29 May 2023

TFG Grants Welcomes Manager of Grants Strategic Development, Trace Roller

Trace brings over 20 years of government relations and business development experience to the TFG Grants Team

TFG Grants Welcomes Manager of Grants Strategic Development, Trace Roller

COLLEGE STATION, Tex. – TFG is pleased to announce that Trace Roller has joined the team as Manager of Grants Strategic Development. Trace brings over twenty years of experience in government relations and business development along with a proven track record having secured more than $370 million in direct government funding to the TFG Grants team.

"We are thrilled to welcome Trace to our team," said Kristi More, Managing Partner of Strategic Development. "With his extensive experience in not only the federal funding process, but also collaborating closely with clients to build individualized development strategies, we are confident that Trace will be a valuable asset to our organization."

As a part of TFG, Trace serves a diverse portfolio of nationally significant clients – managing the grant development process for the firm's local government, corporate, education, and non-profit interests.

"I am excited to join TFG and work with such a talented team," said Trace. "I look forward to contributing to the success of the organization and helping the TFG Grants Team achieve its goals."

Prior to joining TFG, Trace served on staff in the U.S. House of Representatives and in various capacities at the Texas Department of Agriculture and Texas House of Representatives. In these roles, he developed and implemented successful strategies with respect to several key policy and regulatory issues. Trace holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a master's degree from George Washington University.

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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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