A special thanks to Valley Water for their generous support of this Federal Spotlight. Your commitment helps drive our mission forward. 

Dear NWC members,

There’s a lot happening in Washington, and it’s moving fast. Between shifts in Congress, changes within the administration, and agency actions both big and small, staying on top of the latest developments is no easy task. Some changes are making headlines, while others are flying under the radar, and it may take time to fully understand their impact. As a nonpartisan organization, NWC is here to track these shifts and help our members navigate what matters most.

With so much in flux in Washington, next week’s NWC Legislative Summit (March 10-12) is a timely opportunity to break down what’s happening now and what’s on the horizon for water resources policy. We’ll tackle key questions: What do we need to know right now? What should we be watching over the next 3-6 months? How could the upcoming elections reshape federal water policy? If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time to be part of the conversation! A common question we’ve received is about federal agency participation. With the government operating under a Continuing Resolution (CR) set to expire next Friday, many agencies have implemented travel restrictions—impacting USACE district offices in particular. As of yesterday afternoon, we’ve been assured that this does not impact our current slate of speakers, but as always, things can shift quickly in D.C.

We look forward to seeing you next week!

Best,

Julie

JUDICIAL SPOTLIGHT

Supreme Court limits EPA’s Authority in Water Pollution Control. On March 4, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in City and County of San Francisco v. Environmental Protection Agency, determining that the EPA exceeded its authority under the Clean Water Act by imposing vague, narrative-based limitations in National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. ​San Francisco operates a combined sewage system that collects both sewage and stormwater runoff. During heavy rainfall, this system can overflow, leading to discharges into the Pacific Ocean. In 2019, the EPA renewed the city’s NPDES permit, including provisions that prohibited discharges contributing to violations of water quality standards and those creating pollution or nuisance as defined by California law. ​The city challenged these provisions, arguing they were overly broad and lacked specific discharge limits. The Supreme Court agreed, stating that while the EPA can set necessary limitations to meet water quality standards, these must be specific and actionable. The Court found that the contested provisions improperly shifted the burden to permit holders to ensure compliance with water quality standards, rather than specifying clear limitations on discharges. ​This decision clarifies that the EPA must define explicit discharge limitations in NPDES permits, ensuring permittees have clear guidelines to follow without bearing undefined responsibilities for overall water quality outcomes.

CONGRESS/ADMINISTRATION SPOTLIGHT

 Congressional Updates:

