TACOMA, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded more than $20 million in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2024 Buses and Bus Facilities program to support transit projects in Pierce, Clallam, and Grays Harbor Counties. This funding includes more than $6.2 million for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and more than $14.7 million for the Pierce County Public Transportation Benefit Area Corporation (Pierce Transit).
Made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this historic investment in transit is a part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda and will help transit agencies replace aging buses, reduce air pollution, provide good-paying jobs, and improve the reliability of transit systems. This federal funding will support the resiliency of future transit operations for local communities in Pierce County, Clallam County, and Grays Harbor County.
“Seeing the federal government support our local transit systems has long been a focus for me – and for folks across our region,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This announcement is fantastic news because it means we can see forward motion on crucial investments, including the purchase of new electric buses in Pierce County, the replacement of buses in Clallam County, and the renovation of the existing maintenance and operations facility in Grays Harbor County. These projects will enhance overall service quality and reliability in our rural communities, ensuring the resilience of future transit operations across the region. It’s also about expanding access to tens of thousands of our neighbors, connecting them to jobs and critical services. And since these are federal funds, the costs of these improvements won’t be solely borne by local taxpayers. So, this is a great win!”
“Washington state transit agencies work hard every day to help the people who use their services get to all the places they need to be,” said Washington State Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar. “By updating facilities and vehicles that make 1.5 million trips available to 240,000 people each year in our state, these grants support them in their important work connecting communities and reducing emissions from transportation.”
“Today, 117 communities, including Pierce County, Clallam County and Grays Habor County, are receiving the good news that their transit buses are being modernized and their commutes improved through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The Biden-Harris Administration is helping agencies across 47 states replace old buses running on dirty, expensive fuels by delivering modern and zero-emission buses, manufactured by American workers, that will connect more people to where they need to go.”
The investment of more than $14.7 million for Pierce Transit will support the purchase of new battery electric buses and the installation of new charging equipment to support Pierce Transit’s electric fleet. This expansion of Pierce Transit’s zero-emission fleet will improve the overall efficiency of bus service in Pierce County. Rep. Kilmer and other members of the Washington State delegation wrote to Secretary Buttigieg in April of this year to express support for Pierce Transit’s grant application.
“Pierce Transit is honored to receive this $14.8 million FTA Buses and Bus Facilities grant for the purchase of four new battery electric buses and installation of charging infrastructure,” said Pierce Transit CEO Mike Griffus. “Our Congressional Delegation was instrumental in helping us secure this award, and they continue to champion environmental and public health improvements in our service area. The covered-gantry-style chargers funded by this grant are the first of their kind for our agency, and they offer efficient charging and safe handling benefits for personnel in inclement weather. Fleet expansion and the additional charging capacity on our base means more reliable service to our community and brings us several steps closer to our goal of transitioning 20% of the fixed route bus fleet to zero emissions vehicles by 2030.”
WSDOT received more than $3.6 million for the Clallam Transit Buses and Para-Transit Vehicle Replacement project. This funding will support the replacement of heavy-duty buses that have surpassed their useful life with new vehicles, including several for Clallam Transit’s para-transit fleet, that will be more efficient and reliable.
“We are grateful for the support of Representative Derek Kilmer and his staff which has resulted in Clallam Transit to be awarded more than 3.6 million in federal funding for the replacement of fixed route and paratransit buses! This funding will enable Clallam Transit to continue providing reliable service to the citizens and visitors of Clallam County with newer, cleaner, and more efficient public transit vehicles,” said Clallam Transit System General Manager Jim Fetzer.
“With the implementation of a zero-fare pilot project and newer routes like the Hurricane Ridge Shuttle, ridership at Clallam Transit is booming. This $3.6 million, coming to Clallam Transit from the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program, is exactly what is needed to build a modern fleet that is able to support these remarkable gains and to help the agency continue to improve its rider experience while at the same time reducing our region’s transportation-related climate impact,” said Clallam County Commissioner Mark Ozias.
