6 December 2023

TFG Grants Grows Team with New Grants Analyst, Elizabeth Vela

Elizabeth brings over 20 years of experience in the public and non-profit sectors to the TFG Grants team.

TFG Grants Grows Team with New Grants Analyst, Elizabeth Vela

AUSTIN, Tx. – The TFG Grants Team is pleased to welcome Elizabeth (Liz) Vela as a Grants Analyst. Liz has over two decades of experience working in the public and nonprofit sectors. She has skills in key areas like health and human services. As a Grants Analyst she provides important client services, including client needs assessments, grant writing, research, and policy analysis.

"Liz is an excellent addition our team," said Kristi More, Managing Partner of Strategic Development and Grants. “Her background working directly with communities and across multiple levels of government gives her insight into our clients’ needs and priorities and strengthens the TFG Grants team’s ability to effectively secure resources for priority projects.”

“I’m thrilled to join TFG and contribute to the Grants Team’s impressive track record securing funds that have a direct impact on communities throughout the country," said Liz.

Prior to joining TFG, Liz worked in nonprofit administration with the San Francisco Foundation Center and community-based groups. She also worked for the Travis County, Texas Health and Human Services Department and the State of Texas focusing on health and human services policy research and federal funding compliance and reporting. For the last several years, she has managed large federal funding proposals, needs assessments, and philanthropic grant writing and reporting for community-based organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Liz received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Boston University and a Master’s degree in Public Affairs at The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at University of Texas, Austin with a focus on health and social policy.

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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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