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
Infrastructure Infodemic
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…
Think Inside the Box(es)
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…
Waiving USACE Policy Requirements: A Tool to Get Urgent Projects Completed
Most of our past Blog posts have been focused on current events, analysis of new trends, and breaking news. Today, we are sharing some news that is eight months old but that offers a potential and promising path for getting things done. Some of you may already know of a…
How Flood Insurance and Endangered Species Are Connected
Most people would not associate flood insurance with the protection of endangered species. But over the past decade, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been the target of multiple lawsuits alleging that the agency has violated the Endangered Species Act by not considering the impacts of its flood insurance…
Must See TV – D.C. Style
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…
House Financial Services Committee Schedules First NFIP Hearing of the Year
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) often seems to be the Congressional-stepchild; everyone knows that it deserves some attention but everyone is too busy with their favorite child. Unfortunately, the Program is scheduled to expire in May and when it expires, the consequences can be dire. Financial Services Committee…
Calling all Potential P3 Projects
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:
Water Resources Development Act is Signed Into Law By President
The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2018, included as title I of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (S. 3021), was signed into law today. The new law provides the needed authorization for investment in harbor, waterway, flood protection, and other water infrastructure improvements throughout the country.
As…
President Issues a Presidential Memoranda on Western Water (But Flood Is Mentioned)
Amidst much fanfare, on Friday President Trump released a Presidential Memoranda (much like an Executive Order, yet different?) directing Federal agencies to work together to reduce regulatory burdens on Western water deliveries. It appears that the main thrust of the Memoranda is for NOAA Fisheries (which has Endangered…