Towns of Surf City and North Topsail Beach, NC, Secure $237 Million from the Corps of Engineers to Construct Critical Beach Renourishment Project

14 January 2020

Author: Stephanie Missert

Number of views: 2914

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TFG, alongside Poyner Spruill LLC, worked with the Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Commission (TISPC) in North Carolina to secure a $237 million construction “new start” from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build the Surf City and North Topsail Beach Project, a critical beach nourishment project that was authorized in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014.

TFG Hosts Webinar of Federal Funding Opportunities to Combat the Opioid Crisis

22 November 2019

Author: Gabrielle Bronstein

Number of views: 635

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On Wednesday September 20, 2019, TFG in partnership with the National Association of County Administrators (NACA) and ecivis held a webinar on “Federal Funding Opportunities to Combat the Opioid Crisis.” The webinar highlighted federal funding opportunities for local governments and looked ahead to the 2020 opioid federal agenda.

The webinar featured speakers from the Center for Disease Control and the Executive Office of the President. These panelists discussed what their offices are doing to combat the opioid epidemic and how local governments can stay involved and engaged with them.

Missed the webinar? You can access the powerpoint presentation, which includes a list of resources and contact information here. You can also view the webinar in its entirety by registering through our portal here.

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 / Monday, September 19, 2022

/ Categories: News, News & Alerts

TFG Presents Earmarks Lessons Learned in ICMA Annual Conference Workshop

TFG appropriations veterans will provide local government leaders key information to help secure federal earmarked funding.

COLUMBUS, OH. – Today, TFG federal funding experts will present “Earmark Debrief: Lessons Learned and Tips for Success” at the 2022 Annual International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Conference. TFG helped clients secure over $54 million in earmarked funds in Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). In this presentation, Jennifer Imo, TFG Managing Partner of Client Services, and Kristi More, TFG Managing Partner of Strategic Development, will work directly with communities to help them identify the best projects for federal funding and give them tips on the information needed to set those communities up for success in the FY 24 appropriations process.

“I’ve worked with communities across the country to secure earmarked funds for two decades,” said Jennifer Imo. “Amidst administration changes and evolving priorities in Washington, TFG has been nimble in adjusting our strategies to ensure local governments are armed with the resources necessary to meet their community needs. I’m excited to strategize with local leaders face-to-face to set their priority projects up for success!”

“I’ve been lucky to work with communities from across the country in my over 20 years with TFG,” said Kristi More. “The return of earmarks over the last two appropriations cycles has offered another important source of funding for priority projects. I can’t wait to cut through the noise and share the lessons learned with local government leaders so they can effectively meet their community goals.”

This presentation follows the workshop TFG held called “Demystifying Earmarks: Secure Federal Funding for Your Community” at the 2021 Annual ICMA Conference on October 3, 2021. The ICMA Annual Conference brings together thousands of government management professionals for presentations, workshops, and events to equip attendees with the tools they need to strengthen their own communities. TFG is a longtime ICMA Strategic Partner and an annual sponsor of a scholarship to The Harvard Kennedy School Executive Program Scholarship for senior level city and county managers that are ICMA members.