County Countdown – April, 22, 2024
Upcoming Events
Related News
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.
White House to halt federal funds to jurisdictions using cashless bail
On August 25, the White House announced an EO ordering an end to cashless bail and threatening to suspend or terminate federal funds to jurisdictions that do not comply with the order.
NACo sends letter to USDOT urging support for county priorities in surface transportation reauthorization
On July 21, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) published a Request for Information to gather recommendations from stakeholders across transportation sectors as the agency works to develop its priorities for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill.
Local government leaders meet with USDOT on surface transportation reauthorization
On August 15, NACo and the National Association of County Engineers (NACE), met with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to discuss county transportation and infrastructure priorities.
White House issues Executive Order to change federal grantmaking process
On August 7, President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) titled “Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking,” aiming to strengthen accountability, coordination and oversight in the federal grantmaking process.
County repurposes airport’s lost and found items for animal shelter
Broward County, Fla. staff made use out of items left behind at the county airport.
Senate lawmakers introduce bipartisan legislation to support public lands counties
On August 4, U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced the More Opportunities for Rural Economies (MORE) Grants Package.
Transforming County Payouts with Real-Time Innovation
Thursday, September 4, 2025 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM Eastern Time
Discover the technological evolution of county disbursements and how digital finance transformation can mitigate risks and enhance operational efficiency. As counties strive to modernize their legacy systems and reduce costs, staying ahead of technology trends is crucial. This session will explore how counties can leverage the latest advancements in real-time disbursements to revolutionize their payout processes. Attendees will gain insights into emerging trends and practical use cases that showcase the journey from outdated payout processes to advanced technology disbursements.
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, September 4
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week seven of a biweekly series on key developments from the White House and Congress. Discussions will focus on policies and actions that directly impact counties — from federal funding and regulatory changes to intergovernmental partnerships. Tune in for an inside look at how these evolving federal dynamics may shape county priorities, responsibilities and operations.
Legal Considerations for Federal Funding Challenges
This webinar will provide an overview of the most pressing federal funding challenges faced by local governments. Discussion will include agency level actions impacting local government grants, including grant terminations and conditions on grants.
Seamless Implementation, Frictionless Experiences: Best Practices for Transitioning to a Countywide Payment Solution
Government payment ecosystems are complex, often spanning multiple departments, legacy technology, and evolving compliance and reporting regulations. While transitioning to a new system can present challenges, clear objectives and success metrics, as well as a well-structured testing and implementation plan ultimately leads to better outcomes for residents and staff.
From Public Lands to Local Budgets: How Federal Revenue Sharing Flows from the Federal Government to States to Counties
This session will explore key revenue-sharing programs that impact public lands counties and their communities.
Road to Reauthorization: Local and Regional Priorities for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill
Join NACo and the Local Officials in Transportation (LOT) Coalition to hear updates on the ongoing surface transportation reauthorization process, including learning more about the coalition’s policy priorities and how you can get involved.