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: 566
  • 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: 1039
  • 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: 630
  • 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: 1028
  • 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: 1100
  • 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.


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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 Grants Team Welcomes Mia Barthel, Newest Staff Member
Alex Yiannoutsos
/ Categories: News, News & Alerts, Grants

TFG Grants Team Welcomes Mia Barthel, Newest Staff Member

Mia will support TFG Grants services to prepare client projects to the highest standards and secure competitive funding.

WASHINGTON D.C. – TFG,LLC (TFG) is pleased to welcome Mia Barthel as Grants Analyst/Researcher to support the rapidly growing TFG Grants team in all aspects of the federal funding process. Based in Boise, Idaho, Mia was previously a Grant Writer for Jesse Tree of Idaho where she developed grant proposals for over 40 of the nonprofit’s federal government, foundation, and corporate sponsors. She was also responsible for the research, development, and submission of over 100 grants and raised $2 million in funding for eviction and homelessness prevention initiatives.

“We’re so happy to have Mia on our team,” said Heidi Schott, TFG Grants Director. “Her experience and passion for environmental justice – which is currently a focus area for federal legislative and grant opportunities - combined with her interest the federal grant process makes her an excellent resource to our clients.”

TFG Grants provides a full suite of grant services including but not limited to project development and readiness, grant training, grant project advocacy, grant writing, and project specific grant research and funding strategy. Since 2015, TFG has helped our clients secure over $3 billion in competitive federal, state, and foundation funding, not including congressionally directed spending projects. Recent passage of several federal funding packages including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provide communities new and expanded opportunities to fund their projects. Mia will support TFG Grants services to prepare client projects to the highest standards and secure competitive funding.

Prior to joining TFG, Mia interned as a Sustainability Consultant and as a Transportation and Mobility Intern. She is particularly focused on environmental justice and has a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Boise State University.

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

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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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