TFG to Host Webinar on FY 2017 Brownfields Grant Program

Learn how to develop a winning grant application!

  • 23 June 2016
  • Author: Kristi More
  • Number of views: 564
  • 0 Comments
Join us for an informative webinar on the Environmental Protection Agency's FY 2017 Brownfields Grant Program. The EPA recently announced the FY 2017 Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Grant with proposals due on August 10, 2016. The agency is expected to release solicitations for the Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants this fall. The webinar will be held on Thursday, June 30 from 2:00 - 3:00pm EST.

Fort Wayne Awarded "Bicycle Friendly" Designation

  • 20 May 2016
  • Author: Anonym
  • Number of views: 1029
  • 0 Comments
A month after launching its first bike share program downtown, Fort Wayne has been designated as a “Bicycle Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists. In order to earn the distinction as a Bicycle Friendly Community, cities must showcase a willingness to improve cycling conditions and promote cycling locally.

FAA Reauthorization One of the Few Major Bills to Move Forward in Congress in 2016

  • 6 April 2016
  • Author: Kristi More
  • Number of views: 624
  • 0 Comments

For the remainder of 2016, there are only two must-pass pieces of legislation remaining in Congress: (1) a massive Omnibus appropriations bill funding the federal government for fiscal year (FY) 2017, which will likely pass in the lame-duck period of November-December after the presidential election and following the enactment of a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government beginning October 1; and (2) the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). On March 30, President Obama signed the “Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2016” into law, which extends authorization and tax authority for the FAA through July 15, 2016; FAA authorization was set to expire on March 31. This gives the House and Senate just over three months to reach consensus and pass a long-term FAA reauthorization bill before Congress recesses for seven weeks from July 16-September 6, for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and the annual August summer recess.   

World Water Day Brought Much News On – You Guessed It – Water

  • 22 March 2016
  • Author: Anonym
  • Number of views: 1020
  • 0 Comments

March 22, or World Water Day, brought with it much discussion about the future of water policy in the United States. From the White House to Capitol Hill, learn about a few of the major takeaways from World Water Day events and announcements.

TFG helps Midway City Sanitation District Build a New Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station

  • 8 January 2016
  • Author: Anonym
  • Number of views: 1089
  • 0 Comments

With the assistance of The Ferguson Group’s (TFG) Grant Writing Services in 2014, the Midway City Sanitary District (MCSD) was able to celebrate the opening of its new compressed natural gas (CNG) station in the summer of 2015. TFG assisted MCSD secure $250,000 in Clean Transportation Funding from the California Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) to construct a new CNG station and maintenance facility modifications. The new facility has 15 time-fill dispensers and two fast-fill dispensers servicing 10 CNG vehicles and will help the District save about $400,000 per year in fuel costs.


First2223242526272830

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.
«January 2026»
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
2930311234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930311
2345678

US Congressional Calendar

Alex Yiannoutsos

TFG President and CEO Share Federal Funding Insights at California Water Resources Roundtables

Roger Gwinn and Mark Limbaugh discussed federal funding available for western water priorities at the annual ACWA Conference and Virtual Roundtable.

SACRAMENTO, CA. – Roger Gwinn, The Ferguson Group (TFG) CEO, and Mark Limbaugh, TFG President, presented at the Association of Water Administrators (ACWA) roundtables: in May, the 2022 Spring Conference “Accessing Federal Funding” and in June, the Virtual Roundtable Discussion on Federal Funding. Mr. Gwinn and President Limbaugh shared key insights with water and waste water providers on federal funding opportunities available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of the Interior – Bureau of Reclamation. Additionally, they provided information on funding available to stakeholders in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (or Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021) and best practices to access these programs.

“I was pleased to join this year’s federal funding roundtable discussions to discuss USDA water programs and other available federal funding opportunities,” said Roger Gwinn. “The federal investment in drinking, waste, and habitat water resources is vital to strengthen communities across California and the Western United States. The knowledge participants gained from these roundtables will make them more competitive applicants for the federal resources they need to achieve their communities’ water goals.”

“These roundtables couldn’t have come at a better time with California entering its third year of drought,” said Mark Limbaugh. “I enjoyed discussing available federal funding from the Department of the Interior – Bureau of Reclamation Programs with participants. There are billions of dollars available in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law alone to improve water efficiency efforts that could have a lasting positive impact in California.”

The ACWA Spring Conference and Exhibition brings together a wide array of California water stakeholders to learn about a variety of local, statewide, and federal water issues and to connect with fellow members of the California water community for insights into best practices. Due to the event’s popularity, the “Accessing Federal Funding” roundtable was added to build upon lessons learned during the Conference.

Mr. Gwinn and Mr. Limbaugh each have over two decades of water resources and federal funding experience. Mr. Gwinn leads the TFG’s representation of large-scale, regional water resources, environmental protection, and economic development initiatives. Mr. Limbaugh specializes in strategic policy and legislative guidance to clients on water, irrigation, energy, and natural resource management issues. He previously served as Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at the Department of the Interior. Mark also served more than three years as Deputy Commissioner for External and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Bureau of Reclamation.

For more information about TFG, please visit our website at www.thefergusongroup.com.

Print
14327

Latest TFG News

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.

Meet a Team Member

Latest Coronavirus Updates