Legislative Summit

2025 Legislative Summit

2025 Legislative Summit

Washington, DC

March 10-12, 2025

NWC 2025 Legislative Summit attendees,

What an incredible three days we had at the 2025 Legislative Summit in Washington, DC, March 10-12, 2025! The event was filled with phenomenal speakers, insightful sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. Together, we tackled key issues facing the water resources sector—from evolving federal appropriations dynamics to regulatory shifts and infrastructure challenges.

A particularly special moment was taking the time to recognize Rick Johnson for his extraordinary leadership and contributions – not only as a dedicated member of NWC’s leadership team and local host of our Annual Meeting in Sacramento, but also for his tireless work on behalf of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency and the entire water resources community. With Rick retiring this July, this Summit marked our last opportunity to honor him in person and acknowledge how truly special he is to all of us.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without you – our engaged attendees – and the generous support of our sponsors, who are listed below:

PLATINUM: Valley Water
GOLD: Port of Virginia
SILVER: Tarrant Regional Water District and Trinity River Authority
BRONZE: HDR, Inc., Port Houston, TI Terminals and Forgen
BRANDING: CDM Smith, Inc, Moffatt & Nichol, Black & Veatch, San Joaquin Area Flood Control, and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, Co.
SUPPORTER: BB&K, Freese and Nichols, Inc., Georgia Ports, and Stanley Consultants

Thank you for making the 2025 Legislative Summit such a success!

We’ve also included a full recap of the Summit below, along with links to any relevant PowerPoint presentations, so you can revisit the key insights and discussions.

Thank you again for joining us last week!

Best,

Julie and Cherise

NWC

Navigating a New Administration and the 119th Congress: Political Insights, Strategic Considerations and Cost of Doing Business in DC

The panel session, Navigating a New Administration and the 119th Congress: Political Insights, Strategic Considerations, and Cost of Doing Business in DC, explored the shifting federal landscape and its impacts on infrastructure projects. Moderated and presented by Geoff Bowman of Van Scoyoc Associates, the discussion began with an overview of recent executive actions, including budget impoundments, workforce reductions, agency reorganizations, and fluctuating tariffs, all contributing to uncertainty amid ongoing legal challenges. Jim Sartucci of K&L Gates outlined the FY 2025 budget process, warning of potential government shutdowns and funding limitations under a continuing resolution, with significant consequences for agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers. Julie Minerva of Carpi & Clay provided insights from a congressional staff perspective, stressing the importance of building relationships with young staffers, proactive engagement with key committees, and regular communication to maintain support. Closing the session, Charles Brittingham of Cassidy & Associates addressed persistent challenges such as budget cuts, cost overruns, and financial accountability issues within the federal government and the Corps, highlighting past project delays and inefficiencies.

Resources:

Jim Sartucci budget ppt

Breaking Down Silos: Legislative and Regulatory Perspectives for 2025 and Beyond

Moderated by Andrew Sinclair, Chair of the National Waterways Conference/Port of Virginia, this session examined the regulatory and policy challenges impacting key waterway-dependent sectors. Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition opened by emphasizing the critical need for predictability in federal policy to support agriculture supply chains, particularly amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs. Jordan Howard of the Associated General Contractors of America highlighted how businesses are struggling to keep up with the fast-paced regulatory environment, with some opting to pause investments due to compliance burdens and shifting federal labor and environmental rules. Judy Sheahan of the U.S. Conference of Mayors focused on the difficulties cities face with the stop-start nature of federal grant funding, raising concerns about reimbursement for contracts already signed and underscoring challenges related to brownfields redevelopment, PFAS regulations, drinking water mandates, and the financial burden of lead pipe replacement. Mary Youpel of the American Petroleum Institute rounded out the discussion by addressing the potential impacts of the USTR’s Section 301 tariff proposals on energy and maritime sectors, as well as the importance of WRDA and Coast Guard reauthorization legislation for maintaining infrastructure reliability and safety. Throughout, the panelists stressed the need for regulatory certainty and cross-sector collaboration to navigate these evolving challenges.

