APWA Washington Report

The APWA Washington Report newsletter covers the latest United States national legislative and regulatory news affecting public works and public works professionals. Check your Email Communication Preferences settings to see if you are set up to receive an email copy of the APWA Washington Report. For more information, contact APWA's Washington, DC office at (202) 408-9541. 

May 22, 2023

• U.S. House to Consider Resolution for National Public Works Week
• Call to Action: Submit Comments on PFAS Drinking Water Labels
• EPA Proposes Reforms to New Chemical Review Process
• APWA Joins CABT Letter to Oppose Bigger Trucks
• FHWA Publishes Guide for Performance Based Planning
• FEMA Announces $160M in Disaster Mitigation Grants

May 15, 2023

• As Debt Ceiling Talks Continue, Permitting Remains in Play
• Infrastructure Week Underway
• Court Rules EPA Must Regulate Perchlorate in Drinking Water
• New USDA Programs for Rural Drinking Water and Wasterwater Systems
• EPA Seeks Recycling Infrastructure & Market Opportunities Map Input
• FHWA Extends Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Program Deadline
• DOT Webinar on Identifying Discretionary Grant Opportunities
• House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Workforce Needs
• FEMA Seeks Applicants for Technical Mapping Advisory Council
• CISA Releases White Paper on Cyber-Physical Infrastructure

May 8, 2023

• APWA Supports Legislation to Protect Public Works from PFAS Liability
• U.S. DOT Funding for Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Grants
• APWA President Pugh Tours Public Works Facility with Local Congresswoman
• FEMA Seeks Comments on National Flood Insurance Program

May 1, 2023

• APWA Urging Liability Protection for PFAS Passive Receivers
• APWA Government Affairs to Present at Mid-Atlantic Chapter Conference
• APWA's Emergency Management Technical Committee Meets with NOAA
• Legislation Introduced Targeting Non-Flushable Wipes
• May is National Building Safety Month

April 24, 2023

• Permitting Reform in House GOP Debt Limit Bill
• RUS Announces FY2023 Technical Assistance
• NHTSA Releases Roadway Fatalities Report
• PROTECT Grant Program Application - Due Sept. 18
• U.S. DOT Hosting SS4A Webinars
• FEMA'S National Advisory Council Seeking Members
• SAFECOM Releases 2023 Emergency Communications Grants Guidance
• U.S. House to Vote on Emergency Communications Legislation
• CISA Releases Best Practices Guidance for Smart Cities

April 17, 2023

• DOL Announces Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program - Applications Due July 7
• National Work Zone Awareness Week - April 17-21
• U.S. DOT Announces Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program - Due Aug 1
• EPA Proposes New GHG Rulemaking for Heavy Duty Vehicles
• EPA Considers More PFAS for Hazardous Designation Under CERCLA
• EPA Issues Proposal to Improve Awareness of Drinking Water Quality
• FEMA Streamlines National Exercise Program Application Process
• FEMA Now Accepting Revolving Loan Fund Applications
• FEMA Seeking Feedback on National Resilience Guidance
• FEMA Updates COVID-19 Public Assistance Policy Deadline Guidance

March 27, 2023

• APWA Participates in PFAS Brief to Congressional Staff
• Sen. Kaine, Federal Officials Champion Richmond Train Station
• FHWA Seeks Comment on 'Buy America' Waivers - Due April 17
• EP's Watershed Academy Launches Hazard Mitigation Module
• HHS Releases Water Service Provider and Household Outreach Toolkits
• SMART Grants Recipients Announced
• EDC-7 Summit Available on Demand
• NTIA Calls for Comment on Digital Equity Act Programs - Due May 1
• Rural Broadband Funding Opportunity - Due June 20
• U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Emergency Responder Grant Opportunity
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Looks to Improve Flood Mapping
• FEMA Releases NIMS Information and Communications Technology Functional Guidance
• FEMA Releases Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program, Policy Guide (REWORK)

March 20, 2023

• APWA Government Affairs Committee in DC this Week
• Engineering & Public Works Roadshow's Next Stop
• APWA Submits Comments to OMB on Buy America
• EPA Proposes Drinking Water Standards for 6 PFAS Chemicals
• FHWA Funding Open for Charging & Fueling Infrastructure - due May 30
• National Weather Service Releases 10-Year Strategic Plan

March 13, 2023

• President Biden Releases FY '24 Budget Request
• U.S. House Strikes Down New WOTUS Rule
• DHS Targeted Violence, Terrorism Prevention Grants - Due April 25
• FEMA Revisions to the Emergency Management Institute 

