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Marissa Burger

Grants Specialist

Marissa Burger

Grants Specialist

“In order to have what you really want; you must first be who you really are.” -Tim Grover.

Marissa Burger is a highly accomplished grants professional with over two decades of experience in grant writing, program development, and project management. She is dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations and governments secure funding for vital community programs. With a deep commitment to supporting high-need and underserved populations, Marissa has built a career around navigating the complexities of federal, state, and private funding opportunities.

Marissa's expertise extends across various sectors, including educational initiatives, healthcare services, and cultural preservation efforts. She is known for her strategic approach to grant acquisition, having successfully developed and implemented comprehensive plans to secure substantial client funding. Marissa has served in key roles in managing executive-level operations, designing customer success platforms, and leading a large team of grant-writing subcontractors. Her tenure includes significant achievements such as designing quality control processes to enhance grant proposal success rates.

Marissa's educational background includes a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Tarleton State University, where she was recognized as the "Outstanding Graduate,” and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, where she was awarded the "Department Leadership Award."

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Marissa is dedicated to continuous improvement and learning. Her exceptional organizational abilities and proactive approach to her work are a testament to her dedication and drive. Her passion for making a tangible difference in communities nationwide aligns with her career mission to support organizations and municipalities in achieving their funding goals through strategic planning and effective grant writing and management.

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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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