Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Federal Appropriations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Puget Sound advocates report mixed federal funding outlook after 'Down the Hill' visits
Summary
Partnership federal affairs staff said appropriations show cautious optimism in some Senate numbers but warned FY27 could feel like a funding cut without congressional action; PACServe was flat-funded and the Howard Hanson project received $190 million.
Aaron, the Partnership's federal-advocacy lead, briefed the council on the results of this year's 'Down the Hill' advocacy. He said the congressional appropriations picture contains both wins and risks: PACServe received $65 million (flat funding), and an appropriation of $190 million was included in a package for the Howard Hanson project, but the end of IIJA-related funding creates a potential cliff for programs that received IIJA investments. "If Congress doesn't act, it will feel like a funding cut," Aaron said, describing the gap created when one-time IIJA resources expire.
Aaron summarized the Partnership's Washington, D.C., engagement: about 50 unique meetings with congressional and agency offices, plus contacts with USDOT, NOAA, EPA and others. He reported some early bipartisan interest in bills the Partnership supports (for example, additional cosponsors on floodplain restoration bills and a 6PPD task force proposal). He also flagged staff-capacity concerns at federal agencies and noted that some federal partners have lost substantial staff, which affects grant administration and rollout.
Members discussed how to help spend available FY26 funds before they lapse and whether regional partners can accelerate deployment or absorb funds if federal offices are capacity-constrained. Aaron encouraged partners to continue preparing materials for potential upcoming NOFOs and to coordinate with the Partnership's federal team about priority projects.
Next steps: monitor FY27 appropriations activity; maintain momentum for reauthorization/reauthorization items; coordinate regional advocacy to protect program funding.