March 6, 2023

• President Biden to Announce FY2024 Budget March 9
• DOT Announces Reconnecting Communities Grant Projects
• Funding Opportunity for Marine Highway Program - Due April 28
• EPA Announces $2.4B for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades 
• EPA Releases Report on Water Recycling for Climate Resilience
• DHS Announces $2B in Disaster Preparedness Grants
• White House Releases National Cyber Strategy
• FEMA Requests Feedback on Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

February 27, 2023

• APWA President Keith Pugh to Testify on NEPA
• T&I Committee to Consider Resolution Striking Down New WOTUS Role
• DOT Announces Funding to University Transportation Centers
• Link to IIJA Webinar Recording Available 
• FEMA Accepting Revolving Loan Funding Applications - Due April 28
• FEMA COVID-19 Reporting Period Ends May 11
• FEMA Seeks Input on Disaster-Related Federal Regs, Guide by March 24
• EPA Announces $2B from IIJA for Emerging Contaminants

February 13, 2023

• APWA's Next IIJA Webinar - February 16
• APWA President to Judge Future City Competition in D.C.
• OMB Releases New Proposed Build America, Buy America Rules
• RAISE Grants Application Deadline - Feb. 28
• EPA Publishes New MS4 Compendium Series
• Reminder - EPA Deadline Approaching for IIJA-funded Recycling Grants

February 6, 2023

• APWA to Host IIJA Webinar - February 16
• APWA Joins Coalition Letter to Urge SRF Full Funding
• EPA Issues New Clean Water Act Guidance
• Legislation Introduced to Reverse Biden WOTUS Rule
• Coalition Against Bigger Trucks Letter to Congress
• U.S. DOT Launches 'Call to Action Campaign'
• FHWA Requests Information on Improving Road Safety - Due March 20
• Reminder - EPA Deadline Approaching for IIJA-funded Recycling Grants

January 30, 2023

• APWA to Host IIJA Webinar - February 16
• FTA Infrastructure Law Funding Opportunity - Due April 13
• More PFAS Talk at EPA
• EPA Announces Plans for Wastewater Regs, Limits for PFAS, New Nutrients Study
• Reminder - EPA Deadline Approaching for IIJA-funded Recycling Grants
• NOAA Release 2022 Climate Disasters Report
• USDA Announces Grant Opportunities for Rural Water Infrastructure
• Department of Interior Announces Funding Opportunities
• Reminder to Welcome Your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative to the 118th Congress

January 23, 2023

• House and Senate Back to Business
• APWA to Host IIJA Webinar - February 16
• FHWA Releases Updated Guidance for DBE
• EPA Releases New PFAS Analytic Tools
• Illinois Chemical Plant Fire Threatens Supply Chain Disruptions
• EPA Requires Reporting on Releases for Nine Additional PFAS
• House to Vote on FEMA Legislation this Week
• CISA Releases 2022 Year in Review Report

January 9, 2023

• APWA Releases New Public Policy Priorities for 118th Congress
• EPA Announces New WOTUS Rule
• FEMA Releases 2022 National Preparedness Report
• NOAA Announces $3.6M for Climate Adaption Projects
• EPA Extends Deadline for IIJA-funded Recycling Grants

December 19, 2022

• Reminder: EPA Seeks Applications for IIJA-funded Recycling Grants - Due Jan. 16
• RAISE Grants Open for Application - Deadline Feb. 28
• Federal Railroad Admin. IIJA Funding - Deadline March 7
• EPA Proposes Rule Requiring Greater Reporting of PFAS Releases
• EPA Hosts Webcast on Green Infrastructure in MS4 Permits
• FEMA Releases Updated Planning Guides to Assist in Emergency Preparation
• FEMA Seeking Comments on Public Assistance Program
• CISA and SAFECOM Requesting Survey Feedback on Emergency Communications

December 12, 2022

• Current Continuing Resolution Expires this Week
• WRDA Passes the U.S. House
• FHWA Administrator Confirmed by U.S. Senate
• EPA Releases Memo on PFAS Discharges
• APWA Participates in NHSC Annual Winter Meeting
• House Plans Vote to Establish National Flood Integration System
• Recording of APWA Workforce Development Virtual Brief Available

December 5, 2022

• Current CR Expires Dec. 16
• Senate EPW Approves FHWA Nominee
• U.S. House to Consider Disaster Reform Bills
• EPA Hosts Webinar on Water Infrastructure Climate Resiliency
• EPA Offering WIFIA Program Office Hours
• Letters of Intent Due for National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) 
• APWA Kicks Off Engineering & Public Works Roadshow
• APWA Advocacy Ambassador Corner
• Reminder to Check IIJA Resource Page!

