NWC Federal Spotlight (Dec. 22, 2024)
NWC members,
“As we move into the last part of the year, I am reminded that we have much to be grateful for.” This quote by an unknown author encapsulates the sentiment echoing through our organization as we approach the culmination of another impactful year. I’m writing to express my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible community.
We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our members and sponsors, whose dedication and enthusiasm continue to drive our shared mission forward. Alongside our valuable federal, national, and regional partners, your collaborative efforts have strengthened our initiatives and expanded our reach, making a tangible difference in the lives we touch. Our gratitude extends to our amazing staff, volunteers and contractors whose commitment and hard work form the bedrock of our success. Their tireless efforts behind the scenes ensure that our goals are met, and our vision realized, for which we feel truly blessed.
As we begin to shift our focus toward the opportunities that 2024 holds, it’s essential to acknowledge the gifts and lessons bestowed upon us in 2023. Each experience, whether triumphant or challenging, has enriched us, equipping us with wisdom and insight that will shape our path forward.
Looking ahead, our sights are set on continuous improvement. In 2024, we are committed to evolving further, aiming for greater heights. To facilitate this journey, next year NWC will embark on a strategic planning process that will guide our collective efforts over the next several years. Your input and involvement will be instrumental in shaping this roadmap to success.
Our NWC calendar for the upcoming year is brimming with opportunities for learning, networking, and socializing at our meetings and events. These gatherings serve as invaluable platforms to exchange ideas, foster connections, and drive meaningful progress within our community. Additionally, I’m excited to share that below, you’ll find our last federal spotlight for the year. It provides an overview of what awaits Congress upon its return in January, along with a status update on the progression of the Water Resources Development Act for 2024, and a host of other issues. Check it out in our NWC Spotlight below.
As the holiday season approaches, I extend my warmest wishes to each one of you. May this festive time be filled with joy, peace, and cherished moments with your loved ones. Thank you for being an integral part of our community. Together, let’s embrace the blessings of the past year and stride into 2024 with optimism and determination.
Wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons and “see” you in 2024!
Best,
Julie Ufner
NWC
CONGRESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Overview. Both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate have left DC for the holidays and plan to return in early January 2024 (House returns on Tuesday, Jan. 9 and the Senate on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024) to a host of unresolved issues from FY2024 appropriations, border security, funding for Ukraine, and a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) bill.
Next year will be particularly challenging in the House, where the new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) will be facing more challenges with the shrinking GOP majority. December saw the expulsion of Rep. George Santos (R-NY) due to ethics violations, while former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is set to vacate his seat by month’s end. Consequently, come January, the GOP anticipates a slimmer vote margin of 220 Republicans (inclusive of three non-voting GOP delegates) against 213 Democrats. This razor-thin margin allows for just a four-vote loss on any bill, assuming full attendance. If Rep. Santos’ NY seat transitions to the Democratic side, the margin reduces to three votes. Moreover, other GOP retirements, like Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) departing post-March 2024, would further dwindle the margin to two. This scenario makes passing party-aligned legislation challenging, let alone any contentious measures.
Compounding this, next year is an election year. Not only will 34 Senators and all House members be up for election, but it is also a presidential election year. That means that legislative work will be fast and furious in the first half of the year until the August recess, limited legislative days between September and the election, and likely a lame-duck session after the election to finish any legislative business of the 118th Congress.
Status of FY2024 Appropriations. To date, none of the 12 Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations bills have been signed into law, even though FY2024 started on Oct. 1, 2023. To date, the House has passed 7 of 12 appropriations bills to the Senate’s 3. Additionally, there is disagreement between the House and Senate on top-line funding numbers for FY2024. As a result, the federal government is running under a two-tiered Continuing Resolution (CR) until early 2024. This essentially means that FY2023 funding for federal government appropriations has been extended to specific dates.
