House Republicans from Washington are hoping to cut red tape for the development of surface storage facilities as the American West grapples with intensifying droughts.
Legislation under consideration recently [pdf] by the House of Representative's Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans "would streamline the review process for water projects, including additional surface water storage, infrastructure and recycling," reports Cassandra Profita.
The bill, titled the Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs Water Project Streamlining Act (H.R. 4419), is authored by two Washington Republicans, Rep. Dan Newhouse and Rep. David Reichart. Not all members of the subcommittee expressed support for the idea of streamlining water projects. "Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., said the bill 'attempts to undermine our nation’s bedrock environmental laws.'"
Profita notes that the legislation would be a specific benefit to the Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project in central Washington, as well as projects in Kansas, Montana and California.
FULL STORY: State water project could get boost from Congress
California Reservoir Project at Risk of Forfeiting $171 Million in State Funding
The Temperance Flat Reservoir Project might be falling too far behind schedule to maintain a huge chunk of state funding, according to reports.
California Governor Outlines Plan for a ‘Hotter, Drier Future’
With California’s water supply expected to drop by 10 percent in the next two decades, Governor Newsom’s strategy calls for conservation and increased investment in water collection, storage, and desalination infrastructure.
California Ballot Measure Could Streamline Permitting for Water Projects
A coalition of farmers and desalination supporters is collecting signatures for a California ballot measure that would fast-track construction processes for water storage projects.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service