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Grant Due: FY 2025 Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (Updated)

WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to help applicants develop transportation infrastructure projects in rural and tribal communities that will qualify for federal funding and financing programs for additional development phase activities or construction. Funding will support either the hiring of staff or the procurement of expert firms to provide financial, technical, and legal assistance with project-related planning and design phase activities. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Rural local governments or political subdivisions, states, federally recognized tribes, and the Department of Hawaiian Homelands

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $54.2 million

WHEN IS IT DUE? October 8, 2025

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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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10/1/2025

Grant Due: FY 2025-2026 Innovative Finance and Asset Concession (IFAC) Grant Program

WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program to facilitate and evaluate public-private partnerships in which the private sector partner could assume a greater role in project planning, development, financing, construction, maintenance, and operation, including by assisting eligible entities in entering into Asset Concessions. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Public entities that own, control, or maintain Existing Assets, and have the legal authority to enter a contract to transfer ownership, maintenance, operations, revenues, or other benefits and responsibilities for those Assets

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $45.98 million

WHEN IS IT DUE? October 1, 2025

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10/8/2025

Grant Due: FY 2025 Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (Updated)

WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to help applicants develop transportation infrastructure projects in rural and tribal communities that will qualify for federal funding and financing programs for additional development phase activities or construction. Funding will support either the hiring of staff or the procurement of expert firms to provide financial, technical, and legal assistance with project-related planning and design phase activities. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Rural local governments or political subdivisions, states, federally recognized tribes, and the Department of Hawaiian Homelands

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $54.2 million

WHEN IS IT DUE? October 8, 2025

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10/14/2025

Grant Due: FY 2025-2029 Residential (Group Home, Shelter, Transitional Foster Care) Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children

WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to provide temporary residential care to unaccompanied alien children by supporting group home, shelter, and transitional foster care (TFC) providers that specialize in high-quality care of children. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? State and local governments, educational institutions, Native American tribal governments, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, small businesses, and faith-based and community organizations

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $1.5 billion

WHEN IS IT DUE? October 14, 2025; April 1, 2026; September 1, 2028

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US Congressional Calendar

9 December 2024

TFG Presents 2025 Congressional Calendar

The Ferguson Group (TFG) compiled a 2025 Congressional Calendar with session and recess dates for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate 119th congressional session. 

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