TODAY: Family Farm Alliance and Yuma County Agricultural Water Coalition to Testify on Colorado River Drought

Family Farm Alliance and Yuma County Agricultural Water Coalition Presidents to join water management leaders at U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Hearing on the Colorado River Drought.

Today, The Family Farm Alliance (Alliance) and Yuma County Agricultural Water Coalition (YCAWC) will testify on the Colorado River drought conditions to the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Ocean and Wildlife.

As Congressional Deadlines Loom, TFG Experts Hold Federal Grants and Earmark Workshops

The Ferguson Group will hold presentations to share best practices for securing federal grant and earmark funding at the ICMA 2021 Conference in Portland, Oregon this weekend.

As Congress stares down several key federal funding deadlines and looming debates on infrastructure, The Ferguson Group (TFG) will hold two highly interactive workshops on federal grants and earmarks at the 2021 International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon. Participants will learn the strategies TFG experts have perfected to secure over $890 million in federal grant funding for clients since 2015.

TFG Builds Expert Staff, Enhances Client Services

Chris Cummins, Alexandra Yiannoutsos, and Sarah Hofman-Graham join The Ferguson Group, expanding TFG’s Legislative, Communications, and Grants services.

The Ferguson Group (TFG), a leading lobbyingand consulting firmrepresenting local government, public agency,private industry,andspecial districtinterestsin Washington, DC, is pleased to announce the recent hiring of a new Legislative and Policy Director, Chris Cummins,Communications Director, Alexandra Yiannoutsos, andGrantsAnalyst, Sarah Hofman-Graham.

TFG To Present on Water Infrastructure Funding Opportunities in American Water Works Association Workshop

Leading minds behind WIFIA legislation, TFG to share information on WIFIA and SRF with public utilities in workshop presentation.

The Ferguson Group (TFG) Principal and Manager of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Stephanie Missert, will join the American Water Works Association (AWWA) tomorrow, Wednesday, August 25th at 1:25 – 2:25 P.M. ET to virtually present “How States Make SRF and WIFIA Work”.

TFG Empowers Public Entities with Series of Federal Funding Presentations

Public agency experts help local governments and special districts of all sizes access federal funding. 

 Longtime federal funding experts at The Ferguson Group (TFG) are sharing time-tested skills the firm has perfected to effectively identify and secure over $1.5 billion in federal dollars for clients since 2010 in a series of exclusive presentations. Whether clarifying critical questions related to the $350 billion in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Recovery Funding, demystifying earmarks (also known as “Congressionally Directed Spending” or “Community Project Funding), or securing highly competitive grant funds, TFG is using every tool at its disposal to empower local communities and build stronger communities. 

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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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TFG Expands Advocacy Team with New Senior Associate, Jeremiah Van Auken
Alex Yiannoutsos
/ Categories: News, News & Alerts

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

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

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.

“We’re excited to have Jeremiah join our team,” said Roger Gwinn, TFG’s CEO. “His comprehensive experience guiding a variety of clients toward accomplishing their federal funding and policy goals, coupled with his deep knowledge in defense matters, is a valuable addition to our team and clients. "

"I’m looking forward to bringing my experiences in securing funding and navigating the complexities of the federal landscape to TFG and further advancing the goals of TFG’s existing and future clients,” said Jeremiah.

Prior to joining TFG, Jeremiah served as a Senior Associate at Alcalde & Fay, where he supported a range of clients, including local governments, university healthcare research centers, and a research and engineering company. During his tenure, Jeremiah played a crucial role in securing tens of millions of dollars in programmatic appropriations and Community Project Funding through extensive congressional outreach efforts.

Jeremiah also served as Staff Assistant on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense. He earned his bachelor's degree in history at Xavier University and is originally from South Bend, Indiana.

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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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