  • Pending Government Shutdown on March 14: As the March 14 deadline approaches, the United States faces a potential government shutdown unless Congress enacts new spending legislation. Since the fiscal year began on October 1 without the passage of the 12 appropriations bills, federal agencies have been operating under a series of Continuing Resolutions (CRs), which extend prior-year funding levels temporarily. This situation imposes several constraints on agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Under a CR, agencies are prohibited from initiating new projects or major contracts, delaying essential infrastructure investments. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding full-year funding leads to cautious spending, hindering long-term planning and execution. Consequently, projects such as navigation improvements and flood control initiatives remain in limbo, affecting overall project efficacy.​ In response, House Speaker Mike Johnson is advocating for a “clean” CR to extend fiscal year 2024 funding levels through September 30, effectively maintaining the status quo for the entire fiscal year 2025. However, this proposal faces opposition from both sides of the aisle. Democrats argue that relying on outdated spending levels neglects current needs and priorities, advocating instead for new appropriations bills to address contemporary challenges. Conversely, some conservatives oppose CRs in principle, preferring deeper spending cuts and structural changes to federal expenditures.​ A significant point of contention is the proposed spending cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. While some lawmakers advocate for the immediate inclusion of these cuts, others suggest deferring them to the fiscal year 2026 budget process. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the looming shutdown, which would commence on March 15 if no agreement is reached, leading to a pause in all non-essential federal operations. A draft bill could be introduced as early as Friday, with House leadership anticipating action next week. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact federal agencies and the services they provide.
  • Debate Over Tax Policy and Budget: Lawmakers are considering a tax package that includes changes to deductions, tax rates, and potential reductions in payroll and estate taxes. Fiscal impacts and funding trade-offs remain key discussion points as Congress works through the details.
  • Budget Reconciliation Process Faces Challenges: The House of Representatives narrowly approved a budget resolution, proposing $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending reductions over the next decade, with significant cuts to programs like Medicaid. The resolution’s passage initiates the budget reconciliation process, allowing certain legislation to pass in the Senate with a simple majority. However, the plan faces potential hurdles, including internal party disagreements over the extent of spending cuts, concerns about increasing the national deficit, and the need for bipartisan support in a closely divided Senate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that the Senate will not address the House-passed budget resolution until at least late March, following a mid-March recess. This postponement coincides with an impending March 14 deadline to avert a partial federal government shutdown. However, the Senate’s delay in considering this resolution, coupled with the looming funding deadline, raises concerns about potential disruptions to federal operations, including critical services related to navigation, flood control, water supply, and hydropower production. The delay also complicates efforts to reconcile differences between the House and Senate budget plans, particularly regarding the scope and timing of tax cuts and spending reductions.
  • Musk Briefs House GOP on DOGE Efforts. On March 4, ​Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), recently engaged with Republican lawmakers to discuss federal spending reductions. In a closed-door meeting with House Republicans, Musk emphasized that it is Congress’s responsibility to determine specific budget cuts, while acknowledging the rapid pace of DOGE’s initiatives and committing to address any errors arising from this urgency. Earlier, during a luncheon with Senate Republicans, Musk was introduced to budget rescissions—a legislative process allowing the cancellation of previously allocated funds with a simple majority vote in the Senate. Senators, including Rand Paul, proposed utilizing this mechanism to formalize DOGE’s proposed spending cuts, potentially reclaiming substantial amounts from the federal budget. House Speaker Mike Johnson is considering incorporating DOGE’s proposed cuts into legislation for the upcoming fiscal year. This strategy aims to garner support from fiscal conservatives and avert a potential government shutdown in the coming week.

Pending and Recent Hearings:

  • Water Infrastructure Financing: WIFIA and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund – Tuesday, March 11, 10am ET, Water Resources Subcommittee (House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
  • Maximizing Opportunities for Redeveloping Brownfield Sites: Assessing the Potential for New American Innovation – Tuesday, March 11, 10:15am ET, Environment Subcommittee (House Energy and Commerce Committee)
  • T&I Subcommittee holds hearing on GSA’s decision to terminate federal agency leases. On March 5, 2025, the House Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management convened a hearing titled “America Builds: Making Federal Real Estate Work for the Taxpayer.” The session addressed the General Services Administration’s (GSA) recent actions concerning federal property disposals and lease terminations.​ Key points of the hearing: Lack of communication (Lawmakers expressed frustration over learning about property sales in their districts through media reports rather than direct notifications from the GSA. Representative Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) highlighted that three buildings in his district were listed for potential sale without prior notice); policy inconsistencies (concerns were raised about the coherence of policies, especially with simultaneous directives for federal employees to return to office work while properties were being slated for sale.); absence of key GSA officials (the hearing was impacted by the absence of key GSA officials, notably Michael Peters, the newly appointed Public Buildings Service commissioner, who had initially agreed to testify but later declined. This absence left many questions unanswered regarding the decision-making process behind the property disposals.) and the impact on essential services (lawmakers highlighted the potential adverse effects of the property sales on essential federal services.)
  • T&I Subcommittee holds hearing on Coast Guard Acquisitions and Infrastructure. On March 5, 2025, the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing titled “America Builds: Coast Guard Acquisitions and Infrastructure” to assess the U.S. Coast Guard’s modernization initiatives. Key points from the hearing: aging infrastructure (Chairman Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) highlighted that Coast Guard personnel are operating vessels and aircraft that are overdue for retirement, emphasizing the urgency for modernization);   infrastructure backlog (the Coast Guard faces a $7 billion backlog in shoreside infrastructure projects, including deteriorating barracks, hangars, and docks.); delayed programs for Polar Security Cutter Program, Offshore Patrol Cutter Program, National Security Cutter Program; aviation fleet concerns with plans to phase out MH-60s and C-27s earlier than scheduled; reporting lapses (The Coast Guard has not provided mandatory yearly Capital Investment Plans and Major Acquisition Reports) and domestic shipbuilding.

 FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION AND AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

ADMINISTRATION

  • Delay in President’s FY2026 Budget Proposal. The Trump administration’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal is anticipated to be delayed by up to three months, with an expected submission in late April to early May. This delay could disrupt Congress’s initial plan to begin drafting appropriations bills for the fiscal year starting October 1. While the original timeline aimed for markups to begin in late April, the absence of a budget request may push back the process. However, House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Tom Cole has stated that his subcommittees will begin working on FY26 appropriations by the end of April, potentially starting with smaller funding bills such as the one covering legislative operations. Some lawmakers have already begun soliciting earmark requests from local governments and nonprofits, with deadlines as early as mid-March. Historically, budget delays are common, particularly during presidential transitions, with past delays ranging from 63 to 94 days. The administration attributes this postponement to new staff working to define spending priorities, highlighting the ongoing challenges of aligning legislative and executive budget timelines.
  • President Trump Outlines Policy Initiatives in Address to Congress. ​In his March 4, 2025, address to Congress, President Donald Trump outlined several key initiatives:
    • New Tariffs Implemented: Effective March 4, the administration imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, with a 10% tariff specifically on Canadian energy imports. Additionally, tariffs on Chinese goods were increased from 10% to 20%. These measures aim to address trade imbalances and pressure these nations to enhance efforts against illegal drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl. ​Acknowledging potential short-term economic impacts, President Trump urged Americans to “bear with” the administration during this adjustment period, emphasizing that these tariffs are designed to bolster domestic industries and safeguard national interests.
    • Revitalizing U.S. Shipbuilding: President Trump announced the creation of a White House Office of Shipbuilding, aiming to rejuvenate both commercial and military ship production. This initiative includes special tax incentives to encourage domestic shipbuilding and reduce reliance on foreign manufacturers. ​
    • Panama Canal Oversight: The President declared intentions to “reclaim” the Panama Canal, emphasizing its strategic importance to U.S. interests. This follows a recent agreement where a consortium led by BlackRock acquired control of key ports near the canal from a Hong Kong-based company, effectively placing them under American management. ​
    • Establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): To streamline federal operations, the administration has formed DOGE, led by Elon Musk. The department’s mandate includes reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and cutting unnecessary regulations to promote economic growth.
    • Federal Workforce Adjustments: The administration has initiated measures to reduce the federal workforce, particularly targeting probationary employees. This effort aims to enhance government efficiency but has raised concerns about potential impacts on agency operations and public services.
  • Federal Workforce Cuts & Impact on Water Projects: Uncertainty Grows. The federal workforce is undergoing significant reductions, raising concerns about the impact on agencies like USACE, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The administration has directed agencies to submit staffing cut proposals, with USACE’s plan due next week. However, the number of employees opting for early outs remains unclear, creating uncertainty about the long-term functionality of critical programs. The effects are already being felt—longer approval times for permits and funding are expected, USACE construction projects could face delays, and the Corps’ plan review team at headquarters has been reduced to just one person after four retirements. Following speculation about Elon Musk’s advisory role with DOGE, President Trump clarified that agency heads—not Musk—make the final decisions on workforce reductions. However, in a follow-up statement, Trump suggested that if agencies do not act, Musk will, leaving uncertainty. Lawsuits challenging the cuts are already underway, with some courts temporarily halting reductions over potential legal violations. In one major development, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on February 27 against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), ruling that it lacked the authority to mandate mass terminations of probationary employees. In response, OPM revised its guidance on March 4, clarifying that individual agencies, not OPM, will determine how to handle performance-based decisions. Key questions remain in Washington: How will staffing cuts impact the Civil Works program and USACE permitting, as well as other federal agencies? Will regulatory programs face hiring freezes that could slow infrastructure development? And most importantly, what’s the long-term plan to keep these agencies functional as their workforce shrinks.
  • Administration Terminates Agency Leases/Sells Offices.  ​The Trump administration, under the guidance of the DOGE, has initiated significant cost-cutting measures by terminating approximately 750 leases, aiming to save taxpayers an estimated $660 million. This initiative affects various federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, and offices of the U.S. Attorney and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Notably, leases for several USACE district offices are being terminated, including those in Jacksonville, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; and Chicago, Illinois. The Jacksonville office, serving as the Florida headquarters, houses approximately 800 of the nearly 1,100 Florida-based USACE employees. The lease termination is set for August 31, 2025, with no current plans for relocation, prompting concerns about the continuity of critical projects such as Everglades restoration and beach maintenance. In Jacksonville, the lease termination of the Prudential building at 701 San Marco Boulevard will require the relocation of around 800 USACE employees. Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Bowman indicated that, as of now, no new location has been identified, and efforts are underway to secure alternative office space before the August 31, 2025, deadline. ​ These lease terminations align with DOGE’s strategy to rapidly reduce federal expenditures by eliminating underutilized or vacant office spaces. However, the abrupt nature of these cancellations has led to confusion among property owners and federal employees. Some terminations were issued without prior notice, and in certain instances, errors occurred where leases lacking termination clauses were mistakenly canceled, necessitating rescissions. The impact of these terminations extends beyond the USACE. For example, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is facing lease cancellations for offices engaged in oversight of sensitive defense and national security programs, including locations in Huntsville, Alabama; Atlanta, Georgia; and Norfolk, Virginia. These offices contain spaces designed for handling classified information. Concurrently the GSA announced plans to sell or close over 440 federal properties, estimating that the sales could save taxpayers over $430 million in annual operating costs. The list of properties identified for potential sale spans 47 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, totaling more than 80 million square feet. In addition to the FBI and Department of Justice buildings, other notable properties include the Department of Energy headquarters and several Internal Revenue Service offices. Some of the locations are listed below:
