3 September 2019

TFG's David Hoover to Speak at Two Upcoming Broadband Conferences

Labor Day is a time to reflect on our efforts and accomplishments at work and to be grateful for the opportunity to use our time and talents in our chosen professions. It also marks the unofficial end of summer and a transition of seasons. It’s a great holiday weekend to catch our breath, light up the barbecue and enjoy some downtime with family and friends. But I admit I look forward to the upcoming fall calendar.

I’ll be speaking at two conferences in the months ahead and invite you to join me. On September 26, I’ll be at the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) annual conference in Tampa. I’ll be discussing rural broadband issues and funding opportunities on a panel with representatives from the FCC, NTIA, and local government. NATOA’s membership includes local government officials and staff members from across the nation whose responsibility is to develop and administer communications policy and the provision of such services.

On October 30, I’m on a panel at the Broadband Communities (BBC) Summit in Alexandria, VA that will explore the impact of public-private partnerships and broadband deployment. BBC is the leading source of information on digital and broadband technologies for buildings and communities. On the panel, I’ll be joined by a former colleague, Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association. 

The quality of programming and confirmed speakers for both of these events is impressive.  As a previous attendee of these conferences, I always learn something new and make new professional connections.

I hope you had a great Labor Day weekend and look forward to seeing you this fall!

- David Hoover

 

Blog TopicEcon Dev
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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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