Building Bridges: Strengthening Relationships and Advancing Projects With USACE and on Capitol Hill

Moderated by Mr. Rick Johnson, Executive Director of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, this session featured

Mr. David Wethington, Chief of the Future Directions Branch at USACE. Wethington provided an in-depth overview of how strong partnerships between nonfederal sponsors, Congress, and the Corps of Engineers are critical to advancing water

resources projects. He outlined USACE’s organizational structure, mission areas, and project delivery process, emphasizing the importance of consistent engagement and trust-building – the “triangle approach” – to align goals and avoid surprises. Wethington detailed the roles of authority and appropriations in project development, the impact of recent WRDA legislation,

challenges in project cost control, and the significance of engaging at the district level. He also discussed the current appropriations outlook, implementation of WRDA 2024, and offered practical advice for sponsors to successfully navigate federal processes.

Resources:

David Wethington ppt

Appropriations in Flux: Key Dynamics for FY2025 and FY2026

Moderated by Brad Pickel, Executive Director of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterways Association, this session provided a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of federal appropriations and the ongoing challenges of funding water resource projects. Capitol Hill appropriations staff, including Kathleen “Katie” Williams, Professional Staff Member for the

Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, and Richie O’Connell, Professional Staff Member for the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, emphasized the collaborative but often complicated relationship between appropriators and authorizers, noting that while authorizing committees “lay the tracks,” appropriators are tasked with keeping the trains running on time. They highlighted the need to balance competing priorities, manage cost overruns, and improve project delivery amidst continuing resolutions, budget uncertainty, and increasing construction costs. Both speakers stressed the importance of early, proactive engagement with appropriators – not just on project-specific issues but also on broader programmatic concerns – and urged non-federal sponsors to communicate often, share insights early, and work collaboratively to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and responsibly.

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Inland Waterways: Challenges and Opportunities

This session, moderated by Julie Ufner, President and CEO of the National Waterways Conference (NWC), featured a candid presentation by Tracy Zea, President and CEO of Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI), on the challenges facing inland waterways infrastructure. Zea highlighted significant concerns over cost overruns and schedule delays, noting that despite $5.1 billion in additional federal funding over the past 11 years, no major lock projects have been completed within that period. He emphasized the aging state of the system, with 80% of locks exceeding their 50-year design life, and stressed that the problem is not solely funding but systemic inefficiencies in project execution. Zea identified contributing factors such as fragmented management across Corps districts, outdated budgeting criteria, and restrictive oversight by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Executive Order 12322. He outlined WCI’s efforts to advocate for reforms including early contractor involvement, incentive-based contracting, and greater centralization of project management. Zea also gave a heads up of potential Department of Justice (DOJ) scrutiny of Corps operations but framed it as an opportunity for positive change, calling on stakeholders to unite in pushing for solutions to streamline project delivery and modernize the nation’s inland waterways system.

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Navigating Environmental and Legal Shifts: What’s Next for Water/Waterways Resource Infrastructure

This session examined the fast-evolving legal and regulatory landscape impacting water and waterways infrastructure, with a focus on recent court rulings, shifting federal policies, and agency priorities. Moderated by Lowry Crook, Partner at Best Best & Krieger, who also contributed his insights, the panel also featured Susan Bodine, Partner at E&W Law, and Rachael Lipinski, Counsel at Van Ness Feldman. Together, they discussed significant developments including EPA actions on PFAS, CERCLA liability, stormwater regulations, the ongoing evolution of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, and the 2025 Executive Order freezing certain grant and loan funding. They also addressed the Water Resources Development Act of 2024’s elevation of water supply within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works program. The session provided practical guidance on how litigation and regulatory shifts are shaping project permitting, compliance, and funding, equipping stakeholders to better anticipate and navigate these changes as they plan long-term infrastructure investments.