Under tier 1, four generally non-controversial FY2024 appropriations for Agriculture, Energy/Water, Transportation-Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs were extended to Jan. 19. The eight other appropriations measures expire on Feb. 2, 2024, under tier 2. If the four measures are not agreed to by Jan. 19, there will be a partial shutdown at midnight on Jan. 20, 2024. And if there remains no agreement on the 12 bills, there will be a full shutdown at 12:01 am on Feb. 3, 2024.
If that isn’t challenging enough, under May’s debt ceiling agreement, Congress also faces an across-the-board spending cut of 1% on all federal programs (approximately $100 billion in cuts) on April 30 if FY2024 appropriations are not enacted by mid-April. House Appropriations Democrats laid out various scenarios on how this may work in a white paper.
The President’s Budget, which is historically announced on the first Tuesday in February, will most likely be delayed if the FY2024 appropriations remains unfinished.
Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is currently under consideration for 2024 by both the House and the Senate. The Senate initiated their process first, with its Senator-only portal for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE/Corps) submitted study, projects, and policy ideas opened in August and closed in mid-October. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, leading this effort, is now reviewing over 1,100 submissions, collaborating with other Senate offices and USACE. Generally, the window for Senate submissions has closed, barring unforeseen non-controversial additions during committee markup.
On the other hand, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I) launched their member only WRDA portal in mid-December, set to close in mid-January.
Both chambers hope to have a draft bill available in the spring, with respective floor votes in late spring/early summer, move to a conference committee to reconcile the House and Senate bills in mid to late summer, and vote on final bill before the election.
Recommendations: If you intend to propose a USACE civil works study, project, or policy idea to your House representative(s), ensure you inquire about due dates and preferred submission formats since each office may have different requirements and deadlines. Before submitting ideas, it’s advisable to discuss them with your local USACE district office since their input will likely be sought by Congressional staff post-submission. Additionally, expect questions about any controversies surrounding the proposal and opposing parties. If submitting to multiple Congressional offices, note this in your request.
Regarding member submissions, each office has its approach. Some offices forward all received proposals to T&I, while others may prioritize submissions in order of importance. Consider gathering letters of support from various community factions, which Congressional members can submit with the request. For example, please see Rep. Salud Carbajal’s (D-Calif. and T&I member) WRDA 2024 resource guide for constituents (attached) on how to submit ideas.
Ultimately, WRDA is a bipartisan bill carefully negotiated between Democrats and Republicans to avoid contentious elements that could jeopardize its passage. Staff work towards including elements that appeal to everyone, ensuring bipartisan support for WRDA’s successful passage.
FEDERAL AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
GRANT. WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Year 2024 (Applications due Feb. 23, 2024). In Nov, Bureau of Reclamation announced a funding opportunity for its WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Year 2024. This Water and Energy Efficiency Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) provides funding for projects that result in quantifiable water savings, implement renewable energy components, and support broader sustainability benefits. These projects conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of renewable energy; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the Western United States.
RULEMAKING, FINAL RULE. Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Facilities, Lands, and Waterbodies (Effective Dec. 21, 2023). The Bureau of Reclamation’s revised rule regulations that govern public access to and conduct on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies became effective on December 21, 2023. The revisions clarify the regulations intend to maintain law and order and protect persons and property on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies while bringing the rulemaking into compliance with updated laws and regulations. The updated regs address firearms possession, access and occupancy of Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies and reburials of Native American ancestors.
NOTICE. Change in Discount Rate for Water Resources Planning (Oct. 1, 2023- Sept. 30, 2024). The Bureau of Reclamation is announcing that the interest rate used by Federal agencies in the formulation and evaluation of plans for water and land related resources is 2.75% for fiscal year 2024. The rate of 2.75 percent will be used by all Federal agencies in the formulation and evaluation of water and related land resources plans for the purpose of discounting future benefits and computing costs or otherwise converting benefits and costs to a common-time basis.
