See Court Action
NHTSA Releases Proposal for Framework on Automated Driving Systems
FEMA Seeking Comments on Emergency Operations Center Toolkit Documents

November 30, 2020

FY 2021 Appropriations Update – Continuing Resolution Expires December 11, 2020
U.S. DOT Proposing Internal NEPA Updates
FCC Votes to Repurpose Portion of Transportation Spectrum
FEMA Releases National Risk Index
FEMA Seeks Stakeholder Feedback on Updated Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101
CISA Releases Final Cyber Essentials Toolkit: "Your Crisis Response"

November 16, 2020

FY 2021 Appropriations Update – CR Expires December 11, 2020
This Week’s FCC Meeting to Include Modernizing 5.9 GHz Band
FEMA Requests Comments on Draft Building Private-Public Partnerships Guide
APWA Member Phil Mann to Speak at SAFECOM Annual Fall Meeting
APWA Co-Sponsors Advance Refunding FAQ Primer
“Tell Your Story” of COVID-19’s Impacts on Public Works
Second Annual National Drone Safety Awareness Week Begins November 16

October 26, 2020

COVID-19 Negotiations
Weigh-in on WRDA
Share COVID-19 Impacts on Your Communities
U.S. Department of Education Expands Funding for Federal Work Study Job Training
FEMA Announces Updates on Grant and Mitigation Planning Programs – Deadline October 27, 2020
FEMA Still Accepting Disaster Relief Grant Program Applications – Deadline January 21, 2021

October 19, 2020

Update on COVID-19 Negotiations
APWA Submits Comments on EPA Financial Capability Assessment Revisions
Trump Administration Creates Water Subcabinet
APWA Participating in "Imagine A Day Without Water" on October 21
FEMA Seeking Applications for National Exercise Program
FEMA Policy Emphasizes Use of Environmentally Beneficial Mitigation Projects
FEMA Releases 2020 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

October 5, 2020

Update on CR and COVID-19 Negotiations
APWA Advocates for Bipartisan Flood Standard Improvements
APWA Hosting Third Thursday Advocacy Jam Next Week
FEMA Now Accepting Disaster Relief Grant Program Applications
CISA Unveils Telework Essentials Toolkit
CISA Releases Ransomware Guide

September 28, 2020

House Passes Funding Bill; Senate Action Tuesday
Apprenticeship Reauthorization Bill Advanced by Committee
House to Vote on Cybersecurity and Emergency Management Legislation
U.S. DOT Announces $320 Million in CRISI Grants
FEMA Releases Results from Annual Disaster Preparedness Survey
October Marks 17th Annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

September 21, 2020

Continuing Resolution Expected this Week
APWA and U.S. House Public Works & Infrastructure Caucus to Host Virtual Hill Brief
APWA Calls for Action on WIFIA Amendment
Senate Committee Holds Hearing on Clean Water Act Regulation
U.S. DOT Awards BUILD Grant Dollars
U.S. DOE Announces Grants to Career and Technical Education
U.S. DOL Launches Campaign to Promote Apprenticeships
EPA Proposes Updated Pollution Control Payment Guidance
FEMA Releases IPAWS Program Planning Kit
FEMA Requests Comments on Draft Inundated and Submerged Roads Guidance

September 14, 2020

Both Chambers Return to Session this Week
APWA Supports Year-long FAST Act Extension
APWA and U.S. House Public Works and Infrastructure Caucus to Host Virtual Hill Brief
APWA Government Affairs Hosting Advocacy Jam this Thursday
FEMA Releases Interim COVID-19 Reimbursement Policy
FEMA Announces Updates on Grant and Mitigation Planning Programs
CISA Announces Malicious Domain Blocking and Reporting

August 11, 2020

Update on Next COVID-19 Package
Ask Your Representative to Join the House Public Works and Infrastructure Caucus
FAST Act Extension Likely
APWA Urges Congressional Action on Water Infrastructure
FEMA Releases BRIC Grant Information
FEMA Requests Comments on Interim Debris Monitoring Guide

