County Countdown – May 7, 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.
FAA Reauthorization Bill
Congressional lawmakers have unveiled a bipartisan, five-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill.
- What’s included: The legislation seeks to enhance funding for airport improvement programs and streamline project delivery.
- Counties matter: Counties support 34 percent of the nation's public airports and invest over $5 billion annually in air transportation.
- Learn more: NACo examined Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments in county infrastructure.
2024 Farm Bill Proposals
The House and Senate Agriculture Committees released proposals for the 2024 Farm Bill, including important provisions for counties.
- Key priorities for counties: The proposals include vital support for SNAP, rural development programs, public land management authorities, and investments in programs for new and beginning farmers and ranchers.
- Next steps: NACo urges Congress to continue moving the Farm Bill swiftly through the legislative process. Check out NACo’s Farm Bill primer for more.
- The current Farm Bill expires September 30.
Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced $1.2 billion for transportation safety planning and construction projects.
- County eligibility: Counties are eligible to apply directly for funds, with an 80 percent federal cost share.
- County impact: Given counties' oversight of 45 percent of roads and 38 percent of bridges in America, safety remains paramount.
Local Government Energy Program
The U.S. Department of Energy has allocated $18 million for the Local Government Energy Program.
- Highlights for counties: The Local Government Energy Program supports renewable energy projects in disadvantaged communities and small- to medium-sized counties.
- County eligibility: Eligible projects span building energy efficiency and clean transportation.
- How to apply: Applications are open now through May 31. Learn more here.
EXPLORE Act and Natural Resources Legislation
The House passed the bipartisan EXPLORE Act, aiming to enrich outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands.
- Bill impact: The bill supports gateway communities, modernizes technology, streamlines permitting, manages park overcrowding, enhances accessibility and promotes recreation for service members and veterans.
- Also of note: The House also passed a series of key natural resource and public lands legislation, addressing a range of issues impacting public lands counties and residents.
Second Chance Reauthorization Act
The House introduced the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024 with bipartisan backing.
- Extending funding: The legislation aims to extend funding for Second Chance Act programs over five years.
- Supporting county priorities: These programs support counties by improving reentry services, reducing recidivism, and strengthening public safety.
- Learn more: See NACo’s Second Chance Act advocacy.
House and Senate leaders release text of 2024 Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization compromise
House and Senate leaders release text of 2024 Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization compromise.
Primer for Counties: 2026 Farm Bill Reauthorization
Administered by the USDA, the U.S. Farm Bill helps counties make critical investments in infrastructure, economic development, workforce training, nutrition and conservation within some of our nation’s most underserved communities.
FY 25 Update: USDOT announces $982 million through Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program
On February 21, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the availability of $1.2 billion through the Safe Streets and Roads for All competitive grant program in Fiscal Year 2024 for transportation safety planning or construction projects.
U.S. Department of Energy announces $18 million for Local Government Energy Program
U.S. Department of Energy announces $18 million for Local Government Energy Program
Congress Passes Landmark Outdoor Recreation Package
Lawmakers passed the bipartisan EXPLORE Act (H.R.6492) on December 19 to boost outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands for county residents and visitors and aid gateway communities
Congress advances Second Chance Act reauthorization
On December 4, the Senate passed the Second Chance Reauthorization Act (S.4477) by unanimous consent, a major milestone for supporting county reentry programs. NACo supports this legislation, which would reauthorize funding for Second Chance Act programs for five years.
Related News
U.S. Department of Agriculture launches modernization efforts for loan and grant systems
On June 4, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a major effort to modernize more than 130 loan and grant systems that support farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
The EPA announces $2.9 billion for states to support lead pipe replacement
On May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) announced $2.9 billion in funding to help states support lead service line replacement. The funding will be distributed through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and can be used by communities to identify lead pipes, plan removal projects, and replace lead service lines that deliver drinking water to homes.
House Appropriations Committee releases draft funding bills for public lands and environment programs
On May 20, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee began consideration of the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which funds key environment and public lands programs at the Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill provides agency and program funding levels and sets policy goals for the agencies for FY 2027.
Upcoming Events
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, June 18
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, July 2
Join NACo for a bi-weekly webinar offering an overview of the full federal policy landscape impacting counties.
Grassroots Advocacy Series: In-District Advocacy During Congressional Recess
This session will walk through NACo’s new recess advocacy guide and provide step-by-step guidance on engaging members of Congress while they are in their districts.