Why it matters
The Brookville (Pa.) Municipal Authority is making its first foray into federal lobbying as municipal water systems nationwide face mounting infrastructure needs and cybersecurity threats. This move comes as Congress debates multiple water infrastructure funding bills and appropriations reform, with the Authority positioning itself to tap into federal funding streams for the first time.
By the numbers
The Authority has hired Delta Development Group Inc., a firm that has been lobbying since 2006 but reported $0 in revenue over the past five years in standard filings. The lobbying team consists of two veterans: Dane Higbee, who specializes in Congressional Directed Spending for municipal entities, and Louis P. Roth, whose experience spans transportation and economic development funding for transit and airport authorities.
The agenda
The Authority is focusing exclusively on “Budget/Appropriations” and “Congressional Directed Spending” according to its 2025 registration filing. This narrow focus suggests the municipal authority is seeking federal earmarks for water infrastructure projects, likely leveraging ongoing congressional support for municipal utility investments highlighted in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Between the lines
The timing aligns with significant congressional activity on water infrastructure. Multiple bills are moving through Congress, including the Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act and the Rural Water System Disaster Preparedness and Assistance Act. Congressional hearings have focused on funding mechanisms like the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act and Clean Water State Revolving Fund programs, with lawmakers expressing concern about regulatory burdens and the need for more accessible funding for small communities. The Authority’s entry into lobbying coincides with bipartisan support for water infrastructure investments and growing attention to cybersecurity threats facing utility systems.
The bottom line
A small Pennsylvania municipal authority joining the federal lobbying ranks reflects the broader trend of local governments seeking direct federal funding as traditional state and federal programs face regulatory complexities and funding uncertainties. While the Authority’s modest lobbying effort may yield targeted appropriations, it represents the growing pressure on municipal utilities to navigate Washington rather than rely solely on existing federal programs.
For more information, see our articles on water infrastructure and federal lobbying.
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