FTA Five Year Plan To Study Transit Bus Automation

  • 4 May 2018
  • Author: Mike Miller
  • Number of views: 616
  • 0 Comments

Automated vehicle technologies range from driver assistance applications to fully automated systems that do not require a human driver.  The report outlines FTA’s five year plan to explore the application of automation levels to bus operations, including:

  • automated shuttle services;
  • advanced driver assistance systems
  • maintenance, yard, and parking operations; 
  • mobility-on-demand service; and
  • automated bus rapid transit applications.

EPA Announces Targeted AirShed Grants

Nine projects receive $3-4 million each

  • 2 May 2018
  • Author: Mike Miller
  • Number of views: 654
  • 0 Comments
Today the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the award of nine Targeted Airshed Grants to projects in Alaska, California, and Utah.

White House and Treasury Announce Fundamental Change to Tax Rulemaking

  • 13 April 2018
  • Author: Aindriu Colgan
  • Number of views: 691
  • 0 Comments

After months of trading punches Director Mick Mulvaney of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin released a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that creates a new framework for writing, reviewing, and implementing tax regulations.  In short, the MOA requires OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to review major tax regulations—just as it does major rulemakings from any other executive branch agency.  This is a fundamental change from a 1983 agreement, under which Treasury had hitherto operated, that exempted most tax regulations from review.

W&M Reports Suite of IRS Reform Bills

  • 13 April 2018
  • Author: Aindriu Colgan
  • Number of views: 703
  • 0 Comments
On Wednesday, the House Ways and Means Committee marked up and unanimously reported 12 bills to reform the IRS. The bipartisan packaged was sponsored by Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and Ranking Member John Lewis (D-GA) and is designed to modernize the IRS and improve customer service. The package requires the IRS to send Congress by September 30, 2020 a comprehensive written plan for reorganizing the agency, including priorities laid out by lawmakers.

IRS Rules Prepaid Property Taxes May Still Be Deductible on 2017 Returns

  • 11 April 2018
  • Author: Aindriu Colgan
  • Number of views: 579
  • 0 Comments
The IRS ruled that taxpayers who prepaid their 2018 property taxes may still be able to deduct the entire amount from their 2017 federal taxes without regard to the $10,000 limit imposed by the Tax Cut and Jobs Act.
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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 Expands Advocacy Team with New Senior Associate, Jeremiah Van Auken
Alex Yiannoutsos
/ Categories: News, News & Alerts

TFG Expands Advocacy Team with New Senior Associate, Jeremiah Van Auken

Jeremiah’s federal funding experience further strengthens TFG’s legislative and advocacy services.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – TFG is pleased to welcome Jeremiah Van Auken as a Senior Associate. Jeremiah will play a pivotal part in advancing the appropriations and legislative initiatives of TFG’s clients.

“We’re excited to have Jeremiah join our team,” said Roger Gwinn, TFG’s CEO. “His comprehensive experience guiding a variety of clients toward accomplishing their federal funding and policy goals, coupled with his deep knowledge in defense matters, is a valuable addition to our team and clients. "

"I’m looking forward to bringing my experiences in securing funding and navigating the complexities of the federal landscape to TFG and further advancing the goals of TFG’s existing and future clients,” said Jeremiah.

Prior to joining TFG, Jeremiah served as a Senior Associate at Alcalde & Fay, where he supported a range of clients, including local governments, university healthcare research centers, and a research and engineering company. During his tenure, Jeremiah played a crucial role in securing tens of millions of dollars in programmatic appropriations and Community Project Funding through extensive congressional outreach efforts.

Jeremiah also served as Staff Assistant on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense. He earned his bachelor's degree in history at Xavier University and is originally from South Bend, Indiana.

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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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