1 December 2022

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. Joonsoo brings a wealth of legislative experience to the firm, previously serving as a Legislative Aide and Field Representative to Congresswoman Katie Porter, D-CA. In this role, he specialized in financial services, economic development, and national security. This expertise further strengthens TFG’s legislative and regulatory advocacy as well as federal funding services to support the communities in which we work. He also interned for Congressman Harley Rouda, D-CA., and has worked on political campaigns in California and in Europe.

“We’re so happy to have Joonsoo on board,” said Jennifer Imo, Managing Partner of Client Services. “He has a unique understanding of the challenges communities face because of his on-the-ground campaign and field representative experience. This coupled with his impressive policy background brings a fresh perspective to our legislative and regulatory advocacy services.”

Joonsoo graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) from the University of York. He also holds a Master of Arts in U.S. History and Politics from University College London (UCL).

Documents to download

Print

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.
«January 2026»
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
2930311234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930311
2345678

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. 

Latest TFG News

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.

Meet a Team Member

Mike Miller

Mike Miller

Partner

Latest Coronavirus Updates