  • Federal Agency Staff Ordered Back to Office. ​In January 2025, President Donald Trump issued a memorandum directing all executive branch departments and agencies to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to their respective duty stations on a full-time basis, with exceptions made as necessary. This mandate has led to widespread confusion among federal workers, particularly in the Washington, D.C. area, where agencies are simultaneously ending numerous government leases. This has resulted in situations where employees are instructed to return to offices that are slated for closure, creating uncertainty about workspace availability. GSA has set a mid-April deadline for agencies to submit plans to relocate D.C.-area offices to more affordable locations and identify properties for lease termination. This initiative is part of a broader effort led by DOGE to reduce federal spending by downsizing the workforce and office spaces. However, these measures have raised concerns about potential disruptions to critical services, including those related to navigation, flood control, water supply, and hydropower production, as agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers face office closures and staff reductions.
  • Executive Orders and Memorandum:
    • President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Cost Efficiency Initiative (EO 14222): On February 26, 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14222, titled “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Cost Efficiency Initiative.” This order aims to enhance transparency and accountability in federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans.​
      • Key Provisions:
        • Centralized Payment Justification System: Federal agencies are required to implement centralized technological systems to document and justify each payment made under covered contracts and grants. Agency heads have the authority to pause and review any payment lacking proper justification.​
        • Public Accessibility: Agencies must make records of covered contracts and grants, along with their justifications, publicly available in a machine-readable format on their official websites, as permitted by law.​
        • Performance Assessments: Agency heads are directed to conduct quarterly assessments of all employees involved in approving payments for covered contracts and grants. These evaluations will consider the quality and timeliness of payment justifications and adherence to agency protocols.​
        • Reporting and Accountability: Within 90 days of the order, agency heads must submit a report to the President detailing the agency’s progress in implementing these measures. This report should also include any identified barriers to full implementation and strategies to overcome them.
    • Establishing the National Energy Dominance Council (EO 14213, Feb. 14, 2025). On February 14, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14213, establishing the National Energy Dominance Council within the Executive Office of the President. The Council aims to harness America’s vast natural resources—including oil, natural gas, coal, and critical minerals—to achieve energy dominance, bolster economic growth, and enhance national security. Chaired by the Secretary of the Interior, with the Secretary of Energy as Vice Chair, the Council comprises key Cabinet members and senior officials. Its responsibilities include advising the President on strategies to increase energy production, streamline regulatory processes, and promote private sector investment in the energy sector. The Council is also tasked with developing a National Energy Dominance Strategy focused on reducing bureaucratic obstacles and fostering innovation. In conjunction with this initiative, the administration granted conditional approval for a significant liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Louisiana, signaling a commitment to expanding energy exports. Additionally, directives have been issued to reverse previous bans on offshore oil drilling along the East and West coasts, aiming to unlock extensive offshore resources.
    • Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation (EO 14192, Jan. 31, 2025): ​On January 31, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14192, titled “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,” aiming to reduce regulatory burdens and promote economic growth. This order mandates that for each new regulation introduced, federal agencies must identify at least ten existing regulations for elimination. Additionally, for fiscal year 2025, agencies are directed to ensure that the total incremental cost of all new regulations is significantly less than zero, as determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). To achieve this, any new regulatory costs must be offset by eliminating existing costs associated with at least ten prior regulations. The OMB Director will provide guidance on implementing these measures, including standardizing the measurement and estimation of regulatory costs.
    • Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Deregulatory Initiative (EO 14219, Feb. 19, 2025): On February 19, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14219, titled “Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Deregulatory Initiative.” This order mandates a comprehensive review of federal regulations to identify and rescind those deemed unconstitutional, based on unlawful delegations of legislative power, lacking clear statutory authority, imposing significant costs without corresponding public benefits, or hindering national interests such as technological innovation and economic development. Agency heads are instructed to collaborate with the Office of Management and Budget to compile a list of such regulations within 60 days, aiming to streamline the regulatory framework and reduce undue burdens on private enterprise and entrepreneurship.
    • Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy (Executive Order 14217; Feb. 19, 2025). On February 19, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14217, titled “Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy.” This order aims to streamline the federal government by eliminating non-essential components and reducing the scope of certain agencies. Specifically, it mandates the elimination of non-statutory functions and components of entities such as the Presidio Trust, the Inter-American Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation, and the United States Institute of Peace. Additionally, the order revokes the Presidential Memorandum of November 13, 1961, which called for greater coordination of regional and field activities, leading to the dissolution of the Federal Executive Boards. It also directs the Office of Personnel Management to withdraw regulations pertaining to the Presidential Management Fellows Program, effectively terminating the program.

CYBERSECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY

  • CISA released the Connected Communities Initiative Internet of Things (IoT) Device Risk and Mitigation Infographic. IoT devices used within connected community networks often provide greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness for municipal infrastructure services. However, the increasing use of IoT and the collection of data make connected communities an attractive target for malicious actors. The infographic highlights risks to connected communities from common interconnected IoT devices and groups the devices by IoT architecture, including the perception, transport, and application layers. For more information on CISA’s work to help mitigate risk.
  • CISA and the FBI published a Secure by Design Alert, Eliminating Buffer Overflow Vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are a prevalent type of memory safety software design defect that regularly lead to system compromise. Organizations are encouraged to review this alert so they can confirm if their manufacturer demonstrates adherence to safe software development practices that align to Secure by Design principles. Customers should consider requesting that manufacturers provide a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) and a secure software development attestation. To learn more, visit Secure by Design Alerts on CISA.gov.
  • CISA, the FBI, and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center published a joint Cybersecurity Advisory #StopRansomware: Ghost (Cring) Ransomware. This advisory provides known Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) associated with Ghost ransomware actors identified through FBI investigations. Organizations are encouraged to review the advisory, IOCs, and TTPs, and implement recommended mitigations to protect against the ransomware threat actor. Organizations are also encouraged to visit stopransomware.gov for no-cost ransomware resources and alerts.

COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

  • CEQ Proposes Removal of NEPA Implementing Regulations. In response to Executive Order 14154, titled “Unleashing American Energy,” the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has issued an interim final rule proposing the removal of its regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from the Code of Federal Regulations. Executive Order 14154 rescinds the previous Executive Order 11991, which had directed CEQ to establish NEPA regulations, thereby prompting this action. The interim final rule was published in the Federal Register on February 25, 2025, with an effective date of April 11, 2025. CEQ is seeking public comments on this proposal until March 27, 2025. Stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to review the proposed changes and submit their feedback through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail to the Council on Environmental Quality, 730 Jackson Place NW, Washington, DC 20503.