COAST GUARD
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY Area Maritime Security Advisory Committee (AMSC), Eastern Great Lakes, Western New York Subcommittee Vacancy (closes Jan. 15, 2024). The Coast Guard requests individuals interested in serving on the Area Maritime Security Committee, Eastern Great Lakes, Western New York Region sub-committee submit their applications for membership to the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Buffalo. The Committee assists the Captain of the Port as the Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, Buffalo, in developing, reviewing, and updating the Area Maritime Security Plan for their area of responsibility. Applications for membership should be submitted to the Captain of the Port at the following address: Captain of the Port, Buffalo, Attention: LCDR Eric Lunde, 1 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203–3189.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROPOSED RULE. EPA Proposes tighter lead and copper requirements for drinking water systems (Comments due Jan. 29, 2024). To learn more, click here. EPA will host a virtual public hearing on January 16, 2024 from 11am—7pm EST. If interested, reserve your spot here.
DRAFT GUIDANCE. EPA Seeks Public Comment on Draft Guidance Regarding NPDES Permitting of Certain Discharges through Groundwater to Surface Waters (Comments due Dec. 27, 2023). On November 20, 2023, EPA issued a draft guidance titled, Applying the Supreme Court’s County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund Decision in the Clean Water Act Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Program to Discharges through Groundwater. The draft guidance describes the decision’s functional equivalent analysis and explains the types of information that should be used to determine which discharges through groundwater may require coverage under a NPDES permit. In County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund, the U.S. Supreme Court held that point source discharges to a water of the United States through groundwater require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit if the discharge is the “functional equivalent” of a direct discharge. According to Susan Bodin, from E&W Law, there are a number of issues raised by the guidance that utilities and other NPDES permit holders should be aware, including how this guidance will be used.
NOMINATION. Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee notice to Establish Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Subcommittee, Solicitation of Nominations for Membership to the Subcommittee (Nominations due Jan. 2, 2024). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is inviting nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to serve on a new subcommittee of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC), entitled the Animal Agriculture and Water Quality (AAWQ) subcommittee. The subcommittee’s goals are to provide recommendations to inform EPA decisions regarding on how to improve the implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) regulations for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permitting program to more effectively reduce nutrients and other types of water pollutants from Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs). This includes determining whether any revisions to regulations are warranted, and whether EPA can otherwise support the efforts of AFO operators to protect water quality. Those interested in submitting a nomination must do so electronically with the subject line “AAWQ Membership 2023” to AAWQ@epa.gov. Nominations are due on January 2, 2024.
NOMINATION. Request for Nomination of candidates to the Environmental Financial Advisory Board (Nominations due Dec. 31, 2023). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to the Environmental Financial Advisory Board (the Board or EFAB). The Board provides advice to EPA on ways to lower the costs of, and increase investments in, environmental and public health protection. Appointments will be made by the Administrator and will be announced in June 2024. Nominations need to be sent to the email of efab@epa.gov. Those who are interested in learning in the about the Advisory Board can learn more here.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
GRANT. FEMA Announces $150 Million to Help Underserved Communities Receive Low-Interest Loans for Resilience Projects (Applications due April 30, 2024). FEMA announced the second funding opportunity for the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund grant program to make communities safer from natural hazards. The application period will be open from Feb. 1 – April 30, 2024. Sub applicants are encouraged to contact their state, territory, or tribal applicant as they may have earlier deadlines. The Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program complements and supplements FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant portfolio to support mitigation projects at the local government level and increase the nation’s resilience to natural hazards and climate change. These low interest loans will allow jurisdictions to reduce vulnerability to natural disasters and foster greater community resilience.
GRANT. Application Period Open for $211M to Fund Dam Safety Grants (Applications close on Feb. 29, 2024). FEMA will commit more than $211 million in funding to enhance dam safety efforts across the nation to ensure that communities have the critical infrastructure needed to protect against disasters and prevent flooding. The Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams program is making about $185 million available, and another approximately $26 million is available through the National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program. The investments funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help protect communities from flooding, avoid disaster costs and strengthen resilience to climate change. The National Dam Safety State Assistance Grant Program is available for any state or territory with an enacted dam safety program. The state administrative agency or an equivalent state agency, is eligible to apply. Each eligible state or territory may submit only one grant application. The funding opportunities are open now and will close on Feb. 29, 2024. Available opportunities may be found on Grants.gov.
