To the ACEC Community:
Good afternoon everyone and Happy Holidays! Congress is poised to complete work today on the FY’23 appropriations package that will fund federal agencies and programs that invest in infrastructure, environmental clean-up, energy and other key markets through September 30, 2023.
The $1.7 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 represents an overall increase in federal spending compared to current levels, but what makes this package noteworthy is that – unlike last year -- Congress was able to come to an agreement and pass this legislation this year, versus deferring into 2023, which will give State DOTs and other agency clients the degree of certainty they need to move forward with priority projects.
Key elements/takeaways from the package include:
Fully funded programs authorized under IIJA;
$62.9 billion for FHWA (an increase of $2.3 billion compared to 2022);
$4.48 billion for water and wastewater State Revolving Fund (SRF) capitalization grants ($33 million over current funding levels);
$1.8 billion in new spending to support programs under the ACEC-back CHIPS and Science Act;
$8.66 billion for the Corps Civil Works program;
$19 billion for military construction programs ($4.1 billion over current funding levels);
Detailed breakdowns of funding by agency can be accessed here. Please let the ACEC Advocacy team know if you have questions or if we can provide you with additional information on this bill.
As you know, we also close the year with unfinished business -- further work is needed to address the challenges facing member firms that took PPP loans, as well as the delay or repeal of the new 5-year amortization requirement for R&D expenses. We’re working with our state MO colleagues on next steps on both issues.
Finally, on behalf of ACEC’s Advocacy team, let me express our sincere thanks for your support and engagement over the past year. The true strength of ACEC has always been the collective power of our grassroots “citizen lobbyists” to achieve key objectives on behalf of our industry, whether its lobbying on priority issues or building our political program to support that agenda. We have a new Congress on the horizon -- and with it new opportunities – and we look forward to working with you in the new year to move the industry’s agenda forward.
Sincerely,
Steve Hall
Steve Hall
Senior Vice President, Advocacy
American Council of Engineering Companies
1400 L Street, 4th Floor NW
Washington, DC 20005-2605
Ph: 202.682.4319
Fax: 202.898.0068
Email: shall@acec.org