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: 562
  • 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: 1007
  • 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: 610
  • 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: 1004
  • 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: 1070
  • 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 Expands Advocacy Team with New Senior Associate, Jeremiah Van Auken
Alex Yiannoutsos
/ Categories: News, News & Alerts

TFG Expands Advocacy Team with New Senior Associate, Jeremiah Van Auken

Jeremiah’s federal funding experience further strengthens TFG’s legislative and advocacy services.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – TFG is pleased to welcome Jeremiah Van Auken as a Senior Associate. Jeremiah will play a pivotal part in advancing the appropriations and legislative initiatives of TFG’s clients.

“We’re excited to have Jeremiah join our team,” said Roger Gwinn, TFG’s CEO. “His comprehensive experience guiding a variety of clients toward accomplishing their federal funding and policy goals, coupled with his deep knowledge in defense matters, is a valuable addition to our team and clients. "

"I’m looking forward to bringing my experiences in securing funding and navigating the complexities of the federal landscape to TFG and further advancing the goals of TFG’s existing and future clients,” said Jeremiah.

Prior to joining TFG, Jeremiah served as a Senior Associate at Alcalde & Fay, where he supported a range of clients, including local governments, university healthcare research centers, and a research and engineering company. During his tenure, Jeremiah played a crucial role in securing tens of millions of dollars in programmatic appropriations and Community Project Funding through extensive congressional outreach efforts.

Jeremiah also served as Staff Assistant on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense. He earned his bachelor's degree in history at Xavier University and is originally from South Bend, Indiana.

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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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