August 3, 2020

COVID-19 Negotiations Continue
House Approves Water Projects Bill
Legal Challenges for White House NEPA Update
House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Drinking Water Regulations
U.S. DOT Awards Over $273 Million in Grants to 184 Airports

July 27, 2020

Senate Republicans to Introduce COVID-19 Relief Package
House Passes First Set of Spending Bills
House to Vote on Water Projects Bill this Week
APWA Issues Action Alert to Support LOCAL Infrastructure Act
APWA Joins State DOT’s in Requesting Relief Funding
CISA Releases Public Safety Communications and Cyber Resiliency Toolkit

July 20, 2020

APWA Advocacy Tools
Congress Returns to Session to Work on Next COVID-19 Relief Package
House Continues Work on FY 2021 Spending Bills
White House Announces Major Revisions to Permitting Regulations
House Committee Approves Water Resources Legislation
FEMA Releases Updated Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide
White House Launches "Find Something New" Ad Campaign
CISA Hosts NECP Webinar

July 13, 2020

House Committee Rushes to Approve Spending Bills
APWA Supports LOCAL Infrastructure Act
Share How COVID-19 Impacts Your Community
FHWA Announces ATCMTD Funding Opportunity
FEMA Hosts BRIC Engagement Webinars
CISA Releases Second of Six Planned Cyber Essentials Toolkits
CISA Releases Industrial Control Systems Guidance

June 29, 2020

House to Vote on Infrastructure Package this Week
APWA Joins State and Local Government Groups Advocating for Federal Aid
Court Rules Water Protection Rule into Effect in 49 States
APWA Supports Voluntary Partnership Legislation
FEMA Publishes Emergency Sheltering Policy
FEMA Requests Feedback on Resource Management

June 22, 2020

House Committee Passes Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill
Judge Weighs Blocking Trump Water Rule
U.S. DOT Announces $906 Million in INFRA Grants
Department of Education Begins New CARES Act Workforce Development Grant
FEMA Requests Comments on HSGP Effectiveness
FEMA Hosts COVID-19 Themed Hurricane Webinars this Week
CISA Announces Cyber Guide to Accompany Updated Next Generation 9-1-1

June 15, 2020

APWA Urges Congress to Invest in Infrastructure for COVID-19 Recovery
Congressional Republicans Work to Expand Trump Order on Streamlining
U.S. DOT Announces Safety Data Initiative Funds
DHS Seeking Feedback from First Responders on UAS
FEMA Releases Business Emergency Operations Center Guidance
FEMA Mass Care Delivery Guidance Now Available
FEMA Seeking Comments on Effectiveness in Maintaining and Improving Preparedness

June 8, 2020

House Democrats Introduce Transportation Bill
President Signs Executive Order to Speed Infrastructure Permitting
APWA Joins in Advocating for COVID-19 Funding to State DOTs
U.S. DOT Announces $891 Million in Infrastructure Funds
House Plans to Finish Spending Bills in July
FEMA & NOAA Announce Joint Resilience Planning Webinar
NOAA Requests Comments on Draft Education Plan
CISA Central Established to Streamline Engagement between Partners
Cyberspace Solarium Commission Releases Cyber-Themed Pandemic Recommendations

June 1, 2020

APWA Advocates for Local and State Assistance
Congress Makes Plans for Infrastructure Legislation
FEMA's COVID-19 Hurricane Season Operational Guidance Available
DOL Shares Guidance on Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs
DOL Issues Alert on Social Distancing at Work
FEMA Releases Fourth Version of Public Assistance Policy and Program Guide
FEMA Offers Updated NIMS Training
FEMA Announces $10 Million in Funding for RCP Grant Program
CISA Releases Cyber Essentials Toolkit
NOAA Shares 2020 Hurricane Season Forecast