November 28, 2022

• APWA On the Road with ACEC and ASCE in California
• APWA Hosting Virtual Capitol Hill Brief on Workforce Development
• U.S. Congress Update
• Updated Infrastructure Law Resources Available
• CISA Announces Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework Update
• FEMA Seeks Comments on Community Disaster Loan Program 
• EPA Updates Supply Chain Resilience Guide for Water and Wastewater Utilities
• EPA Hosts Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) Webinar
• EPA Seeks Applications for IIJA-funded Recycling Grants - Due Jan. 16

November 14, 2022

• Congress Returns Post-Election
• Crash Responder Safety Week Recognized Nov. 14-18
• November Recognized as Infrastructure Security Month
• November 15 is America Recycles Day
• US DOT Issues a Notice and a Call for Comment on Build America, Buy America
• APWA Supports Protecting Water Infrastructure from Unfair Legal Liability 
• EPA Increases Scrutiny of PFAS for Regulatory Consideration in Drinking Water
• EPA Releases Guidance for Community Grants (Earmarks)
• EPA Issues De Minimis Waiver for Buy America Requirements
• US House to Vote on Disaster Assistance Legislation

October 3, 2022

• CR Funds Government through December 16
• APWA Transportation Workforce Product Updated
• U.S. DOT Funding Available for Advanced Transportation Technologies - Due Nov. 18
• October is National Pedestrian Safety Month
• EPA Releases Buy America Waiver for Small Grants 
• DOI, USBR Seek Small Surface Water & Groundwater Storage Project Applicants 
• White House Issues Cybersecurity Awareness Month Proclamation 

September 26, 2022

• Congress to Consider CR to beat Oct. 1 FY Deadline
• APWA Signs Updated MOU with FEMA
• DOT Announces SMART Grant Funding - Applications Due Nov. 18
• Railroad Crossing Elimination Program - Applications Due Oct. 11
• Transit Safety Guide Released
• EPA Issues RFA for EAR Research Grants

September 19, 2022

• DOT Requests Input on Enhancing Safety at Intersections - Due Oct. 16
• SMART Grants Funding Opportunity to Open this Month
• DOT Announces 2022 INFRA Grant Recipients
• FHWA Approves 35 States' Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plans
• MOU Signed by Four Federal Agencies to Reduce GHGs
• EPA Announces $1.1 B in IIJA Water Infrastructure Funding
• CISA Announces $1 Billion in Cybersecurity Grants
• FEMA Announces National Exercise Program Assistance
• FEMA Seeking Recovery Guide Comments

September 12, 2022

• EPA Proposing PFAS as Hazardous Substances
• EPA Releases Buy America Waivers for SRFs, Other Water Programs
• EPA Proposes Revisions to Chemical Accident Regs
• DOT Justice 40 Initiative Update
• Federal Railroad Administration Announces CRISI Funding - Due Dec. 1
• FHWA Publishes Final Rule Updating MUTCD Pavement Marking Retro Reflectivity
• September is National Preparedness Month
• Biden Administration Announces Climate Portal
• House Schedules Disaster Relief, Drone Usage Votes
• FEMA Publishes Support Materials for Emergency Management Partners
• FEMA Announces Revolving Loan Program
• FEMA Seeks Grant Programs Directorate Comments
• FEMA Requests Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program, Policy Guide Feedback
• Biden Administration Launches Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative

August 1, 2022

• APWA, ACEC and ASCE Partner for Engineering Road Show
• U.S. DOT Releases RFI on Build America Buy America - Due Aug. 12
• FHWA Releases Guidance on PROTECT Program Funding
• FTA Announces Funding for All Stations Accessibility Program - Due Sept. 30
• FEMA Begins Hazard Mitigation Assistance Summer Engagement Series
• U.S. Senate to Vote to Undo Biden Administration NEPA Rule
• U.S. Senate Passes WRDA

July 25, 2022

• APWA to Host IIJA Webinar - July 28 - Only Two Days Left to Register!
• President Biden Nominates Candidate to Lead FHWA
• U.S. Senate to Vote on WRDA
• APWA Supports Maximum Relief for Water Infrastructure Projects
• White House Announces Executive Actions to Address Climate Concerns
• DOT Releases NPRM on DBEs
• IIJA Increases Investment in CDLs
• U.S. House to Vote on Wildfire and Drought Resiliency Legislation
• FEMA Seeking National WEA System Test Feedback

