Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda Issued by the Trump Administration (Post #4)

1 March 2017

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Since our last post on February 14, President Trump has issued three more Executive Orders. The pace is slowing, so we are posting less often, but we will continue to keep you updated. Click the link below for summaries of each action.

House Marks Up More Regulatory Reform Bills This Week

17 February 2017

Author: Stephanie Missert

Number of views: 557

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On February 14, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee marked up a number of regulatory reform bills, including the "Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome (“SCRUB”) Act of 2017," the "Regulatory Integrity Act of 2017," and the "OIRA (“Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs”) Insight, Reform and Accountability Act." Meanwhile, more regulatory reform bills continue to be introduced in the House. Read more by clicking on the link below.

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

Kristen H. Long Promoted to Grants Principal at TFG

Alex Yiannoutsos / Wednesday, July 24, 2024

/ Categories: News, News & Alerts

Kristen H. Long Promoted to Grants Principal at TFG

TFG strengthens leadership team amidst explosive growth in grants division.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The TFG Grants Division is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristen H. Long to Grants Principal. Kristen has been an integral part of the TFG Grants Division since 2022.

"Kristen's promotion to Grants Principal is a testament to her outstanding contributions and leadership within our firm," said Kristi More, TFG Managing Partner of Grants. "Kristen's strategic thinking and comprehensive understanding of the grants process have been crucial to the success and growth of the TFG Grants Division. We are confident that she will continue to drive TFG’s mission forward, making a significant impact on our clients and the communities we serve.”

As a Grants Principal, Kristen will be responsible for enhancing client services, and overseeing the development and management of client relationships. She will also be instrumental in workflow optimization, research initiatives, and internal collaboration within the TFG Grants Division. Kristen's leadership will extend to guiding issue-specific and client teams, driving innovation, and fostering a forward-thinking approach to client and project management.

Kristen is also TFG’s resident brownfield redevelopment expert with over 18 years of experience. This work supports communities in their efforts to transform properties to make them desirable for development and improve the quality of life for the people that live there.

Kristen's promotion comes at a pivotal time as TFG continues to expand and enhance services to meet the growing needs of our clients. TFG’s Grants Division has experienced explosive growth, expanding from from three full-time staff in 2021 to 17 permanent, in-house employees today. This growth trajectory continues as the firm plans to hire additional full-time grant professionals before the end of 2024. The TFG Grants Division has also established the TFG Grants Consulting Network (GCN), comprising over 60 of the nation’s top grant professionals who support the division. TFG aims to reach a milestone of 100 grant professionals by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Since 2015, TFG has assisted clients in securing over $5.9 billion in competitive federal, state, and foundation funding.

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Tags: Federal Funding Kristen H. Long Brownfields TFG Grants Division Grants Principal

Latest TFG News

27 March 2026

SS4A Program Now Open!

HOT GRANT ALERT

The U.S. Department of Transportation has opened the FY 2026 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program, with approximately $993.5 million available. Applications are due May 26, 2026. We wanted to make sure you had the details in case this aligns with work your organization is currently planning or pursuing.

A summary of the program is below, along with a link to our full TFG Profile Summary for additional detail.

Meet a Team Member

Dan Miglin

Grants Specialist

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Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda Issued by the Trump Administration (Post #5)