“I’m thrilled for Clallam Transit to be receiving these grants to help keep and put safe and reliable and more efficient vehicles on the road. My sincere thanks to Congressman Kilmer and his staff for the ongoing and incredible support of our community. Clallam Transit is doing so much to serve our community’s transit needs and this funding will help ensure their ability to continue their great work,” said Mayor Kate Dexter, City of Port Angeles.
Additionally, WSDOT also received more than $2.6 million for the Grays Harbor Transit Authority Hoquiam Maintenance and Operation Facility Rehabilitation project. This investment will support the renovation of an aging maintenance and operations facility in Hoquiam, including the upgrading of parking areas, the installation of new surfacing, and the enhancement of the existing roof.
“Grays Harbor Transit Authority is thrilled and deeply grateful to the FTA for this funding opportunity and to Representative Kilmer for his unwavering commitment to transit. Efficient and reliable transit services begin at the core, which is why renovating our yard, roof, and building envelope is so important to us. This renovation supports the vehicles and staff that, in turn, support our community through exceptional transit services,” said Grays Harbor Transit Authority General Manager Ken Mehin.
“Grays Harbor Transit is so very appreciative of the work Congressman Kilmer has done to support Washington’s District 6! These funds will go a long way in assisting our local transit authority with necessary and much needed improvements at our Hoquiam facility. As a county commissioner and chair of the Grays Harbor Transit board of directors, I extend my thanks to Derek for listening to our local needs hear in Washington State and working for all of us in the ‘other Washington’,” said Grays Harbor County Commissioner Vickie Raines.
“I am thrilled that the Federal Transit Administration has awarded Grays Harbor Transit with a nationally competitive grant to renovate the Maintenance and Operations Facility, which was constructed in Hoquiam 47 years ago. Grays Harbor Transit contributes positively to our local economy while providing a safe and environmentally conscious transportation option for the public. Ensuring that transit agencies have the capital assets they need supports many of Washington State’s transportation system policy goals: mobility, economic vitality, stewardship, environment, and safety,” said Hoquiam City Administrator Brian Shay.
The FTA’s Buses and Bus Facilities program provides federal funding for transit agencies to buy and rehabilitate buses and vans and build and modernize bus facilities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides nearly $2 billion through FY 2026 for the program. In this round of funding, approximately $390 million for grants was available through this program.
In Other Congressional News:
KILMER INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP ENSURE TSUNAMI ALERTS REACH THOSE AT RISK
Tacoma, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) introduced new legislation that would implement recommendations from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) that aim to help improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ability to send tsunami alerts to the public./ news release issued 7/17/24
Technology Innovation is Key to Maintaining Region’s Abundant, Affordable Energy, Says Cantwell at PacNW Energy Summit
Summit with Sen. Wyden convened region’s top energy stakeholders as electricity demand expected to surge by over 30% in the next decade. Cantwell releases snapshot report on energy techs being pioneered in Pacific Northwest that could help regional energy needs/From press release issued 7/15/24
Senator Murray Visits Gray Wolf River, Discusses Her Wild Olympics Bill with Local Leaders.
"“Visitors and residents alike can all agree that the Olympic Peninsula boasts some of our country’s most breathtaking landscapes and precious ecosystems—and I saw it once again for myself at today’s hike from the Gray Wolf River Trailhead,” said Senator Murray. “It’s so important that we pass my Wild Olympics bill to protect this land and natural resources for generations to come. My bill already passed through Committee, which was a big win, and I am going to keep up the fight to get this bill across the finish line.”/from press release issued 7/17/24
Senator Murray Tours Northwest Straits Commission Headquarters, Discusses Efforts to Protect Marine Habitats, Ecosystems in Northwest WA/Press release issued 7/16/24
(2) STATE NEWS HEADLINES:
AG Ferguson’s Organized Retail Crime Unit files two new criminal prosecutions against three defendants/WAAG
Innovative tools and state funding help communities plan for low-income and emergency housing/WA COMMERCE DEPT.