July 18, 2022

• House to Consider FY 2023 Appropriations Package
• EPA Seeks Comments on Water Infrastructure Waiver - Due July 27
• EPA Science Advisory Board Meets to Review Proposed Drinking Water Rules
• FHWA Proposed Rulemaking on Greenhouse Gas Emissions - Comments due Oct. 13
• Update on the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council
• APWA to Host IIJA Webinar - July 28
• FEMA National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Funding - Applications Due August 12
• FEMA Releases Information on Homeland Security National Training Program Funding - Applications Due August 15
• FEMA Announces Resources to Help Locals Protect Older Adults from Disasters

July 11, 2022

• U.S. Senate and House Return to Session
• EPA Hosts Webinar on IIJA Water Infrastructure Funding
• APWA to Host IIJA Webinar - July 28
• DOT Funding for Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program - Due Oct. 13
• FTA Announces Funding to Ferry Services for Rural Communities - Due Sept. 6
• FAA Announces Grant Funding Recipients to Improve Terminals
• FEMA Seeking Comments on Draft Guidance - Due July 31
• FEMA Announces New Tool for Disaster Recovery Efforts
• FEMA Introduces Flood Resiliency Website
• FEMA Announces Updates to Mobile App

June 20, 2022

• EPA Issues PFAS, Other Advisories; $1B IIJA Health Protections Grants
• APWA Chapter Leader Idea Exchange: IIJA & How to Get $$$
• Biden Administration Announces 'Talent Pipeline Challenge'
• U.S. House Releases Proposed FY23 DHS Funding Bill
• DHS Announces New Digital Indoor Mapping Tool for First Responders
• FEMA Releases COVID-19 Public Assistance Programmatic Deadlines Guidance

June 13, 2022

• NOFO Open for Bridge Investment Program
• EPA Announces June 14 Webinar for Recycling Stakeholders
• WRDA Passed by House
• U.S. Treasury Updates Economic Relief, Recovery Program Guidance
• FEMA 2021 Annual Flood Report Now Available
• FEMA Announces Baseline Assessment Emergency Management Grants
• FEMA Releases Interim Federal Flood Risk Management Standards
• FEMA Report on Mitigating Wildfire Losses
• NOAA Names New National Weather Service Director

June 6, 2022

• House to Vote on WRDA
• NHTSA Administrator Confirmed
• FTA Hosting Webinar on Flexing Funds - June 14
• White House Announces Initiative to Modernize Building Codes
• CISA Unveils Secure Tomorrow Series Toolkit

May 23, 2022

• House Committee Marks-up Water Resources Development Act
• Safe Streets for All-Open for Applications to Sept. 15
• NHTSA Report-Highest Number of Roadway Deaths in 16 years
• IIJA Technical Assistance Guide Released
• FEMA Announces #33 Million for Dam Safety
• FEMA Seeks Comments on Framework for Chemical Incident Consequence Management

 May 16, 2022

• APWA Virtual Brief on Cybersecurity and Public Works-May 17
• House Panel Reviewing WIOA
• NTIA Releases Broadband Notice of Funding Opportunity
• New FRA Guide on Expansion, Enhancement of Intercity Passenger Rail
• FHWA Releases Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation, Appalachian Development Highway Programs Funding
• House Schedules Votes on Cybersecurity Legislation
• FEMA Announces $1.6B in Disaster Preparedness Grants

 May 9, 2022

• APWA Virtual Brief on Cybersecurity and Public Works-May 17
• House Plans Votes on NOAA related Bills
• FEMA Announces $400M in Emergency Management Grants
• FEMA Earthquake Assistance Grants Now Accepting Applications
• DOT Holding Information Session on Transportation Equity
• DOT Issues Final Rule on National Bridge Inspection Standards

 May 2, 2022

• Senate EPW Set to Mark-up WRDA
• NHTSA Seeks State Highway Safety Grant Program Comments by May 23
• Temporary Waiver of 'Buy America' Requirements for Construction Materials - Comments Due May 13
• FEMA Seeks Comments on Public Assistance Policy
• House Panel on Highways, Transit Hearing on Workforce Development
• Updated APWA 'What is Public Works?' Brochure Available

  April 25, 2022

• Congress Back in Session
• CEQ Issues Final NEPA Rule
• White House Extends Deadline for Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool Comments
• FHWA Announces Opportunities to Address Climate Challenges
• AIP Grants Available - Applications Due June 30
• FEMA Releases Updated State, Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guidance
• FEMA Announces Departmental Equity Action Plan