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Joonsoo Yi Joins TFG as an Associate

With policy and campaign experience in the US and abroad, Joonsoo helps strengthen TFG’s services.

Joonsoo Yi Joins TFG as an Associate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – We are pleased to announce that Joonsoo Yi joined The Ferguson Group (TFG) as an Associate in recent months.

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Chris Griffin Joins TFG as Senior Associate

After four years working in the U.S. Senate, Chris brings extensive natural resources and energy experience to TFG.

Chris Griffin Joins TFG as Senior Associate

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Ferguson Group (TFG) is pleased to announce Chris Griffin as TFG’s newest Senior Associate. Chris previously spent nearly four years on staff in the United States Senate: first as a legislative aide to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and then as Legislative Aide to Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-A.K.

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TFG Partner, Charmayne Anderson, Announced 2022 Top Lobbyist

The National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics recognized Charmayne Anderson as a Top Lobbyist on its annual list.

TFG Partner, Charmayne Anderson, Announced 2022 Top Lobbyist

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, The National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics (NILE) recogonized Charmayne Anderson, TFG Partner, as one of its 2022 Top Lobbyists. Charmayne’s deep-rooted expertise built over nearly three decades with TFG combined with her inventive lobbying approaches stood out – garnering impressive successes in: public infrastructure, water resource development legislation; federal appropriations and grants to assist first responder operations; and increased affordable housing options, among other things. 

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Jennifer Imo Presents Infrastructure Programs for Local Governments at NYSBA Conference

Participants at the New York State Bar Association Conference received insights into available federal funds.

Jennifer Imo Presents Infrastructure Programs for Local Governments at NYSBA Conference

Last week, Jennifer Imo, TFG Managing Partner of Client Services and Irma Esparza Diggs, Senior Executive and Director, Federal Advocacy at the National League of Cities, held a “Federal Funding for Local Governments” presentation at the New York State Bar Association’s “Local & State Government Law Section” Conference held in Washington, DC.

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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.

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.

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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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Kristen H. Long Promoted to Grants Principal at TFG
Alex Yiannoutsos
/ 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 FundingKristen H. LongBrownfieldsTFG Grants DivisionGrants 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.

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Zach Israel

Principal and Manager of Legislative Affairs

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