GRANT. Application Period Open for Repetitive Flooding Mitigation Funding (Applications close May 31, 2024). Another $300 million in Swift Current funding is available to help property owners across the nation become more resilient to flooding. This funding opportunity is the second time that FEMA is using funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Swift Current, part of the Flood Mitigation Assistance program. Swift Current makes homes safer and more resilient for National Flood Insurance Program policyholders with repetitively flooded properties. To be eligible, buildings must be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA will work with states, Tribes and territories to explore their participation during this cycle. Potential applicants who have questions may contact their FEMA regional office. The application period opened on Nov. 15 and the last eligible disaster declaration date is May 31, 2024. The funding opportunity is available on Grants.gov.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE. FEMA Publishes Resources for Developing BRIC and FMA Grant Applications. On Oct. 12, FEMA announced $1.8 billion available in funding for the Fiscal Year 2023 Building Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance grant programs. The BRIC funding level will be $1 billion and the Flood Mitigation Assistance funding level will be $800 million. FEMA published several program support materials and launched a series of webinars and on-demand videos that provide important resources and information for prospective applicants and sub-applicants. These resources can be used to help develop applications for these two FEMA hazard mitigation grants. The application period for both programs closes on Feb. 29, 2024. These program support materials are resources to help state, local, tribal and territorial governments prepare applications for this grant cycle. The following program support materials are: BRIC Program Support Material Resources for Fiscal Year 2023 and Flood Mitigation Assistance Program Support Resources for Fiscal Year 2023. Information about the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities and Flood Mitigation Assistance Funding Opportunities Webinar Series is available online and includes an opportunity to watch the video or download the presentation. This webinar provides an overview of and guidance on how to request Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Direct Technical Assistance in fiscal year 2023. More information about this opportunity is available on the BRIC Direct Technical Assistance webpage. Please complete this form by Feb. 29, 2024.
DIRECTIVE. FEMA Releases Directive on Continuity Planning Framework. FEMA released the Federal Continuity Directive: Continuity Planning Framework for the Federal Executive Branch. This new directive, which introduces the Continuity Planning Framework, is the first in a series of revised federal continuity directives.
INFORMATION REQUEST. FEMA Seeks Feedback on the “Climate Adaptation Planning for Emergency Managers” Draft Guide (Comments due Feb. 9, 2024). FEMA seeks feedback on the draft guide, “Climate Adaptation Planning for Emergency Managers,” until Feb. 9, 2024. The guide seeks to help emergency managers incorporate climate adaptation into emergency management planning efforts. FEMA will host a series of 60-minute webinar sessions to provide an overview of the draft guide and include facilitated discussions with stakeholders to help improve the existing draft and gather feedback from all community partners. Webinars will be held on Jan. 4, 9, 17 and 25. The guide is designed to walk state, local, tribal and territorial partners through the Six Step Planning Process identified in the “Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 101: Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans,” highlighting existing climate mapping tools and potential funding resources. FEMA is seeking feedback that can be incorporated into the guide, particularly real-world case studies. A line-numbered version of the draft guide is also available to allow individuals to provide comments on specific areas within the document. To review the document and register for the webinar sessions, visit “Climate Adaptation Planning for Emergency Managers” on FEMA.gov.
INFORMATION REQUEST. FEMA is seeking comment request on FEMA’s Preparedness Grants” Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) (Comments due by Jan. 16, 2024). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking general public comment on a revision of the currently approved information connection. The revision removes OPSG Daily Activity report (FEMA Forma FF-207-FY-21-113 (formerly 089-027)0) from the collection. FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) supports state and local efforts to prevent terrorism and other events and to prepare the Nation for threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of the U.S. HSGP is comprised of the three grant programs, SHSP, USAI, and OPSG, which fund a range of activities, including planning, organization, equipment purchase, training, exercises, management and administration across all core capabilities and mission areas. Those wishing to submit a comment can do so under Docket ID FEMA-2023-0030 at www.regulations.gov by January 16, 2024.
