Mulvaney Not Onboard With House BUILD and CIG Approps

Letter to Chairman Expresses Concerns

  • 22 May 2018
  • Author: Mike Miller
  • Number of views: 676
  • 0 Comments
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney expressed misgivings about several transportation provisions included the House version of the FY 2019 Transportation HUD (THUD) Appropriations bill passed last week in subcommittee.

If You're Not Already Preparing for Revenue Raisers, You're Not Doing It Right

The Department of the Treasury is steadily making progress on writing guidance for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and have announced a tentative release schedule: June/July for the passthrough deduction, late summer/early fall for the new limitations on interest expense, and December for the big international provisions (e.g. GILTI and BEAT).

 

In the meantime, the Committee on Ways and Means is contemplating a second round of tax cuts, or Tax Reform 2.0 as they like to call it. They are aiming to make permanent the new individual provisions as well as full expensing for businesses.

Airlines FTEs Doing OK

  • 21 May 2018
  • Author: Mike Miller
  • Number of views: 700
  • 0 Comments
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reported on May 17th that US scheduled passenger airlines employed 2.8 % more workers in March 2018 than a year ago. This was the highest monthly full-time equivelent (FTE) employment total (434,243 FTEs) since December 2004 (436,909) and the 53rd consecutive month of exceeding the same month of the previous year.

BUILD: Funding Increase + Focus On Rural = Stiff Urban Competition

  • 21 May 2018
  • Author: Mike Miller
  • Number of views: 669
  • 0 Comments
The first round of the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program will provide $1.5 billion for infrastructure projects – three times the amount available in most rounds of TIGER.  Notwithstanding this increase, one might caution would-be applicants to think about other words that could be used to fill out the BUILD acronym: Better Understand Impacts (of) Limited Dollars.  The Administration’s emphasis on rural projects and limits on awards per state, coupled with the perception of a major increase in awards by way of increased funding availability, could potentially – and beguilingly – result in more competition and tighter funding for urban projects.

House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Reports FY 2019 Spending Bill

  • 16 May 2018
  • Author: Mike Miller
  • Number of views: 719
  • 0 Comments
Democrats Object To Policy Riders And Lack Of Budget Context
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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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TFG Elevates Lane Dickson to Partner
Alex Yiannoutsos
/ Categories: News, News & Alerts

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.

“Lane's promotion to Partner is a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication since joining TFG. His vast experience in water, power, natural resources, and municipal finance has been invaluable in developing effective policy solutions and advocacy strategies for our clients,” said Mark Limbaugh, TFG President. “Lane's ability to navigate complex legislative environments and build consensus among diverse stakeholders makes him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We are confident his continued contributions will drive TFG’s strategic vision and operational success.”

Lane brings nearly 20 years of extensive experience in Washington, D.C. His work includes significant contributions to water resources and energy legislation, such as the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act, the Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act, and the Energy Act of 2020.

Lane has served in several prominent roles including Senior Professional Staff on the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and as a Senior Manager of Federal Affairs at the Salt River Project. Lane’s background also includes serving as a Special Assistant for Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, and as Clerk for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Resources, Subcommittee on Water & Power. His educational background includes a B.S. in Soil and Water Science from the University of California, Davis, and an MBA from George Mason University.

Partners at TFG are the driving force behind major decision-making processes, instrumental in resource allocation, and lead investments in innovation to ensure sustainable growth. Beyond these duties, partners are mentors, nurturing a healthy work culture and inspiring excellence in the entire TFG team at all levels.

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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.

Meet a Team Member

Kristen H. Long

Kristen H. Long

Grants Principal

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