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The Future of the Endangered Species Act: Changes on the Horizon

This session, The Future of the Endangered Species Act: Changes on the Horizon, examined how potential shifts in

Endangered Species Act (ESA) policy, regulation, and enforcement under the new administration and Congress could affect water resources infrastructure. Jordan Smith, Executive Director of the National Endangered Species Act Coalition at Van Ness Feldman, provided an overview of anticipated legal and regulatory developments, including proposed rule changes and evolving agency priorities that may reshape compliance requirements for infrastructure projects. Annick Miller, Subcommittee Staff Director (Majority) for the House Natural Resources Committee, offered a congressional perspective, discussing how legislative efforts and political dynamics could influence the future of the ESA. Together, they provided practical insights on how stakeholders can prepare for upcoming changes and navigate the evolving ESA landscape in their long-term planning and project implementation.

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Update From the ASACW Office

Robyn Colosimo, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), provided key insights into the current direction of the Army Civil Works Program amidst a period of administrative transition. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among Congress, stakeholders, the Corps, and the administration – likening it to a four-corner relationship that must stay balanced, especially in times of change. Robyn highlighted the unique challenges faced by her office, which remains understaffed, and the critical role they play in overseeing policy engagement, shaping project priorities, and guiding the program during transitions between administrations. She candidly addressed the realities of managing expectations and policy decisions while awaiting new political leadership, emphasizing her focus on advancing ongoing priorities without boxing in incoming officials. Robyn discussed emerging administration priorities, including increased attention to executive orders, budget pressures, workforce modernization, and interagency engagement. Throughout her remarks, she underscored the need for stakeholders to stay adaptive, practical, and collaborative, especially in navigating federal budget constraints and evolving policy landscapes, all while ensuring communities and water resource needs remain at the forefront.

Resources

Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) website

Unpacking Federal Water Policy: Perspectives From USACE Leaders

The panel discussion, moderated by Andrew Sinclair, provided a comprehensive overview of current federal water policy priorities and challenges from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) leadership. Edward Belk, Director of Civil Works, opened by acknowledging the audience’s vital role in shaping water policy and highlighted USACE’s focus areas under the new administration. He emphasized priorities including delivering projects safely, on time, and within budget, investing in research and development to improve engineering and modeling capabilities, and supporting the Corps’ workforce as they navigate significant change. Belk also spoke about leadership transitions, the upcoming 250th anniversary of USACE, and the strategic importance of reliable waterways and infrastructure to U.S. economic competitiveness. Theodore “TAB” Brown, Chief of Programs Integration, detailed funding trends, noting record appropriations and supplemental funding totaling $47 billion since 2018. Brown cautioned that while recent years have seen high appropriations, the outlook may shift, especially with the potential for a year-long continuing resolution. He discussed the challenges of cost increases and the Corps’ efforts to improve execution and accountability, particularly with megaprojects and disaster response. Joe Redican, Deputy Chief for Planning, closed by discussing the workload surge in planning studies, the recent passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), and the importance of stakeholder input during implementation guidance listening sessions. He reiterated the emphasis on communication and flexibility in navigating evolving policies, particularly regarding benefit calculations and environmental considerations. Throughout, the panel stressed the importance of strong partnerships with stakeholders to achieve USACE’s mission.

