Lane Dickson, Former Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Staff, to Join TFG

17 February 2021

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The Ferguson Group (TFG), a leading lobbying firm representing local government, public agency, private industry, and special district interests in Washington, D.C., is pleased to announce that Lane H. Dickson will be joining TFG as a Principal on March 2.

BOR Awards WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Grants

TFG assisted three of the winning projects.

12 February 2021

Author: Rebecca Bliss

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On February 11, 2021, the Bureau of Reclamation announced FY 2021 WaterSMART Drought Resiliency Grant program awards. The Bureau selected 18 projects which intend to help communities in the western United States prepare to and respond to drought. Selected projects also support President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, and focus on increasing reliability of water supplies, improved water management, and providing benefits to fish and wildlife.

In total, the Bureau awarded $15.4 million across seven states. TFG assisted with three of the winning projects, helping clients to secure $2,550,000.

Overview

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.

US Congressional Calendar

Alex Yiannoutsos / Sunday, September 22, 2024

/ Categories: News, News & Alerts

TFG to Participate in ICMA 2024 Annual Conference

Experts will present an election-year legislative and federal funding education session on Monday, September 23rd.

PITTSBURGH, PENN. – TFG is excited to participate in the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference taking place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from September 20th to 25th, 2024.

As an ICMA Strategic Partner and Friend of the National Association of County Administrators (NACA), TFG continues to support local governments through federal advocacy and grant services. On Monday, September 23 at 1:30-2:30pm E.T., TFG will host an educational session titled "Riding Washington's Waves: A Playbook for Securing Federal Funding in an Election Year and Beyond." Led by Heidi Schott, TFG Grants Principal, and Zachary Israel, TFG Advocacy Principal and Manager of Legislative Affairs, the session will offer insights into navigating federal funding opportunities, particularly during the shifting landscape of an election year.

“TFG has decades of experience navigating elections and changes in administration. Our session will help participants understand how federal grant opportunities may shift and how to position their projects for success," said Heidi Schott, TFG Grants Principal.

“Our goal is to equip local leaders with the tools they need to adapt quickly and make informed decisions, ensuring they continue to access crucial federal funding opportunities as they evolve," said Zachary Israel, TFG Advocacy Principal and Manager of Legislative Affairs.

Founded in 1982, TFG’s mission is to build stronger communities nationwide. TFG has helped clients secure over $5.9 billion in federal funding since 2015. With more than 40 years of experience, TFG continues to lead the way in securing critical funding for public entities across the nation.

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Tags: ICMA Local Government TFG Grants Division TFG Advocacy Division ICMA Strategic Partner

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