26 January 2023

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.

TFG Grants Team Welcomes Mia Barthel, Newest Staff Member

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.

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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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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. 

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