May 18, 2020

National Public Works Week 2020
House Passes $3 trillion Coronavirus Response Package
APWA Pushes for Water Sector Assistance in COVID-19 Legislation
House Approves Proxy Voting
FEMA Releases Preliminary Damage Assessment Guides
FEMA Releases State PPE Data
CISA Shares Information to Safeguard from Coronavirus Disinformation
CISA Provides STOP.THINK.CONNECT Campaign Best Practices & Recommendations

May 11, 2020

Timing for a Future Congressional Aid Package Uncertain
President Declares National Transportation Week
APWA Hosting Virtual Capitol Hill Brief During National Public Works Week
Senate Committee Passes Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Legislation
House Democrats Introduce Bill to Block New Clean Water Rule
FAA Announces Update on UAS Remote Identifications

May 4, 2020

Senate Returns to Session
APWA Joins With 70 Partners Urging Infrastructure Investment
APWA Announces Support of Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Legislation
APWA Contributes on Advocacy Letter for Virtual Inspections
States Sue EPA Over new Clean Water Rule
EPA Extends Comment Period on PFAS Regulations
EPA Plans to Finalize Lead and Copper Revisions by Summer 2020
FEMA Shares Coronavirus Emergency Management Recommendations
DOL Announces Funding Availability for WORC Initiative
GAO Releases U.S. DOT Highway Grants Report
DOE Opens Competition for Reimagining Workforce Preparation Grants
FEMA Releases Procurement Video Tutorial for Grant Recipients
FEMA Releases Annual OIA Flood Insurance Advocate Report
FEMA Seeking Comments on BRIC Program Stakeholder Feedback Until May 11
FAA Cited for Lack of Sufficient Drone Security Controls
CISA Issues Reminder on Required DNS Protection Tools

April 20, 2020

Coronavirus Congressional Actions Update
APWA Action Alert - Tell Congress about COVID-19's Impact on Public Works
APWA Coronavirus Resources
APWA to Participate in Water Week 2020 Webinar
House T&I Chairman Releases Statement on the Condition of the Nation's Bridges
EPA Provides COVID-19 Resources for Local Governments
FEMA Releases Disaster Financial Management Guide
FAA Announces Airport CARES Act Grants
Groups Sue EPA over Pollution Enforcement Suspension
FEMA Seeks Comments on BRIC Program Stakeholder Feedback
Department of Labor Announces Youth Apprenticeship Grants
FEMA Announces FY2020 Homeland Security Grant Program Modifications
FEMA Announces Funding Available for CTP Flood Hazard Map Grant Program
FEMA Releases Updated Flood Insurance Manual

March 23, 2020

President Trump Announces Executive Actions to Address COVID-19 Pandemic
Congress Focused on Third COVID-19 Disaster Relief Package
Water Sector - COVID-19
CISA Releases Guidance for Essential Critical Infrastructure Industries
SBA Provides Information on COVID-19 Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses
NFWF, NOAA Provides Grants of over $43 million for Conservation Efforts
DOT Secretary Chao Announces $248.5 Million in Grants for Railroad Infrastructure
FEMA Holds Preparedness Grant Webinars

March 30, 2020

Third Coronavirus Emergency Response Funding Package Becomes Law
Federal Government Actions Supporting Water Sector in Coronavirus Crisis
APWA Urges Congress to Support Water Sector in Next Stimulus
FEMA Administrator Gaynor Shares Recommendations for Emergency Managers
DHS Announces Tool Supporting Emergency Management Operations
FEMA Extends Application Deadlines for FY2020 Preparedness Grant Programs
FEMA Hosting TMAC Virtual Meeting
NHTSA Seeking Comments on AV Proposal - Due May 29, 2020

March 23, 2020

President Trump Announces Executive Actions to Address COVID-19 Pandemic
Congress Focused on Third COVID-19 Disaster Relief Package
Water Sector - COVID-19
CISA Releases Guidance for Essential Critical Infrastructure Industries
SBA Provides Information on COVID-19 Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses
NFWF, NOAA Provides Grants of over $43 million for Conservation Efforts
DOT Secretary Chao Announces $248.5 Million in Grants for Railroad Infrastructure
FEMA Holds Preparedness Grant Webinars

March 9, 2020