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TFG to Participate in ICMA 2024 Annual Conference

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

22 September 2024
Author: Alex Yiannoutsos
Number of views: 11060
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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.

TFG strengthens leadership team amidst explosive growth in grants division.

24 July 2024
Author: Alex Yiannoutsos
Number of views: 10670
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Kristen H. Long Promoted to Grants Principal at TFG

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.

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

22 July 2024
Author: Alex Yiannoutsos
Number of views: 13361
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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 highlights community engagement and showcases expertise at national and regional conferences.

28 June 2024
Author: Alex Yiannoutsos
Number of views: 4184
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WASHINGTON D.C. – TFG, a leading provider of federal advocacy and grant services, continues to demonstrate its commitment to local communities through active participation in conferences across the nation.

TFG's strategic alignment accelerates the firm's mission to help build stronger, more vibrant communities nationwide.

28 June 2024
Author: Alex Yiannoutsos
Number of views: 3156
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TFG: A One Stop Shop for Communities' Legislative and Funding Needs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Ferguson Group (TFG) is proud to announce a comprehensive alignment and expansion of its Advocacy, Grants, and Consulting Divisions in response to the increasing demands of communities nationwide. This strategic initiative will enhance the firm's mission to help build stronger, more vibrant communities across the country.

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Overview

Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)

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 Environmental Infrastructure

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

27 March 2026

SS4A Program Now Open!

HOT GRANT ALERT

The U.S. Department of Transportation has opened the FY 2026 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program, with approximately $993.5 million available. Applications are due May 26, 2026. We wanted to make sure you had the details in case this aligns with work your organization is currently planning or pursuing.

A summary of the program is below, along with a link to our full TFG Profile Summary for additional detail.