Commerce announces $52 million in Climate Commitment Act funds for tribal climate resilience/ WA COMMERCE DEPT.
https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news/cca-tribal-climate-resilience/
Proposed Changes to Washington Supreme Court Public Defense Standards Open for Public Comment by Oct. 31
July 17, 2024
The Washington Supreme Court is seeking input on proposed changes to the Court’s adopted standards for public defense. The proposed new standards would include lowering the maximum caseloads for public defense attorneys, revising some qualification requirements for public defense attorneys, and setting minimum support staffing requirements for public defense attorneys and offices./WA COURTS
https://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/?fa=newsinfo.internetdetail&newsid=50456
High-quality insects
Invertebrates indicate healthy streams
You can tell a lot about a stream by looking at its bugs. When you see a variety of them living in the muck of a streambed, foraging on leaf litter and even-smaller critters, that’s a strong indicator that a stream is healthy./DOE
https://ecology.wa.gov/blog/july-2024/high-quality-insects
(3) WORLD< NATION< BUSINESS
WORLD:
Security Council Press Statement on Colombia Following UN Security Council Colombia Session July 2024/UN PRESS RELEASE.
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15768.doc.htm
‘This Terrible War Must End’, Secretary-General’s Chef de Cabinet Urges Security Council, amid Growing Calls for Immediate Ceasefire to End Bloodshed in Gaza
Delegates Warn Israel’s Continuous Attacks in Strip, Settlement Expansion in West Bank, Regional Spillover Threatening Prospect for Two-State Solution/UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15767.doc.htm
General Assembly Supports Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States, Decides Modalities of World Social Summit, Adopting Three Texts
Speakers Also Discuss Role of Peacebuilding Commission, Urge Greater Resources to Increase Its Engagement in Building, Sustaining Peace/UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/ga12615.doc.htm
Remarks at the UN Security Council Stakeout Announcing Additional Humanitarian Assistance for Sudan and Neighboring Countries/USUN
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena Before Their Meeting/US STATE DEPT.
NATIONAL:
Secret Service Statements Regarding Violence at the July 13, 2024, Trump Campaign Rally.
"The assertion that a member of the former President’s security team requested additional security resources that the U.S. Secret Service or the Department of Homeland Security rebuffed is absolutely false. In fact, recently the U.S. Secret Service added protective resources and capabilities to the former President’s security detail.
The former President, and the current President, are commonly subject to threats. The U. S. Secret Service takes threats seriously, and it takes actions based on those threats as warranted. The U.S. Secret Service is constantly evaluating the very dynamic threat environment and responding to it in the fulfillment of its responsibilities."/Press release issued 7/14/24
*Related press releases can be seen in the In Focus story line.
White House Launches Fifth Investing in America Tour to Highlight How President Biden’s Agenda is Lowering Costs, Creating Good Jobs, and Revitalizing Communities Across the Country/WH
Eighteen MS-13 Members and Associates Sentenced for 10 Murders, Seven Attempted Murders, Kidnapping, Drug Trafficking, and Firearms Offenses/DOJ
Biden-Harris Administration Invests $325 Million in Housing and Community Development Improvements
President Biden and HUD Acting Secretary Todman announced the Choice Neighborhoods awards to build new homes and spur economic development./HUD
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_24_182
FDA, FTC Continue Joint Effort to Protect Consumers Against Companies Illegally Selling Copycat Delta-8 THC Food Products
FDA, FTC Issue Warning Letters to Companies Selling Food Products Containing Delta-8 THC That Mimic Chips, Candies and Snacks from Popular National Brands/ FDA
BUSINESS:
Treasury Sanctions Leader and Primary Member of the Cyber Army of Russia Reborn.
The United States exposes the identity of and imposes sanctions on two members of the Russian government-aligned hacktivist group./US TRESURY DEPT.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2473
Liquidity, Supervision, and Regulatory Reform
Governor Michelle W. Bowman
At "Exploring Conventional Bank Funding Regimes in an Unconventional World" A Research Conference Co-Sponsored by the Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and Atlanta, Dallas, Texas/THE FED
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/bowman20240718a.htm
USDA Makes Record-Breaking $14.3 Million Investment in Farm to School Grants/USDA
Security Summit warns tax pros to remain vigilant against phishing emails and cloud-based attacks/IRS
FTC and DOJ Extend Public Comment on Request for Information Targeting Serial Acquisitions, Roll-Up Strategies Across U.S. Economy/ftc
IN FOCUS: Senator Murray Statement: “We Must Condemn All Forms of Political Violence—We Cannot Denounce One and Disregard Another”.
