Search
Menu
News|Upcoming Grants|Event Details

TFG Partner, Charmayne Anderson, Announced 2022 Top Lobbyist

The National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics recognized Charmayne Anderson as a Top Lobbyist on its annual list.

TFG Partner, Charmayne Anderson, Announced 2022 Top Lobbyist

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, The National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics (NILE) recogonized Charmayne Anderson, TFG Partner, as one of its 2022 Top Lobbyists. Charmayne’s deep-rooted expertise built over nearly three decades with TFG combined with her inventive lobbying approaches stood out – garnering impressive successes in: public infrastructure, water resource development legislation; federal appropriations and grants to assist first responder operations; and increased affordable housing options, among other things. 

Read more

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.

Jennifer Imo Presents Infrastructure Programs for Local Governments at NYSBA Conference

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.

Read more

TFG Presents Earmarks Lessons Learned in ICMA Annual Conference Workshop

TFG appropriations veterans will provide local government leaders key information to help secure federal earmarked funding.

Today, TFG federal funding experts will present “Earmark Debrief: Lessons Learned and Tips for Success” at the 2022 Annual International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Conference.

Read more

TFG Grants Expert to Hold “Brownfields 101” Webinar

Kristen H. Long will give participants a jumpstart on securing funding for Brownfields projects their communities.

TFG Grants Expert to Hold “Brownfields 101” Webinar
Next week, The Ferguson Group (TFG) Grants Analyst and Brownfields expert, Kristen H. Long, will hold “Brownfields 101” webinar.
Read more

Letter from Roger Gwinn, TFG CEO

I'm excited to introduce TFG's Letter from the CEO where I will provide regular updates so you can get to know us better, see where our clients are achieving significant wins in their communities, and learn more about what we do. This first edition highlights the firm's greatest asset—our staff! 

July 2022 marks our 40th anniversary! Since 1982, we've seen communities we work with remarkably advance. I'm proud to see our team expand and am eager to show you what's in store for TFG and our clients going forward. Thank you for an incredible forty years!

Read more
First45679111213Last

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.
«January 2026»
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
2930311234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930311
2345678

US Congressional Calendar

TFG Grants Team Welcomes Mia Barthel, Newest Staff Member
Alex Yiannoutsos
/ Categories: News, News & Alerts, Grants

TFG Grants Team Welcomes Mia Barthel, Newest Staff Member

Mia will support TFG Grants services to prepare client projects to the highest standards and secure competitive funding.

WASHINGTON D.C. – TFG,LLC (TFG) is pleased to welcome Mia Barthel as Grants Analyst/Researcher to support the rapidly growing TFG Grants team in all aspects of the federal funding process. Based in Boise, Idaho, Mia was previously a Grant Writer for Jesse Tree of Idaho where she developed grant proposals for over 40 of the nonprofit’s federal government, foundation, and corporate sponsors. She was also responsible for the research, development, and submission of over 100 grants and raised $2 million in funding for eviction and homelessness prevention initiatives.

“We’re so happy to have Mia on our team,” said Heidi Schott, TFG Grants Director. “Her experience and passion for environmental justice – which is currently a focus area for federal legislative and grant opportunities - combined with her interest the federal grant process makes her an excellent resource to our clients.”

TFG Grants provides a full suite of grant services including but not limited to project development and readiness, grant training, grant project advocacy, grant writing, and project specific grant research and funding strategy. Since 2015, TFG has helped our clients secure over $3 billion in competitive federal, state, and foundation funding, not including congressionally directed spending projects. Recent passage of several federal funding packages including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provide communities new and expanded opportunities to fund their projects. Mia will support TFG Grants services to prepare client projects to the highest standards and secure competitive funding.

Prior to joining TFG, Mia interned as a Sustainability Consultant and as a Transportation and Mobility Intern. She is particularly focused on environmental justice and has a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Boise State University.

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

Print
11581
Tags: GrantsIIJAFederal FundingGrant applicationsGrant NewsARPAMia BarthelTFG GrantsEnvironmental JusticeIRA

Documents to download

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.

Meet a Team Member

Latest Coronavirus Updates

Go to top

Copyright 2020 by The Ferguson Group

Terms Of Use | Privacy Statement