County Countdown – April, 22, 2024

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.

ARPA Guidance Update: A Win For Counties

Last month's U.S. Treasury update offers substantial flexibility for counties using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), incorporating key suggestions from NACo.

• County personnel: Extended personnel costs now cover a larger list of eligible positions through the end of 2026.
• Subrecipient flexibility: Subrecipient entities are not required to comply with the Dec. 31, 2024 obligation deadline, easing pressure on county timelines.
• Reclassification of funds: After Dec. 31, if a county has funds that have been obligated but not expended, the county may reclassify those funds for other eligible uses.
• Reporting reminder: All SLFRF recipients must submit Project and Expenditure reports by April 30. For details, visit NACo’s ARPA Hub.

Counties Directly Eligible for Competitive Transportation Grants

On March 25, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced the availability of $5.2 billion in competitive funding as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Counties are directly eligible.

• Streamlined applications: A simplified process will assist counties in applying by the May 6 deadline.
• Broad funding scope: The USDOT Notice of Funding Opportunity packages the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program, Mega grants and INFRA grants, allowing counties to apply using a single application. Learn more here.

Federal Uniform Guidance Revisions

Recent updates from the White Office Office of Management and Budget simplify federal grant processes, significantly impacting how counties manage federal funds.

• Reduced burdens: Key changes include simplified grant applications and higher thresholds for single audits.
• Implementation by FY 2025: Counties should be prepared for these changes to take effect October 1, 2024.

EPA Sets New Standards For PFAS In Drinking Water

The EPA's new regulations set stringent limits on PFAS levels, impacting counties that manage water utilities.

• Tough standards: Limits for PFOA and PFOS are set at four parts per trillion, with significant cost implications for counties.
• Stay tuned: NACo will provide updates and guidance to help counties comply with these new standards.

Insights From NACo's U.S.-Mexico Border Visit

 County leaders' recent visit to the U.S.-Mexico border shed light on urgent needs and challenges at the border, emphasizing the importance of intergovernmental collaboration.

• Valuable perspectives: The trip highlighted the critical role of counties in managing border security and migrant welfare.
• NACo advocacy: Counties continue to advocate for sensible immigration reforms that support county efforts.