Jay De La Rosa Joins TFG Grants Team as Grants Specialist

Jay further enhances TFG Grants’ innovation initiatives with extensive technical and programming experience

2 May 2024
Author: Alex Yiannoutsos
Number of views: 6733
0 Comments

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. – The TFG Grants Division is pleased to welcome Jay De La Rosa as Grants Specialist. He brings extensive experience utilizing innovative technologies and programming solutions to support cities, counties, and states across the country to effectively manage grant portfolios.

"We’re so excited to have Jay on board! Jay’s addition to the TFG Grants Division further strengthens our commitment to excellence and client success,” said Kristi More, Managing Partner of Strategic Development. “His innovative approach to grant management and his impactful work with governmental entities will undoubtedly bring dynamic developments to our client’s grant strategies.”

"I’m eager to contribute to TFG’s mission of driving meaningful change through strategic grant planning and management,” said Jay. “My past experiences have shown me the profound impact that well-managed grants can have on communities, and I look forward to using my skills to further enhance our clients' projects.”

Prior to joining TFG, Jay was Manager of Customer Success at Euna Grants, powered by eCivis, where he served as lead for multiple customers public safety customers. Prior to his work at Euna, Jay served as a Fellow for the Los Angeles County Management Fellowship Program inaugural class where he assisted in the workforce department for youth and adult programs. There, he co-founded a NACO-award-winning youth and adult housing program. Jay received his Bachelor of Arts in government with a minor in German from the University of Texas at Austin and his Master of Public Administration with a focus on public sector leadership and management from California State University at Northridge.

Euna Grants is an innovative data platform powered by eCivis which supports over 1,000 entities to efficiently administer and manage grants. TFG founded eCivis in 2000 to help state, local, and tribal governments simplify and strengthen the entire grants process through innovative grant research and management technology tools. eCivis later became an independent company and part of Euna Solutions.

Categories: News, News & Alerts

Tags: TFG TFG Grants Jay De La Rosa

The Latest Updates from TFG

Our News Section features stories and articles published about the work TFG does with our clients as well as important events and recognitions. Sign up below for updates on the important work our clients are doing!

Join Our Mailing List for Updates

Overview

Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)

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 Environmental Infrastructure

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.

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.