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: 2025 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. Congress passes reconciliation bill: What it means for counties
On July 3, the U.S. Congress passed sweeping budget reconciliation legislation.
County officials voice concern for SNAP, Medicaid amid reconciliation vote
Ahead of the Senate and House's budget reconcilliation votes, county officials from five states traveled to Capitol Hill June 24, to advocate against its provisions related to the social safety net programs.
U.S. Senate passes amended reconciliation bill text: What it means for counties
On July 1, the U.S. Senate narrowly passed their version of sweeping budget reconciliation legislation.
Upcoming Events
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, July 24
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week five 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.
Supreme Court Review for Local Governments: 2024-2025
Hosted by the Local Government Legal Center (LGLC), join legal experts in a discussion of the Supreme Court’s important decisions of the term impacting local governments.
Inside Washington: County Impacts from the White House & Congress, August 7
Join NACo’s Government Affairs team for week six 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.