40 Years Description

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40 Years of TFG

Advocacy. Consulting. Grants.

Since 1982, TFG has led the way in building stronger, more resilient communities across the country. We've seen the communities we work with transform and are committed to continue to evolve right along with them for decades to come.


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40 years of TFG

Advocacy. Consulting. Grants.

Since 1982, TFG has led the way in building stronger, more resilient communities across the country. We've seen the communities we work with transform and are committed to continue to evolve right along with them for decades to come.

For 40 years, TFG has led the way in working with lawmakers, federal agencies, local agencies, private companies, universities, and non-profit organizations to build stronger communities for this generation and the next.

TFG has a proven track record of delivering success. We will work with you to develop and advance improvements to policy, legislation and regulations. We will also help you secure federal funding, grants and authorizations. In fact, TFG has helped our clients secure over $1.5 billion in federal funding since 2010. 

Our knowledge and experience provides our clients an unmatched advantage. TFG clients do not just participate in the federal process, they take a lead in shaping federal policies to consistently make a difference in the communities they serve.

Focus on Local Communities

From day one, TFG's focus has been representing local communities in Washington, D.C. and empowering them with a voice in the nation's capitol. We look at national policy from the perspective of local agencies and work to ensure the decisions being made by Congress and the Administration don't have a negative impacts on local governments and help open doors to bring federal resources home.

Highly Personalized Service

TFG professionals develop productive and long-standing relationships with our clients. One of the cornerstones of our success is our level of communication and personalized service. Our lobbyists know their clients well and make personal visits, often multiple times a year, to the local communities they serve to educate themselves on the projects and issues first hand.

Innovative Client Services

Along with individualized reports on legislative and regulatory activities, our clients receive weekly legislative updates, weekly and quarterly grant alerts, and specialized client alerts. Additionally, we periodically host webinars on hot topics that include guest speakers, such as federal program managers. We also host a blog that highlights news and activities focused on local governments.

Services & Issue Areas of Expertise

News and Alerts

A Message from Roger Gwinn on the Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa 7 January 2026

A Message from Roger Gwinn on the Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa

WASHINGTON, D.C. – TFG CEO, Roger Gwinn, released the following statement regarding the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

28 January 2025

TFG Monitoring Developments of Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs

On January 27, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under President Trump issued a memorandum titled “Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs.” The directive mandates Federal agencies to temporarily suspend the obligation and disbursement of federal financial assistance while conducting a comprehensive review of programs and awards to ensure alignment with the administration’s policies and priorities. As part of this review, agencies are also instructed to temporarily suspend the issuance of new program solicitations.

9 December 2024

TFG Presents 2025 Congressional Calendar

The Ferguson Group (TFG) compiled a 2025 Congressional Calendar with session and recess dates for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate 119th congressional session. 

TFG to Participate in ICMA 2024 Annual Conference 22 September 2024

TFG to Participate in ICMA 2024 Annual Conference

Experts will present an election-year legislative and federal funding education session on Monday, September 23rd.

PITTSBURGH, PENN. – TFG is excited to participate in the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference taking place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from September 20th to 25th, 2024.

Kristen H. Long Promoted to Grants Principal at TFG 24 July 2024

Kristen H. Long Promoted to Grants Principal at TFG

TFG strengthens leadership team amidst explosive growth in grants division.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The TFG Grants Division is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristen H. Long to Grants Principal. Kristen has been an integral part of the TFG Grants Division since 2022.

TFG Elevates Lane Dickson to Partner 22 July 2024

TFG Elevates Lane Dickson to Partner

Lane brings nearly 20 years of advocacy experience to TFG’s leadership.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – TFG is pleased to announce the promotion of Lane Dickson to Partner. Since joining TFG as a Principal in 2021, Lane has been instrumental in developing and executing comprehensive advocacy strategies for clients before Congress and federal agencies.

TFG Events

Overview

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) serves as the primary vehicle through which Congress authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects and establishes policy frameworks for water resource development nationwide. Enacted on a biennial schedule, WRDAs provide congressional authorization for USACE to conduct feasibility studies, construct flood risk reduction projects, improve navigation infrastructure, restore aquatic ecosystems, and assist with environmental infrastructure development.
Since the enactment of WRDA 1986, Congress has used these omnibus authorization bills to both create new USACE authorities and refine existing programs based on evolving national priorities and lessons learned from program implementation. Recent WRDAs have addressed critical issues including drought resilience, water supply development, infrastructure modernization, and support for economically disadvantaged communities.
The most recent legislation, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024, P.L. 118-272), continued Congress's bipartisan commitment to strengthening America's water infrastructure by authorizing new construction projects, modifying existing authorities, and establishing updated policy guidance for USACE operations. WRDA 2024 also authorized five new regional environmental infrastructure programs, each incorporating flexible delivery mechanisms that allow federal assistance to be provided through grants or reimbursements to nonfederal sponsors.
Authorization through WRDA is typically a prerequisite for USACE activities to receive federal appropriations through the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations process. This two-step framework—authorization followed by appropriation—ensures congressional oversight of both program scope and funding levels.
Section 219 of WRDA 1992, as amended, represents one of USACE's most geographically expansive environmental infrastructure assistance authorities. Originally enacted to authorize design assistance for 18 specific projects, Section 219 has been amended by subsequent Congresses to authorize both design and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure in hundreds of municipalities, counties, and states across the nation.
The Congressional Research Service has identified over 600 environmental infrastructure assistance authorities with cumulative authorizations of appropriations totaling approximately $18.1 billion. Section 219 authorities constitute the majority of these geographically specific project authorizations, covering at least 46 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories.
Section 219 projects address critical community needs including wastewater treatment facilities, water supply and distribution systems, stormwater management infrastructure, surface water protection, and environmental restoration. These projects support public health, environmental quality, and economic development in communities that have secured congressional authorization for USACE assistance.
Congress has continued to expand Section 219 in recent legislation. WRDA 2022 added 132 new Section 219 authorities and amended 24 existing authorities. WRDA 2024 authorized an additional 193 new Section 219 authorities and amended 53 existing authorities, providing a combined $5.4 billion increase in authorization of appropriations. WRDA 2024 also established a seven-year pilot program to increase the federal cost share from 75 percent to 90 percent for Section 219 projects benefiting economically disadvantaged communities.
Unlike traditional USACE water resource projects, Section 219 assistance does not require completion of the agency's standard feasibility study process. However, projects receiving Section 219 assistance must comply with applicable federal environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act.

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Latest TFG News

A Message from Roger Gwinn on the Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa 7 January 2026

A Message from Roger Gwinn on the Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa

WASHINGTON, D.C. – TFG CEO, Roger Gwinn, released the following statement regarding the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

Meet a Team Member

Dan Miglin

Dan Miglin

Grants Specialist

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