The Ferguson Group > News > Upcoming Grants

Grant Due: ROLLING through Sept. 30, 2022 - FY 2022 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants

12/3/2021
Author: Tina Dykstra
Number of views: 605
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Grant Due: ROLLING through Sept. 30, 2022 - FY 2022 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants

WHAT DOES IT FUND? This program helps rural communities prepare for, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Eligible projects may take place in communities that have experienced a significant decline in quantity or quality of drinking water due to an emergency, or in which such decline is considered imminent. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes which serve rural areas and towns with a population no greater than 10,000

WHEN'S IT DUE? Rolling through September 30, 2022

12/3/2021
Author: Tina Dykstra
Number of views: 534
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Grant Due: ROLLING through Sept. 30, 2022 - FY 2022 Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees Program

WHAT DOES IT FUND? This program supports the construction, maintenance, improvement, and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas. Projects are intended to help maintain a seamless nationwide telecommunications network that also provides access to broadband for education, health care, public safety, and jobs for all Americans regardless of where they live. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? State and local government entities, federally recognized tribes, nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses. Projects must serve rural areas or towns with a population of 5,000 or fewer.

WHEN'S IT DUE? Rolling through September 30, 2022

12/3/2021
Author: Tina Dykstra
Number of views: 541
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Grant Due - ROLLING through Sept. 30, 2022 - FY 2022 Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act Program (TIFIA)

WHAT DOES IT FUND? This program provides low-interest and flexible credit assistance to support large-scale, surface transportation improvements related to highway, transit, railroad, intermodal freight, and port access projects of regional and national significance. The program is designed to fill market gaps and leverage substantial private co-investment by providing supplemental and subordinate capital. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Public and private including state governments and state departments of transportation, local governments, transit agencies, railroad companies, special authorities, special districts, private firms, consortia that may include companies specializing in engineering, construction, materials, and/or the operation of transportation facilities, state infrastructure banks (SIBs), and transportation improvement districts

WHEN'S IT DUE? Rolling through September 30, 2022

12/3/2021
Author: Tina Dykstra
Number of views: 717
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Grant Due - ROLLING through April 1, 2024 - FY 2022 Smart and Connected Communities

WHAT DOES IT FUND? This program provides funding to accelerate the creation of the scientific and engineering foundations that will enable smart and connected communities to bring about new levels of economic opportunity and growth, safety and security, health and wellness, accessibility and inclusivity, and overall quality of life. This program supports both research and planning. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Universities and colleges, nonprofit and nonacademic organizations such as museums, observatories, and professional societies, for-profit organizations including small businesses, and state and local governments

WHEN'S IT DUE? Rolling through April 1, 2024

Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)

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 Environmental Infrastructure

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

9 December 2024

TFG Presents 2025 Congressional Calendar

The Ferguson Group (TFG) compiled a 2025 Congressional Calendar with session and recess dates for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate 119th congressional session.