(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, issued the following statement:
“Violence begets violence, and leaders from all walks of life should forcefully reject violence in all its forms in the strongest possible terms. Political violence, though, is a direct assault on our democracy—no matter what the political beliefs of the perpetrator might be. As we mourn for the father who was killed and hope for the full recovery of those who were injured, we should all be grateful for the safety of former President Donald Trump—for the sake of his family and loved ones and for the country.
“We can only be credible and effective in refuting political violence if we are clear and consistent—which is why in this moment, it is not enough for anyone to condemn the attack on former President Trump if they still refuse to condemn the political violence that has been incited or condoned by Trump and his allies. Donald Trump incited a violent mob that attempted to overturn the results of a free and fair election on January 6th, he openly ridiculed the heinous assault on Paul Pelosi, and he brazenly directed far-right extremists to ‘stand back and standby’—anyone who is turning a blind eye to Trump’s ceaseless rhetoric is doing this country a grave disservice. Just today, the former President called January 6th a hoax—I was there on January 6th, and I could hear the banging on the doors of my office. I will not let the history of that day be rewritten. It was an attack on our very democracy—a violent one.
“It is easy to say political violence has no place in America, but if we want that sentiment to hold true, we must condemn all forms of political violence—we cannot denounce one and disregard another. Here’s what I know: if we want to protect our democracy for the future, we can only do it using our voices and our votes—and we have to be clear-eyed and unwavering in calling out leaders who willfully and purposefully incite political violence.”
* Editor's note: Murray's cheap shot equating what happened four years ago, to what happen last Saturday.
Future related press releases on the assignation attempt last Saturday on former President Trump:
Statement From U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
I would like to start by extending my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Corey Comperatore, who was killed during the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday, as well as those who were injured during this senseless act of violence.
Secret Service personnel on the ground moved quickly during the incident, with our counter sniper team neutralizing the shooter and our agents implementing protective measures to ensure the safety of former president Donald Trump.
Since the shooting, I have been in constant contact with Secret Service personnel in Pennsylvania who worked to maintain the integrity of the crime scene until the FBI assumed its role as the lead investigating agency into the assassination attempt. I have also been coordinating with the protective detail for former President Trump and have briefed President Biden on the details of the incident.
The Secret Service is working with all involved Federal, state and local agencies to understand what happened, how it happened, and how we can prevent an incident like this from ever taking place again. We understand the importance of the independent review announced by President Biden yesterday and will participate fully. We will also work with the appropriate Congressional committees on any oversight action.
The incident in Pennsylvania has understandably led to questions about potential updates or changes to the security for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The U.S. Secret Service, in conjunction with our Federal, state and local law enforcement and public safety partners, designs operational security plans for National Special Security Events (NSSE) to be dynamic in order to respond to a kinetic security environment and the most up-to-date intelligence from our partners.
I am confident in the security plan our Secret Service RNC coordinator and our partners have put in place, which we have reviewed and strengthened in the wake of Saturday’s shooting. The security plans for National Special Security Events are designed to be flexible. As the conventions progress, and in accordance with the direction of the President, the Secret Service will continuously adapt our operations as necessary in order to ensure the highest level of safety and security for convention attendees, volunteers and the City of Milwaukee. In addition to the additional security enhancements we provided former President Trump's detail in June, we have also implemented changes to his security detail since Saturday to ensure his continued protection for the convention and the remainder of the campaign.
The Secret Service is tasked with the tremendous responsibility of protecting the current and former leaders of our democracy. It is a responsibility that I take incredibly seriously, and I am committed to fulfilling that mission.