Resources

USACE leadership ppt
WRDA 2024 implementation/Public comment period until April 28, 2025

Priorities of a New Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chair: Water Resources Development Act and Beyond

Chairman Mike Collins (R-Ga.), newly appointed Chair of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee (House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee), was introduced by Jamie McCurry, former NWC Chair and Chief Administrative Officer of the Georgia Ports Authority, who highlighted Collins’ small business background and early engagement in addressing Georgia dredging issues. Collins emphasized his priorities of cutting bureaucratic red tape, improving efficiency, and ensuring federal agencies deliver projects on time and within budget, noting his frustration with repeated congressional hearings addressing the same unresolved problems. He stressed a business-minded, common-sense approach to problem-solving, including support for multi-year dredging contracts to improve cost-effectiveness and project delivery. Collins shared that he is reviewing Corps projects nationwide, requesting detailed updates on their status, and committed to visiting projects firsthand to better understand local challenges. He invited attendees to bring specific project concerns and policy suggestions to his attention. Looking ahead, Collins noted that his subcommittee will begin work on the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 later this year and into next year, and he and his staff are eager to hear from stakeholders to inform their efforts.

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Steering the Future of Navigation

This session featured a focused discussion on emerging navigation issues, including funding, cost-sharing, and the role of technology in modernizing navigation infrastructure. Cam Spencer, Director of Government Relations at Port Houston and Co-Chair of NWC’s Navigation Caucus, moderated the session and introduced the speakers.

Tiffany Burroughs, Chief of Navigation at USACE Headquarters, provided an update on Corps navigation priorities. She outlined the scope of the Navigation Program, which supports $2 trillion in commerce annually and moves over 48 percent of U.S. consumer goods. Burroughs highlighted funding trends, noting increased coastal navigation appropriations through the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) while the inland navigation system has seen stagnant O&M funding. She addressed Corps priorities such as modernizing the aging dredge fleet, increasing beneficial use of dredged materials to 70 percent by 2030, improving channel availability, and addressing recruitment and retention challenges in the workforce. Burroughs also discussed the Corps’ Capital Investment Strategy, which helps guide inland system investments, and explained the nuanced factors influencing contract length decisions for dredging projects, including funding availability and project-specific requirements.

Cary Davis, Executive Director of the American Association of Port Authorities, followed with an overview of national port priorities and current policy dynamics. He emphasized the economic significance of seaports, noting that one in eight U.S. jobs is tied to port activity. Davis discussed the strong multiplier effect of public investment in port infrastructure, trends in federal appropriations requests, and the critical role of WRDA in maintaining channel depths and competitiveness. He highlighted ongoing debates over tariffs, permitting reform, and domestic manufacturing, especially regarding cargo-handling equipment such as ship-to-shore cranes. Davis also pointed to new challenges facing the navigation sector, including trade policy shifts and national security concerns. The session concluded with a Q&A, with attendees raising questions about beneficial use, PFAS regulations, and how to communicate the benefits of advanced maintenance strategies to policymakers.

Resources

Charting the Course: Capitol Hill's Focus on Waterways and Pending Legislation

Moderated by Andrew Sinclair, this session featured senior congressional staff who play critical roles in shaping federal water resources policy, particularly the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). Panelists included Libby Callaway (Professional Staff, Senate EPW Committee Majority), Mailey Boyce (Senior Policy Advisor—Water Infrastructure, Senate EPW Committee Minority), Ryan Hambleton (Staff Director, House T&I Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Majority), and Ryan Seiger (Staff Director/Senior Counsel, House T&I Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Minority). The panel highlighted Congress’s commitment to maintaining the two-year WRDA cycle, with WRDA 2024 marking the sixth consecutive enactment. They emphasized the bipartisan and bicameral nature of WRDA, noting the increased volume of member project requests and the importance of stakeholder engagement early in the process. Panelists encouraged ongoing communication with both committee staff and member offices, particularly as the committees begin consideration of WRDA 2026 later this year. They discussed ongoing challenges in Corps project implementation, including cost growth, staffing shortages, and the need for coordination between authorization and appropriations. Provisions in WRDA 2024, such as Section 1102, are aimed at improving oversight and transparency by requiring the Corps to report on the status of all WRDA provisions. Additionally, they noted the commitment of Subcommittee Chairman Collins and others to visit projects firsthand and learn directly from stakeholders. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is currently accepting public comments on permitting reform and streamlining through March 23, 2025. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit input, including challenges, solutions, and examples of successful permitting processes. Comments can be submitted via email to permitting@epw.senate.gov.

