2 May 2023

Brandi H. Clarke Joins TFG as Grants Project Manager

Brandi brings over 20 years of local, state, and federal funding experience to the rapidly expanding TFG Grants Team.

Brandi H. Clarke Joins TFG as Grants Project Manager

BILOXI, Miss. – The TFG Grants Team is pleased to welcome Brandi H. Clarke as Grants Project Manager. Brandi brings over 20 years of experience as a grant writing consultant and grants administrator for clients in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the health and mental health, education, housing, disaster preparedness and recovery, homelessness, social services, community development, and the environment fields to the TFG Grants team.

"Brandi’s extensive experience in a range of grants services is an asset to our team," said Jennifer Imo, Managing Partner of Client Services. "Brandi has served a pivotal role in a diverse portfolio of disaster preparedness, recovery, and response efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. We are very excited for her to join the team!"

"I’m thrilled to join TFG and support the firm’s mission of building stronger communities,” said Brandi. "I look forward to collaborating with the team to identify and secure funding opportunities that will enable us to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve."

Before joining TFG, Brandi led her own consulting business and previously served in various leadership roles including CEO of the Mississippi Mental Health Association, executive director of the South Mississippi AIDS Task Force, Director of Financial Development and Community Relations for The Salvation Army, and Grants Administrator for the University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium.

Following Hurricane Katrina, as CEO of the Mississippi Mental Health Association, Brandi opened and operated the first Center for Community Resilience on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; a partnership between Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and the Israeli Trauma Coalition. Brandi was also appointed to the Harrison County Office of Long-Term Recovery and to the City of Biloxi’s Reviving the Renaissance Nongovernmental Planning Committee to assist in the strategic planning and rebuilding process locally and statewide.

Over the years, Brandi has served as a board member for the Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce, Gallery 782, South Mississippi VOAD, Lighthouse Business and Professional Women’s Organization, and Edgewater Rotary, and has won numerous leadership awards.

Brandi holds a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from William Carey University and is a life-long resident of Biloxi, Mississippi.

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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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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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