County Countdown – April, 22, 2024
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Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
Watch the video above and explore NACo resources below.
ARPA Guidance Update: A Win For Counties
Last month's U.S. Treasury update offers substantial flexibility for counties using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), incorporating key suggestions from NACo.
- County personnel: Extended personnel costs now cover a larger list of eligible positions through the end of 2026.
- Subrecipient flexibility: Subrecipient entities are not required to comply with the Dec. 31, 2024 obligation deadline, easing pressure on county timelines.
- Reclassification of funds: After Dec. 31, if a county has funds that have been obligated but not expended, the county may reclassify those funds for other eligible uses.
- Reporting reminder: All SLFRF recipients must submit Project and Expenditure reports by April 30. For details, visit NACo’s ARPA Hub.
Counties Directly Eligible for Competitive Transportation Grants
On March 25, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced the availability of $5.2 billion in competitive funding as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Counties are directly eligible.
- Streamlined applications: A simplified process will assist counties in applying by the May 6 deadline.
- Broad funding scope: The USDOT Notice of Funding Opportunity packages the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program, Mega grants and INFRA grants, allowing counties to apply using a single application. Learn more here.
Federal Uniform Guidance Revisions
Recent updates from the White Office Office of Management and Budget simplify federal grant processes, significantly impacting how counties manage federal funds.
- Reduced burdens: Key changes include simplified grant applications and higher thresholds for single audits.
- Implementation by FY 2025: Counties should be prepared for these changes to take effect October 1, 2024.
EPA Sets New Standards For PFAS In Drinking Water
The EPA's new regulations set stringent limits on PFAS levels, impacting counties that manage water utilities.
- Tough standards: Limits for PFOA and PFOS are set at four parts per trillion, with significant cost implications for counties.
- Stay tuned: NACo will provide updates and guidance to help counties comply with these new standards.
Insights From NACo's U.S.-Mexico Border Visit
County leaders' recent visit to the U.S.-Mexico border shed light on urgent needs and challenges at the border, emphasizing the importance of intergovernmental collaboration.
- Valuable perspectives: The trip highlighted the critical role of counties in managing border security and migrant welfare.
- NACo advocacy: Counties continue to advocate for sensible immigration reforms that support county efforts.
Treasury Department releases new obligation guidance for the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund
On March 29, the U.S. Department of Treasury released new FAQs related to their Obligation Interim Final Rule for the ARPA Recovery Fund.
Counties directly eligible for $5.2 billion in competitive transportation grants
Counties are directly eligible for $5.2 billion in competitive transportation grants.
White House OMB releases final revisions federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)
The White House OMB released final revisions to the federal Uniform Guidance that outline compliance and reporting requirements for federal financial assistance.
Urge Congress and EPA to Consult with Counties on any Future Regulations on PFAS
Urge the U.S. Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies to study the health and environmental impacts of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compounds and to work closely with state and local governments on any regulatory or legislative actions related to PFAS.
County leaders seek greater coordination on migrants after border visit
A trip to the southern border in El Paso County, Texas offered county officials a chance to see how the asylum system works, amid a sustained increase in people surrendering to immigration authorities.
County Countdown – August 12, 2024
Every other week, NACo's County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an eye towards counties and the intergovernmental partnership.
U.S. House and Senate pass WRDA 2024, legislation moves to conference committee process
The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is the authorizing legislation for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which allows the Corps to conduct studies, construct projects and research activities to improve U.S. waterways.
NACo Legal Advocacy: EMD Sales, Inc. v. Carrera
EMD Sales, Inc. v. Carrera could make it more difficult for county governments to prove exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which would increase the potential for costly litigation.
NACo Legal Advocacy: Stanley v. City of Sanford
Stanley v. City of Sanford will impact the ability of county governments to balance budgets by reducing or eliminating post-employment benefits for disability retirees.
NACo Legal Advocacy: Garland v. VanDerStok
Garland v. VanDerStok has implications for the ability of county law enforcement to uphold public safety and investigate crimes involving ghost guns.
NACo Legal Advocacy: San Francisco v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
San Francisco v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implications for the ability of county governments that own and operate wastewater treatment facilities to comply with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Help Employees Protect Their Retirement Income When it Matters Most, a NACo EDGE Webinar
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
When it comes to retirement investments, your employees may need help choosing the right thing at the right time. Join Nationwide and NACo EDGE for this September 18 webinar to learn how you can help savers stay on track for retirement by offering automatic features that deliver in-plan lifetime income.
Can’t wait for the webinar? Learn more at our resource hub at nrsforu.com. You can also enjoy this quick read and watch a 2-minute video in Nationwide's nrsforu.com newsroom to learn more about helping employees be more confident in their retirement planning.
This webinar is brought to you by NACo EDGE, establishing people, purchasing, and performance cost-saving solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. EDGE is owned by NACo, advised by county leaders and 100% focused on solutions for U.S. Counties. Learn more about NACo EDGE here.
For more information check out the event page!
NACo Cyberattack Simulation: Financial Access
Financial transaction systems are prime targets for cyber threats due to the value and sensitivity of the data. This cyber simulation assesses risks and fortifies safeguards within financial access systems.
A Better Path to Priority-Based Budgeting: How Do We Get There and What’s the Payoff?
Seeking to modernize budgeting, local governments are looking to priority-based budgeting to enable budget decisions that relate directly to their priorities and save money. This session will explore the steps toward priority-based budgeting, obstacles, and payoffs.