As U.S. House members begin accepting requests for Army Corps of Engineers and water infrastructure projects, cities should contact their House member’s office by Friday, Jan. 30 to submit project requests. Meanwhile, the EPA has proposed a new rule rolling back water quality certification regulations under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. In other federal news, $2 billion in mental health grant funding was restored following bipartisan pushback on the administration’s cuts.
Army Corps of Engineers and Water Infrastructure Projects
This week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee opened up their internal congressional portals to accept requests from members of Congress for Army Corps of Engineer projects and water infrastructure projects.
These requests are part of the 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization, which happens every two years. While Senators Warnock and Ossoff opened a joint submission portal, it is important that cities also contact their House member to submit a request through that office. When your member of Congress is aware of the need for your city’s project in their district, they are better positioned to advocate for its inclusion, and their staff can assist cities throughout the process.
Cities needing assistance contacting their congressional office or with questions about the submission process should reach out to Federal Relations Manager Molly McLoughlin.
New EPA Rule Proposed
EPA announced a proposed rule that would reverse a Biden Administration change to Clean Water Act Section 401 permitting. The proposal follows public input gathered last summer and aligns with calls from the Trump Administration to roll back water quality regulations they believe impose unnecessary burden on critical infrastructure projects.
According to EPA, the rule change would bring predictability in Section 401 implementation by standardizing certification requests and decisions, eliminating back-and-forth delay tactics on submissions, adhering to statutory timelines, and defining a clear process for both applicants and certifying authorities.
Cities would feel the effects of this regulatory change as they work with state co-regulators to repair, replace and expand critical water infrastructure, especially as new WRDA projects move forward.
A 33-day public comment period for the proposed rule is open until February 17.
Mental Health Funding Restored
After bipartisan pushback from Congress and federal partners, including the National League of Cities, the Trump Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reversed a decision to immediately cancel $2 billion in discretionary mental health and substance abuse funding.
Those that received grant termination letters from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) should receive a follow-up letter confirming that the funds are being reinstated.