Our nation is in an unprecedented time of fiscal uncertainty. The Corps is currently operating under a 6-month continuing resolution and the FY2014 budget is reportedly delayed until mid-March. With the threat of sequestration looming, all decisions regarding the funding of federal agencies like the Corps are delayed.

Despite these delays, PNWA continues to work hard on behalf of our membership and their supported projects. We have been working with our Corps Districts in the Northwest to ensure that we are advocating for the maximum level of funding that could execute in the current and next fiscal year. We have updated our levels of support for both FY2013 and FY2014, and they can be accessed here. Please note that the capability estimate for each project is the Corps' estimate for the most that it could obligate efficiently during the fiscal year for that project, and is not a guarantee of funding. The eventual budget for the Corps, when released, will reflect the Administration's assessment of national priorities.

In less than two weeks, PNWA will be taking approximately 60 of our members to Washington on a week-long trip to educate our federal agency partners and leadership in DC. Our unified regional voice will lay the groundwork for our projects so that when the decisions are made, the Administration and our legislators are prepared to take action on behalf of the Northwest.

Once the government's plan for FY2013 is finalized and the President releases his FY2014 budget, many of our requested funding levels will likely be revised. We will continue to provide updated information as it is available. For more information, please visit our website or contact Heather Stebbings.    

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced the establishment of the National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC) and is currently seeing nominations for membership. The NFAC will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation on matters related to freight transportation in the U.S. The Secretary will appoint at least 25 committee members, with a view toward achieving varied perspectives on transportation, including modes of transportation; regional representation; relevant policy areas such as economic competitiveness, safety, labor and environment; freight customers and providers; and government bodies.

Nominations must be submitted to Shira Bergsten at freight@dot.gov no later than March 21, 2013. For more information, including a sample template for submitting applications, visit http://www.freight.dot.gov.