INFORMATION REQUEST. Generic Clearance for FEMA’s Preparedness Grant Programs. (Comments due Feb. 12, 2024). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public to take this opportunity to comment on a new information collection. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), this notice seeks comments concerning a new generic collection to oversee FEMA’s Office of Grants Administration programmatic and financial stewardship of non-disaster grant awards. Comments must be submitted before February 14, 2024. Comments can be submitted to www.regulations.gov under Docket ID FEMA–2023–0034.
INFORMATION REQUEST. Generic Clearance for Hazard Mitigation Programs. (Comments Due Feb. 9, 2023). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public to take this opportunity to comment on a new information collection. In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice seeks comments concerning a new generic information collection allowing FEMA to individually update instruments needed to provide financial, nonfinancial, program management, and technical assistance for FEMA’s major disaster, emergency response, emergency recovery, and hazard mitigation activities. Comments must be submitted on or before February 9, 2024. Comments can be submitted to www.regulations.gov under the Docket ID FEMA-2023-0031.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
REPORT. Army Corps of Engineers. Better Data and Planning Needed to Combat Aquatic Invasive Species. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report that looks at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers management of quagga and zebra mussels, two invasive aquatic invasive species. The report recommends that USACE work closely with the states to create a consistent system to collect watercraft inspection and decontamination-related data; update internal guidance on placement of watercraft inspection and decontamination stations and develop a strategic plan that addresses all basins and waters that may be impacted by these species.
MARITIME ADMINISTRATION (MARAD)
RULEMAKING, FINAL RULE. Amendment to the Federal Ship Financing Program Regulations, Financial Requirements (Effective Jan. 16, 2024). The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is amending its regulations implementing the Federal Ship Financing Program’s (Title XI Program) financial requirements. This action is necessary to implement statutory changes and update the existing financial requirements imposed on Title XI Program obligors to align with more up-to-date- vessel financing and federal credit best practices. Amendments made include permitting MARAD to use financial requirements, consistent with federal credit and maritime lending best practices for entities having a similar credit rating that MARAD determines are necessary and appropriate to protect the interest of the U.S. Additionally, MARAD expects that the amended regulations will reduce to the economic burden on applicants in complying with Title XI Program Requirements that are inconsistent with other lending instruments. The rule will become effective on January 16, 2024.
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
NOTICE. OMB releases revised Circular A-4, on how agencies we undertake regulatory analysis. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced the issuance of the revised Circular No. A-4 on Regulatory Analysis. Circular No. A-4 is intended to provide a cost-benefit framework for federal agencies to use during formation of regulations. In OMB-Circular No. A-4: Explanation and Response to Public Input, OMB explains what comments were received and how they addressed them in the final document.
OFFICE OF INFORMATION AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS
NOTICE. Release of the Fall 2023 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions
The Biden Administration released its list of the Fall 2023 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions, which reports on the actions agencies will be taking in the short and long term. Those looking to find the full list of regulatory actions can do so here.
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
REPORT. USACE releases its 2023 Section 7001 report. Earlier this month, USACE sent its 2023 annual report for Section 7001 requests to Congress for potential inclusion in WRDA 2024. To learn more about Section 7001, click here or here.
NOTICE. Army Corps Mandates Mass Timber Consideration. The Engineering and Construction bulletin establishes a policy that requires Project Delivery Teams (PDTs) to consider mass timber solutions when designing Army MILCON and Civil Works vertical construction projects. The Bulletin also highlights the US Army Corps of Engineers and industry mass timber design resources. The Engineering and Construction bulletin can be on the Whole Building Design Guide’s website.
