County Countdown – June 17, 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.
NACo 2024 Annual Conference
The 2024 NACo Annual Conference will include a focus on direct investments in counties through the annual appropriations process, now underway for 2025. Programming will highlight key areas like infrastructure, healthcare and economic development.
- State of play: Congress is currently in negotiations around funding for Fiscal Year 2025, so now is a great time for conference attendees to explore how federal funding can be effectively leveraged to address local needs and drive sustainable growth.
- Conference schedule: View the conference schedule for full details.
Farm Bill Reauthorization
On NACo’s last County Countdown, we discussed efforts around reauthorizing the Farm Bill. Since then, there has been further movement, including positive signs for county priorities.
- Senate framework: Senate Agriculture Committee Republicans last week unveiled their framework for the 2024 Farm Bill.
- The county perspective: NACo reviewed major county priorities and secured key wins like increased funding for rural development and support for new farmers.
Health Services for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
In April, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) issued a draft policy for public comment on Community Health Centers (CHCs) and pre-release care.
- Why it matters: Providing health services 90 days before release benefits counties by improving care continuity and resource management.
- Sharing our voice: NACo submitted comments supporting enhanced access and continuity of care, urging inclusion of pre-trial detainees.
Electric Vehicle Charging Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the second round of funding for the Fueling Infrastructure grant program. Grants can be used to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure on local roads, within publicly accessible community locations and along the National Highway System.
- How it works: Counties can apply for a share of the $1.3 billion grant for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. $520 million is reserved for applicants who were unsuccessful in the first round of funding, with a deadline of July 1. The final deadline for new applicants for the remaining $800 million is August 28.
- Learn more: View NACo’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding matrix for more information.
Water Resources Development Act
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works passed the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 with a unanimous bipartisan vote. The WRDA authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pursue studies, projects and waterway improvements.
- Details from the bill: The 2024 bill focuses on implementing ongoing projects and authorizes $3 billion for feasibility studies and construction.
- Impact on counties: Provisions include improved project permit information, increased federal cost shares and enhanced support for non-federal sponsors.
2024 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition
The Annual Conference is the premier gathering of leaders from the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs.
House, Senate Agriculture Committees release frameworks for 2024 Farm Bill Reauthorization
After months of negotiations and gridlock, lawmakers on the House and Senate Agriculture Committees have released competing frameworks for the 2024 Farm Bill. Explore NACo's full analysis.
HRSA Releases Final Reentry Care Guidelines Following NACo Input
On November 29, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) released their final Policy Information Notice (PIN) with policy guidance for health centers who support transitions in care for justice-involved individuals reentering their communities.
Counties directly eligible for $1.3 billion in USDOT electric vehicle charging grants
On May 30, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration released a Notice of Funding Opportunity for Round Two of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program.
UPDATED: U.S. Senate EPW Committee and House T&I Committee pass WRDA 2024, legislation awaits further action
U.S. Senate EPW Committee and House T&I Committee pass WRDA 2024, legislation awaits further action
Related News
HHS releases rule repealing federal nursing home staffing mandate, supporting county long term care facilities
On December 2, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published an interim final rule that repeals the federal nursing home staffing mandate, a regulation that would have required long-term care facilities to meet strict minimum staffing levels.
County officials moonlight in search and rescue roles
For some county officials, participating in search and rescue operations is another way to serve their communities, and make it safer for people to enjoy natural recreation resources.
Congress passes SUPPORT Act reauthorization
On September 18, the U.S. Senate passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 (SUPPORT Act Reauthorization) (H.R. 2483) by voice vote, following House passage earlier this year. With strong bipartisan backing in both chambers, the legislation now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
Upcoming Events
FAA-NACo Airport Land Use Compatibility
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. - 4:300 p.m. ET
Counties play a crucial role in our nation’s aviation system, owning and operating hundreds of airports across the country. And even in places where the county may not own the airport, county planning departments and development organizations work to maximize the value of this asset to the community’s economic and overall wellbeing. Join NACo and staff from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Airports Planning and Programming to learn more about the FAA’s “Advisory Circular on Airport Land Use Compatibility Planning,” which will enable counties work smarter to integrate airports into broader planning efforts for land use, economic development and more. FAA staff will also be available to answer questions from county leaders about planning needs in their community and how the Advisory Circular can guide those efforts.
Speakers:
- Jacqueline Essick, Associate Director, Jacobsen|Daniels
- Amber McNair, Founder & Principal Investigator, AV McNair, LLC
- Michael (Mike) Hines, Manager of Airports Planning and Environmental Division, FAA
- Jean Wolfers-Lawrence, Manager of Environmental Planning Branch, FAA
Early Considerations for County Implementation of H.R. 1 Changes to Medicaid and SNAP
This webinar will provide county leaders with an overview of early considerations for implementing proposed changes to Medicaid and SNAP under H.R. 1.