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

  • FERC and NERC to Host Joint Workshop on Supply Chain Risk Management Reliability Standards (March 20, 2025/in person and virtual). The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) will jointly host a workshop on March 20, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time at FERC’s headquarters in Washington, DC. The workshop will focus on the “assessment” aspect of supply chain risk management (SCRM), particularly discussing the proposed directive from FERC’s September 19, 2024, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. This directive aims to require entities to establish steps in their SCRM plans to validate the completeness and accuracy of information received from vendors during the procurement process, thereby enhancing the identification and assessment of supply chain risks associated with vendors’ software, hardware, or services. A detailed agenda and further information on participation will be available in FERC’s eLibrary prior to the workshop. Interested individuals can subscribe to receive email notifications about docket updates through FERC’s “eSubscription” service.

International Energy Agency (IEA)

  • Global Electric Grid Expansion Faces Delays: Efforts to expand electric transmission grids around the world are being slowed by rising component costs and supply chain delays, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency. These challenges are impacting renewable energy projects awaiting grid connections. (IEA report)

Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR):

  • USTR Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Actions Related to China’s Targeting of the Maritime Sector: The USTR is requesting public input on potential trade actions under Section 301 related to China’s policies and practices affecting the maritime industry. (USTR Press Release).

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

  • WRDA 2024: Public Comment Period and Virtual Meetings: The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (OASA(CW)) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have announced a 60-day public comment period, from February 27 through April 28, 2025, to gather input on the implementation of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, signed into law on January 4, 2025. ​

Virtual Public Listening Sessions: To facilitate public participation, a series of virtual listening sessions will be held via Webex (https://usace1.webex.com/meet/WRDA2024) or by phone at 844-800-2712 (Code: 1992 62 9020) on the following dates and times:​

    • March 12, 2025: 2:00–4:00 p.m. Eastern​
    • March 26, 2025: 2:00–4:00 p.m. Eastern​
    • April 2, 2025: 2:00–4:00 p.m. Eastern (Focus on Tribal Nations)​
    • April 9, 2025: 2:00–4:00 p.m. Eastern​

Submitting Comments: Comments, identified by Docket ID No. COE-2024-0004, can be submitted through the following methods:​

    • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Visit www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for submitting comments.​
    • Email: Send to [email protected], including Docket ID No. COE-2024-0004 in the subject line.​
    • Mail: Address to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: Ms. Amy Frantz, CEW-P, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 3F91, 441 G St NW, Washington, DC 20314.​

Additional Information: Once available, signed implementation guidance will be posted on the USACE public website at: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Water-Resources-Development-Act/. For further information, contact Ms. Lauren Leuck at 703-839-0383 or (lauren.d.leuck.civ@army.mil) or Ms. Amy Frantz at 202-761-0106 or (WRDA2024@usace.army.mil).

  • Inland Waterways User Board Meeting (April 3, 2025; In-person/virtual).  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Inland Waterways Users Board (IWUB) will hold a public meeting on April 3, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST at the Paducah-McCracken County Convention and Expo Center in Paducah, Kentucky. The meeting will also be accessible virtually via Webex. Agenda highlights: 36 Annual Report to Congress on status and recommendations for the inland waterways system; an update on the financial status and projections of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, which funds construction and rehabilitation projects; and project updates. For more information about the IWUB and updates on the meeting agenda, visit the Board’s website.

 

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

 Smart Rivers 2025, the global technical conference focused on inland and river transportation, is fast approaching! This renowned event brings together private sector, government, and academic leaders that are sharing the latest advances and lessons learned and building a vision for a sustainable future in inland waterborne transport. With submitted abstracts doubling the anticipated amount, a strong turnout is expected – and innovative, engaging discussion is guaranteed. Early Bird registration is open at https://smartrivers2025.com/register. Register now to save and join an interdisciplinary community of practitioners, researchers and decision makers in Memphis, September 8-12. Sponsors and Exhibitors welcome too.