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: 2024 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.
UPDATED: USDOT announces availability of $1.2 billion 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
House Passes Historic Outdoor Recreation Legislation
The U.S. House passed the bipartisan EXPLORE Act (H.R.6492) on April 9 to boost outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands and aid local economies
Congress introduces Second Chance Act reauthorization
On April 16, the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives with robust bipartisan support. NACo supports this legislation, which would reauthorize funding for Second Chance Act programs for five years.
Related News
Report released on 1115 waiver implementation in California
In January 2023, California became the first state to receive federal approval for a Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration waiver to partially amend the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy.
Federal Railroad Administration announces over $1 billion in funding for rail projects
Federal Railroad Administration announces over $1 billion in funding for rail projects.
EPA announces $58 million available for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants
EPA announces $58 million available for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants.
Upcoming Events
Implementing the Medicaid Reentry Waiver in California Counties: Key Policy and Operational Insights
Counties have access to new resources to improve community safety and reduce overdose deaths as a result of recent changes to federal Medicaid policy. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have applied for the Medicaid Reentry Demonstration waiver so far and eleven state proposals have been approved as of August 2024.
How will these changes affect your county? Join us to learn what is happening across the country as states and counties begin implementing these substantial systems changes. Key learnings from the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge work with 11 counties in California – the first approved waiver state -- will be shared along with implications for counties across the country.
State Funding for County Behavioral Health Crisis Services: Examples and Opportunities
This webinar is hosted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts and the MacArthur Foundation.
Achieving AI Success: Addressing Resistance and Embracing Efficiency
Join Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and CAI for a webinar where we explore the critical success factors to implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation projects including overcoming fear surrounding AI and automation, managing organizational change, and embracing new ways of working.