Evolving Federal Priorities and Future Advocacy in Flood Control Policy

Moderated by NWC Flood Caucus Co-Chairs Scott Elmer (Harris County Flood Control District) and Karin Jacoby (Husch Blackwell), this session provided insights into the shifting federal flood policy landscape and key advocacy strategies.

Aaron Snyder, Director of the Corps Water Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP) at USACE, introduced the Corps’ first federal loan program for water resources infrastructure. Snyder emphasized CWIFP’s benefits for non-federal sponsors, including long-term, low-cost loans that reduce financial strain on local entities. He highlighted growing demand, the program’s flexibility, eligibility for dam and levy projects, and upcoming efforts to broaden eligibility to levies through regulatory updates. Snyder also pointed out the program’s strong return on investment for federal dollars and encouraged stakeholders to utilize the program as a viable financing tool. Sunny Simpkins, Executive Director of the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA), discussed the increasing challenges posed by aging infrastructure, federal resource limitations, and the need for Plan B strategies such as local ownership of flood projects. Simpkins outlined NAFSMA’s advocacy priorities, including improving Corps real estate policies, Section 408 permitting efficiencies, and regulatory reform. She emphasized collaboration, highlighting efforts to pilot regional categorical permissions and opportunities to rethink the federal-local project relationship, particularly in light of increasing disasters and cascading flood impacts. Jon Pawlow, NWC consultant and former House T&I Committee senior counsel, provided a detailed analysis of WRDA 2024’s flood-related provisions. He reviewed key sections, including new feasibility studies, dam safety initiatives, and directives related to levies, relocation policies, and minimum real estate interests. Pawlow stressed the importance of early and ongoing advocacy by non-federal sponsors, encouraging engagement with both congressional offices and local Corps districts well before formal WRDA 2026 processes begin. He also highlighted the Section 7001 annual report process as an often underutilized avenue for proposals. The session closed with audience questions, including discussions on leveraging CWIFP loans alongside federal grants, regulatory barriers, and the importance of specificity in statutory language following recent Supreme Court decisions.

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Securing the Flow: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities in Water Supply

Moderated by Vincent Gin, Deputy Operating Officer of Valley Water and Co-Chair of NWC’s Water Supply Caucus, this session explored the evolving challenges and opportunities in meeting the nation’s water supply needs, particularly through the lens of federal partnerships and the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 24). Katherine Zitsch, President of the National Water Supply Alliance, highlighted the critical role Corps reservoirs play in supplying water nationwide, with one-third of Corps reservoirs currently under water supply contracts. She emphasized the growing pressure from emerging demands—such as data centers and energy production—and the importance of federal attention to water supply management, including WRDA 24 provisions to establish a dedicated Corps office focused on water supply. Zitsch stressed the need for dedicated staff to address water supply projects effectively, given shifting drought patterns and competing priorities like flood control, navigation, and hydropower. Ian Lyle of the Association of California Water Agencies offered a West Coast perspective, underscoring the interdependence of federal water supply efforts and other Corps missions, especially for California’s agriculture and energy sectors. He highlighted how water supply policy intersects with wildfire prevention, flood management, and energy production, pointing to bipartisan legislative efforts like the Fix Our Forests Act and the growing use of Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) to improve drought resilience and flood control. Both speakers noted the importance of continued advocacy with Congress to ensure federal staffing and resources are available to meet the challenges ahead. The session concluded by emphasizing that water supply challenges are no longer siloed—they impact drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and extend far beyond to sectors like navigation. Recent events, such as the Mississippi River’s vulnerability to floods, droughts, and saltwater intrusion, illustrate how disruptions in water supply ripple across the economy, affecting the movement of goods and the broader supply chain. The overarching message: addressing water supply issues requires collaboration across all sectors, because ultimately, it impacts us all.

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