NWC SPOTLIGHT
NEXT NWC NAVIGATION CAUCUS MEETING (Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024 at 1pm ET). The next meeting for NWC’s Navigation Caucus will be on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. If interested, and you have not received a calendar invite, email Julie Ufner at julie@waterways.org. The NWC Navigation Caucus supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and all federal agencies whose authorizations, policies, and legislative mandates impact the navigation channels across the nation. Our goal is to facilitate the fluid movement of commerce by collaborating with federal agencies and industry to ensure the viability of the coastal and inland river navigation systems by working with Congress to secure funding for construction and ongoing operations and maintenance for USACE projects.
NWC CORPORATE MEMBERS, QUARTERLY MEETING (Thursday, Jan. 4 at 3pm ET). NWC will be meeting with their corporate membership via zoom on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 3pm ET. If you have not received a calendar invite and are interested in an exchange of ideas, let Julie Ufner (julie@waterways.org) or Renee George (renee@waterways.org) know.
INTERESTED IN FEDERAL POLICY ISSUES? Next NWC Legislative Policy Committee Monthly Meeting (Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 4pm EST). During these monthly meetings, someone (usually Julie) will give a 60,000 overview on what’s going on in DC that may impact the movement of water/waterways issues before diving into specific issues. Additionally at this meeting, members are given the opportunity to share intel, including issues they are following and/or working on. LPC is NWC’s primary arbitrator on federal policy positions and is open to all interested in NWC members.
NWC ASSOCIATION MEMBERS, QUARTERLY MEETING (rescheduled, Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 at 4pm ET). NWC will be meeting with its Association membership on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 at 4pm to discuss challenges and opportunities facing our national and regional associations. Led by Brad Pickel, Executive Director for Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association, this meeting with delve into making all of our organizations stronger. If you have not received a calendar invite and are interested in a robust discussion, let Julie Ufner (julie@waterways.org) or Renee George (renee@waterways.org) know.
NWC PUBLIC MEMBERS, QUARTERLY MEETING (Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 at 2pm ET). On Jan. 15, NWC will be meeting with our public members (states, local governments and special districts) to dig into the challenges and opportunities facing their respective sectors. If you are a public sector member and have not received a calendar invite (but are interested in the meeting), let Julie Ufner (julie@waterways.org) or Renee George (renee@waterways.org) know.
SAVE THE DATE. 2024 Legislative Summit Dates Set (March 11-13, 2024; Washington, D.C.). NWC members, we will be holding the 2024 Legislative Summit on March 11-13, 2024 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC from Monday, March 11 through Wednesday, March 13, 2024. More information, including an agenda, will be released soon. For the latest information, check out our 2024 Legislative Summit page.
IT’S LIVE! NWC’s updated and refreshed website with our revised logo is now live. We’ve updated the organization of information and improved the navigation, while adding new information, links, and resources to the offerings that members find so valuable. More to be added in the coming year. Questions about the new site? Contact Julie Ufner at julie@waterways.org.
NWC LEVEE WORKING GROUP. Comment letter on draft engineering manual 1110-2-1913. NWC’s Levee Working Group is currently assessing potential NWC comments on USACE’s draft Engineering Manual 1110-2-1013 for levees. We are taking internal comments on the issues until Jan. 5, 2024. If you were not part of the original call, but potentially interested in having NWC weigh in on a particular issue, please provide more specific details to both Julie Ufner (julie@waterways.org) and Jon Pawlow (jon@waterways.org) no later than Jan. 5, 2025.
SHOULD WATER SUPPLY BE A USACE MISSION? On Nov. 6, NWC members met with Ryan Seiger, Staff Director for the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment (House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee) to discuss Rep. Grace Napolitano’s proposal to elevate water supply to a primary mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Seiger requested a meeting with NWC members to discuss the intent of the language and engage in discussion about potential solutions. It is possible this language will be in play for WRDA 2024. The meeting was recorded ( Passcode: q7jyGG!U).