* Editor's note: There is no excuse of not securing a building 30 yards away, which allowed the shooter access to the building to hide his weapon on the roof, and allowed to sit and wait without any last minute security checks. A failure she should be held accountable for, she should be fired immediately.
from other sources:
Undaunted, Unafraid, ‘Serene’: Trump Details His ‘Painful’ Assassination Attempt Experience/PJ MEDIA
https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2024/07/18/trumps-rnc-speech-n4930860
Advice To Trump: Fire The Secret Service
We can't chance a repeat performance from Saturday. The word is out that Trump's event security is trash. Fire these people./American Spetator
https://spectator.org/advice-to-trump-fire-the-secret-service/
USSS Confirms Cheatle Will Appear Before House Panel/NEWS MAX
https://www.newsmax.com/politics/house-oversight-james-comer-jamie-raskin/2024/07/19/id/1173225/
Report: Trump Rally Assassin Hid Gun On Site Before The Event/The Federalist
https://thefederalist.com/2024/07/19/report-trump-rally-assassin-hid-gun-on-site-before-the-event/
Most of Trump's Security Detail at Rally Was Not Secret Service - DHS Assigned 'Unprepared and Inexperienced' People: Sen. Hawley/WJ
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Clallam County Commission work session for 7/22/24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222024-1236
Clallam County Commission meeting for 7/23/24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232024-1237
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 7/23/24
https://portofpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Comm-Pkt-7-23.pdf
City of Sequim Council meeting for 7/22/24
https://sequimwa.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=120
City of Forks Council 7/22/24
https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Agenda-20240722.pdf
Clallam County PUD for 7/22/24
https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/clallampud/Board.nsf/Public
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS
Jefferson County Commission Meeting for 7/22/24
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/63467945-90cf-409b-987e-88e7ae1f5eec
Special Meeting Port Townsend City for 7/23/24
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=4123
Weekly devotional
BIBLE VERSE: 1 John 1:7 (New International Version)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
Weekly Bible Lesson:
Marriage Questions
God’s original law of marriage might be summed up simply as “one man, one wife, for life” (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:1-4). Because of the hardness of their hearts, God permitted His people in the Old Testament to deviate from His plan. -TFTW
https://truthfortheworld.org/marriage-questions
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
THIS WEEKS VIDEOS
FULL SPEECH: Trump addresses the RNC, formally accepts GOP nomination.-FOX NEWS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-MGDdigJGs
PROOF the DOJ Is Running Election Interference for Joe Biden.
After Hunter Biden was found guilty of a minor gun charge, Democrats and the media were quick to use his conviction as evidence that all is “hunky-dory” with the justice system under President Joe Biden. Anyone who questioned the Left's "fair justice" narrative was branded a conspiracy theorist. Cue New York Magazine: “Hunter Biden Conviction Blows Up Republican Conspiracy Theories” and Vanity Fair: “Trump and Co. Come Up with Most Deranged Theory Yet: Joe Biden Wanted Hunter Biden to Be Found Guilty.” Never mind the fact that the only reason Hunter went to trial is because a judge blew up a secret deal between his lawyers and his dad’s DOJ that all but gave him blanket immunity on tax fraud charges. But sure, the justice system is fair and impartial! Never mind the fact that the regime’s main political opponent in the upcoming presidential race — Donald Trump — was convicted on 34 BOGUS felonies and faces three more major trials.
AND never mind that Trump's ally Steve Bannon was ordered to prison for contempt for Congress and yet Biden's Attorney General Merrick Garland got away with the EXACT same crime. Glenn lays out the case that proves the weaponization of our justice system goes right to the top. Through unredacted court documents, White House visitor logs, and documents from congressional committees, the evidence trail leads directly to the Joe Biden White House. Glenn is joined by legal warrior Harmeet Dhillon, a lawyer for Donald Trump and the Center for American Liberty founder and CEO. She says the weaponization of government she’s witnessed is unprecedented and believes the end game is to trigger civil unrest in the country if Trump is jailed. “The constant fear being injected into conservatives is deliberate,” Harmeet says. But she gives four solutions for how conservatives can avoid entrapment from a government treating them as enemies of the state.--Glenn Beck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAtG-K1FHnc
The Biggest Questions We Need Answered After the Trump Assassination Attempt.--Glenn Beck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUzO49HJxPQ
Mark Levin sends fiery message to Biden after Trump assassination attempt--FOX NEWS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpmMesE6X94
Sunday Worship Service 7/14/2024--FOUR LAKES C. of C
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN-FNhCxWH8
NIGHT OWL COMICS
https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
