Indulge me for a moment by imagining that you’re preparing for the trip of a lifetime. As you dutifully click through your packing checklist, you also take the time to learn a few key foreign language words and phrases for the countries that you’ll be visiting. Experience has proven that knowing simple greetings and pleasantries … Continue Reading
I’m a fan of Steven Wright’s sardonic humor and deadpan delivery (“I bought some powdered water… but I don’t know what to add to it.”). Apparently, the US Army Corps of Engineers is also a fan of Wright-esque word play based on a recently announced series of WRDA implementation guidance listening sessions where they are … Continue Reading
With a single tweet, President Trump ended months of speculation as to whether or not Congress would provide another round of COVID relief before the election. As he announced on Twitter, the President has his sights on passing a post-election “major Stimulus Bill.” While the outcome of the election is unforeseeable, the need for major … Continue Reading
During this pandemic, my crystal ball and I are social distancing; while I am working at home it is tucked away in my Capitol Hill office. Luckily, I was able to dig out my old magic-8 ball from the back of my closet, but each time I turn it over the message reads “Gone Fishing.” … Continue Reading
As media reports of the coronavirus started to become front-page news, my interest was peaked by articles that described the situation as an “infodemic”. Now several weeks and three-federal relief packages later, I think it is safe to say that many non-federal infrastructure interests are surfing from an infodemic on what Congress did and (more … Continue Reading
Imagine how early you could retire if you had a dollar for every time someone told you to “think outside the box.” Personally, I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard this charge in my educational and professional life. But what if I told you that the real money can be found by thinking … Continue Reading
As a registered federal lobbyist I’m often asked to describe my job. Some days I describe it as an advocate; other days as an educator. I’ve also been known to liken it to being a translator or cruise director, but this past month it has felt a lot like being a host of Talk Soup. You … Continue Reading
If you answer yes to the questions below, you should carve out some time to participate in the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) next Public Private Partnership (P3) webinar: You are the non-federal sponsor of a federally authorized Corps project; The project construction cost exceeds $50M; The construction of the project includes a design, … Continue Reading
Today the Administration released its FY19 budget proposal. As you likely know, the budget proposal signifies the starting point for the annual appropriations cycle which will play out in Congress over the course of the calendar year. Large portions of the budget proposal will be deemed “dead on arrival” by Congress, but it’s important to … Continue Reading
Today’s post features commentary from guest author Julie Minerva. I often joke with my clients that following issues too closely at the federal level can result in whiplash. To that regard, it has been a very active summer in Washington, DC on the water infrastructure front. Here’s a rapid fire look at some of the top items … Continue Reading
Today’s post features commentary from guest author Julie Minerva. For lobbyists, reading through annual appropriations reports is like hunting for Easter eggs. Unlike appropriations bills which are slim and rather constrained documents, appropriations reports provide an opportunity for the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to communicate directly to federal agencies. Whether it be prescribing direction to an … Continue Reading
Today’s post features commentary from guest author Julie Minerva. I must admit, my right hand is numb from hitting the refresh button on my computer since about 11 am EST on Tuesday. That’s because this week the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) was expected to release the Fiscal Year 2017 work plan. That finally happened around … Continue Reading
Today’s post features a collaboration between guest author Julie Minerva and Scott and Andrea. After a grueling six-week legislative stretch, Members of Congress have returned home for a two-week district work period (weeks of April 10 and April 17). Senators are scheduled to return to the Capitol on Monday, April 24th, while the House of Representatives will follow one day behind … Continue Reading
Today’s post features a collaboration between guest author Julie Minerva and Scott and Andrea. This morning the Trump Administration released its America First Budget (aka the Skinny Budget) for FY18. The text of the document contains much of the same rhetoric you heard in the President’s inaugural address as the budget proposes to focus on advancing the … Continue Reading
Today’s post features guest author Julie Minerva. During an appearance before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Major General Donald “Ed” Jackson, Deputy Commanding General – Civil and Emergency Operations, United States Army Corps of Engineers announced that a call for projects for the Section 7001 Report to Congress for 2017 is forthcoming. The Section … Continue Reading
Today’s post features guest author Julie Minerva. Starting on May 11th, the US Army Corps of Engineers will see a change of command in 19 Districts, Battalions and Centers. From Japan to Afghanistan, Honolulu to Buffalo the old guard will be making way for fresh leadership. While there is nothing out of the ordinary with … Continue Reading
Today’s post features guest author Julie Minerva, a Civil Works Review Board veteran who has been engaging with the US Army Corps of Engineers at the federal level for the better part of 15 years. As part of the Corps SMART Planning Process, all feasibility studies must complete a formal presentation process called a Civil … Continue Reading
