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Congresswoman’s office says Sunman water project recommended at about 80% of request; funds still must clear appropriations
Summary
A staffer for Congresswoman Aaron Hson told the Sunman Town Council the congresswoman has accepted the town's FY27 water project at roughly 80% of the requested amount (about $3.7 million); the award must still clear appropriations markup and agency steps before the town could draw funds.
Michael Graham, a staffer in Congresswoman Aaron Hson’s office, told the Sunman Town Council that the congresswoman has recommended the town’s fiscal‑year 2027 water project for funding at roughly 80% of the requested amount — “the 3.7 million and some change,” Graham said during the meeting. He said the recommendation now moves to the House appropriations subcommittee for markup and, if approved, to the administering agency (the Environmental Protection Agency) for award and draw‑down guidance.
Graham framed the next steps as two distinct hurdles: congressional markup and the agency’s administrative process. He warned that if Congress fails to pass an overall budget and the government instead uses a continuing resolution, many community project funds can be delayed or not funded. “We will know more from the subcommittee markup about how much the federal government can actually put in,” he said, describing the period that follows as “more qualitative than quantitative” until the bill advances.
The staffer described the typical timeline and obligations for awardees: successful applicants must be prepared to obligate the full award within about 12 months and to enter necessary contracts and documents once an award notice comes from the administering agency. If a project is not funded because Congress adopts a continuing resolution, Graham said past practice has been to invite previously successful applicants to reapply and update paperwork rather than automatically lose eligibility.
Graham encouraged local officials to keep planning ready so the town can move quickly if the full award is confirmed. He said his office will notify town staff and the project lead, Cheryl, as the measure moves through the appropriations process and when the EPA begins the draw‑down process.
Next steps: council members thanked staff and supporters who filed letters; the town will await subcommittee action and agency guidance before any formal financial commitments or project work begins.
