Bipartisan Bill to Speed Up Post-Disaster Recovery Work

  • 9 May 2019
  • Author: Jennifer Imo
  • Number of views: 675
  • 0 Comments
On May 8th, North Carolina Congressmen G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) and Mark Meadows (NC-11), along with Texas Members Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Ted Olson (TX-22) introduced H.R. 2548, the Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects (HELP) Act

TFG Special Report: WIFIA Process

2019 TFG Special Report on the WIFIA Process.pdf

Earmarks Not Returning for FY 2020 Appropriations Cycle; House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Deadlines Set for FY20 Requests

  • 1 March 2019
  • Author: Zach Israel
  • Number of views: 511
  • 0 Comments
On February 28, 2019, House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) sent a letter to her House colleagues announcing that earmarks, or Congressionally-directed spending, will not be utilized in the FY 2020 Appropriations process. Additionally, the Committee announced FY 2020 subcommittee deadlines for members of Congress to submit FY20 Appropriations and/or Programmatic requests between March 28--April 4, 2019.

Treasury Dept. Announces $66.3 Million in Funding for Social Impact Partnership Grants; Applications Due May 22, 2019

  • 21 February 2019
  • Author: Zach Israel
  • Number of views: 515
  • 0 Comments
On February 21, 2019, the Treasury Department’s Office of Economic Policy published in the Federal Register its Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to invite applications from State and local governments for awards under the Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act (SIPPRA), which was signed into law on February 9, 2018.

Private Flood Insurance Market Rule Approved, Expected to Take Effect in July 2019

Five federal regulatory agencies have approved a long awaited final rule that makes it easier for mortgage lenders to accept private flood insurance policies. The rule is expected to take effect on July 1, 2019.
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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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US Congressional Calendar

Alex Yiannoutsos
/ Categories: News, Alerts

Virginia Selects TFG and Sustainable Energy Advantage for Federal Funding Support Services, Clean Energy Projects

TFG and Sustainable Energy Advantage will offer expert support to advance Virginia’s clean energy goals

RICHMOND, Va. – The Commonwealth of Virginia selected TFG to provide federal funding and grant support services to all Virginia agencies, institutions of higher education, and public bodies to further clean energy, environmental, economic development, infrastructure, and other policy goals. TFG is teaming up with Sustainable Energy Advantage, a firm that has helped entities navigate policy and develop clean energy solutions for twenty-five years.

“This partnership signifies our shared commitment to maximize Virginia’s access to federal funding and advance the state’s clean energy solutions along with other public investment priorities,” said Roger Gwinn, TFG CEO. “By eliminating barriers and expediting the funding process, we aim to empower Virginia's public entities to drive positive change in energy, environment, and economic development. TFG remains steadfast in our mission to help build resilient and thriving communities by harnessing the power of federal funding and strategic advocacy.”

“We’re eager to collaborate with Sustainable Energy Advantage to serve Virginia,” said Trace Roller, TFG Manager of Grants Strategic Development. “Our mission is clear: streamline access to federal funds for entities across the state. Through strategic coordination, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on key funding opportunities, we are committed to delivering tangible results that propel Virginia towards a sustainable, resilient future.”

“On the heels of successful facilitation of stakeholder engagement on behalf of the State Corporation Commission regarding a potential shared solar program for electric customers in Southwest Virginia, we are thrilled to join forces with TFG to continue enabling the Commonwealth of Virginia’s efforts to implement sustainable energy solutions. This collaboration underscores our commitment to facilitating a greener, more resilient future,” said Bob Grace, SEA Managing Director and President. “We aim to help Virginia successfully leverage available funds and industry best practices to implement programs and activities aligning with the Commonwealth’s energy, environmental, and economic development goals.”

This partnership designates TFG and Sustainable Energy Advantage as approved suppliers of federal funding support services. Public entities throughout Virginia can directly access expert assistance to secure funding for clean energy, environmental, economic development, infrastructure, and other policy projects without going through the Request for Proposal process—maximizing project competitiveness and access to federal funds.

With a particular focus on funding opportunities like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, TFG will:

  • Identify and support clean energy funding proposal development;
  • Coordinate among Virginia agency partners;
  • Engage relevant stakeholders;
  • Provide research services;
  • Manage data collection and data analysis;
  • Develop Justice40 Initiative best practices;
  • Support management of awarded projects; and
  •  Offer additional services related to clean energy projects and proposals.

About TFG: Headquartered in Washington D.C. with offices nationwide, TFG has specialized in legislative and regulatory advocacy and federal funding services since 1982. TFG has a proven track record of delivering success and has helped clients secure over $5 billion in competitive federal funding since 2015. The mission that propels us throughout the decades has always been and continues to be the drive to build stronger, more vibrant communities for this generation and the next.

For more information about TFG, please visit our website at www.thefergusongroup.com.

About Sustainable Energy Advantage: Headquartered in Framingham, MA and founded in 1999, Sustainable Energy Advantage (SEA) specializes in clean energy market, policy, financial and strategic analysis. SEA has supported the efforts of over 40 state government agencies and hundreds of companies in the clean energy space to identify, analyze, implement and evolve clean energy initiatives, policies, programs and investments.

For more information about SEA, please visit SEA’s website at www.seadvantage.com.

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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.

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Kristen H. Long

Kristen H. Long

Grants Principal

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