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
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San Bernadino County's mobile app reports each step of the evacuation process as it happens, helping emergency managers take a lot of mystery out of chaotic incidents, including floods and fires.
U.S. Department of Transportation announces newest round of Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant opportunities
On March 27, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) posted a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Almost $1 billion is available for distribution under the grant program, which supports safety planning and improvement projects on locally owned transportation networks.
Auto repair program helps people get back on their feet
Partnering with a non-profit and local businesses, Alameda County, Calif. created a program to fix cars and donate cars, helping people who live and work in transit deserts.
Upcoming Events
2026 NACo Energy Symposium
Registration opening April 14: Join county leaders from across the country in the Texas Panhandle to engage with the most pressing energy issues shaping rural America today. Hear from experts, exchange ideas with peers and gain practical insights into the policies, projects and partnerships driving rural energy development.