TFG Boosts Efficiency – Hires New Operations Manager, Laura Cosenzo

Laura brings over 15 years of operations experience to drive efficiency and streamline processes at TFG.

TFG Boosts Efficiency – Hires New Operations Manager, Laura Cosenzo

WASHINGTON, D.C. – TFG proudly announces the appointment of Laura Cosenzo as Operations Manager, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in driving operational efficiency and effectiveness as well as documenting and streamlining processes. Laura will utilize her extensive experience to implement best practices, provide strategic leadership, and support TFG’s expanding suite of advocacy, grant, and consulting services to a rapidly growing roster of clients nationwide.

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.

TFG Grants Invests in Data Innovation, Hires New Grants Data Analyst Zachary Hancock

Zachary supports TFG Grants clients with innovative data management and technology services.

TFG Grants Invests in Data Innovation, Hires New Grants Data Analyst Zachary Hancock

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The TFG Grants Team is pleased to welcome Zachary Hancock as a Grants Data Analyst. TFG created this new role to further invest in the team’s data management capacity and utilize rapidly evolving technologies such as A.I. to enhance client services.

TFG Grants Grows Team with New Grants Analyst, Elizabeth Vela

Elizabeth brings over 20 years of experience in the public and non-profit sectors to the TFG Grants team.

TFG Grants Grows Team with New Grants Analyst, Elizabeth Vela

AUSTIN, Tx. – The TFG Grants Team is pleased to welcome Elizabeth (Liz) Vela as a Grants Analyst. Liz has over two decades of experience working in the public and nonprofit sectors. She has skills in key areas like health and human services. As a Grants Analyst she provides important client services, including client needs assessments, grant writing, research, and policy analysis.

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

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

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

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.

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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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Jennifer Imo Presents Infrastructure Programs for Local Governments at NYSBA Conference
Alex Yiannoutsos
/ Categories: News

Jennifer Imo Presents Infrastructure Programs for Local Governments at NYSBA Conference

Participants at the New York State Bar Association Conference received insights into available federal funds.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Last week, Jennifer Imo, TFG Managing Partner of Client Services and Irma Esparza Diggs, Senior Executive and Director, Federal Advocacy at the National League of Cities, held a “Federal Funding for Local Governments” presentation at the New York State Bar Association’s “Local & State Government Law Section” Conference held in Washington, DC. Participants from communities throughout the State of New York learned about key infrastructure programs included the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA).

“Local governments have access to historic federal funding assistance through both ARPA and the IIJA,” said Jennifer. “It is imperative that we educate local leaders on the types of federal funding available to communities and the essential steps they must take to access these funds.”

Jennifer has represented municipal governments at TFG since 2002 with a focus on transportation, community and economic development, public works, criminal justice, and public safety. She also serves as the Federal Director of the National Association of Towns and Townships, a local government advocacy group that represents the interests of more than 10,000 towns and townships across the country.

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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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