9 May 2019

Webinar - Get Ready for the 2019 WIFIA Round

The Ferguson Group (TFG) is partnering with eCivis, the National Association of County Administrators (NACA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Silicon Valley Clean Water, and Pinellas County Utilities to offer a comprehensive webinar on the benefits of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program and the upcoming WIFIA selection process. Registration for the webinar on Tuesday, May 14th at 2 PM EST can be found here

The WIFIA loan program provides long-term, low-cost, supplemental creditworthy water and wastewater projects of national and regional significance. In the FY 2018 round of WIFIA, EPA awarded 39 projects across 16 states and the District of Columbia. The 39 selected projects totaled up to $5 billion in loans to help finance over $10 billion in water infrastructure investments and create up to 155,000 jobs. 

Submitting a Letter of Interest is the first step in applying for WIFIA assistance. LOIs must be submitted by July 5, 2019. TFG has compiled a Special Report on the WIFIA process, which includes critical information on submitting a LOI and will be reviewed in the webinar. The free one-hour webinar will provide information on how to submit a WIFIA LOI, how EPA will select projects for this funding round and offer helpful hints on how to prepare a winning WIFIA loan application. There will be an emphasis on how you can get ready now for the July 2019 submission. There will also be time set aside for a Q&A. 

The featured speakers at the webinar include: 

  • Arielle Gerstein, Program Manager for the Third Round WIFIA Selection Process for the U.S. EPA
  • Matt Anderson, Chief Financial Officer for Silicon Valley Clean Water, Redwood City, CA
  • Megan E. Ross, Utilities Director for Pinellas County, FL
  • Lori Sullivan, Financial Management and Budget Analyst for Pinellas County, FL. 

 

Blog TopicWater
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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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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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