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Congresswoman's office says Sunman's water project is included at roughly 80% of the request
Summary
Michael Graham, a staffer for Congresswoman Aaron Hson, told the Sunman Town Council the congresswoman included the town's FY27 water project at about 80% of the $3.7 million request; the funding now moves to the House Appropriations subcommittee markup and, if enacted, the EPA would manage award administration.
Michael Graham, a staffer in the office of Congresswoman Aaron Hson, told the Sunman Town Council that the congresswoman has included the town’s water infrastructure project at roughly 80% of the amount the town requested.
Graham said the application — for about "3.7 million and some change" as discussed at the meeting — is included in the congresswoman’s submission and now goes to the House Appropriations subcommittee for markup, where the available federal contribution may be reduced from the request. "The congresswoman has accepted the project um at the 80% of the request rate," he said.
Why it matters: if the subcommittee and later the full Congress approve funding and the bill becomes law, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which would administer the award, will contact the town to begin post-award steps. Graham said awardees typically must obligate the full amount offered within about 12 months and that local recipients should have contracts and plans in place to meet that obligation.
Graham described two possible paths: the project is funded after markup and the agency begins drawdown and implementation steps, or Congress passes a continuing resolution instead of an annual budget, which can leave some community projects unfunded. He said his office will provide updates as the budget process moves through markup and conference stages and that the town’s point of contact (Cheryl) has his direct contact information.
Council members asked several timing questions, including how a late budget reduces the window to obligate funds. Graham replied that a delayed appropriations schedule "cuts down the period of time for obligation of the funds" and urged the town to have contracts and plans ready so it can obligate any awarded funds promptly.
What the town can expect next: Graham said his office will notify the town after subcommittee and committee action and will remain in contact through the summer as the legislative process proceeds. He framed the current phase as a waiting period while markup and further appropriations decisions proceed in Washington.
The town also thanked staff and outside partners who provided letters of support for the application. The council did not take a formal vote related to the federal submission during the meeting.
