Consulting Services

TFG offers consulting expertise in a wide range of disciplines on the local, state, and federal levels. With a committed team of technical experts and support staff, we design, plan, manage, and address a vast array of client needs related to a wide array of policy issue areas ranging from environmental resilience to transportation to public health and more. We tailor our services to the needs of our clients, providing personal service from project initiation through completion.

Why Choose TFG?

  • Coalition Management 
  • Stakeholder Engagement 
  • Website Development 
  • Social Media Strategy 
  • Project Strategic Planning and Analysis 
  • Training and Technical Assistance 

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.

Case Studies

Kittitas County, WA

TFG supports the County of Kittitas, Washington, in developing and managing public outreach and community engagement for a major transportation project. Since the project's inception, TFG has collaborated with the County to hold regular stakeholder meetings, gather critical community input for the project, design materials and a website to provide information to the community, and engage with congressional offices, state and federal departments, and local stakeholders to coordinate efforts. Importantly, these efforts have promoted a cross-exchange of information between the community and the County to ensure that the project is aligned with the needs and realities of the local population. 

Harrisburg, PA

TFG was contracted by the City of Harrisburg to prepare its 2015-2017 Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plans, and grant close-out reports. In addition, TFG prepared the demographic, housing, and economic assessment sections of the City’s 2015 Comprehensive Land Use Plan. In support of the City’s Department of Housing and Urban Development programming, TFG prepared the City’s FY 2016 HUD award-wining $3.714 million Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration (LHRD) grant. We also developed and managed a Sinkhole Summit due to two streets being condemned by the City of Harrisburg as a result of sinkhole development.

Mooresville, NC

TFG prepared a report of viable funding opportunities the Town of Mooresville and Downtown Mooresville Partnership could pursue in support of developing a more robust and vibrant downtown area. The report also includes suggestions on zoning and land use development options the Town may consider incorporating into its Comprehensive Development Plan in support of this initiative.

Services & Issue Areas of Expertise

Transportation

Transportation

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Broadband & Telecommunications

Broadband & Telecommunications

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Economic & Community Development/Housing

Economic & Community Development/Housing

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Environment & Sustainability

Environment & Sustainability

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Health Care & Social Services

Health Care & Social Services

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Public Safety

Public Safety

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Disaster Preparedness & Recovery

Disaster Preparedness & Recovery

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Flood Issues

Flood Issues

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Water Resources

Water Resources

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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. 

Latest TFG News

A Message from Roger Gwinn on the Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa 7 January 2026

A Message from Roger Gwinn on the Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa

WASHINGTON, D.C. – TFG CEO, Roger Gwinn, released the following statement regarding the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

Meet a Team Member

Chris Cummins

Chris Cummins

Legislative and Policy Director

Latest Coronavirus Updates