To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Authorization for the Humboldt County Department of Public Works to Apply for Funding Made Available Through the Wildfire Prevention Grants Program
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the Humboldt County Department of Public Works Director, or a designee thereof, to apply for and, if awarded, accept and administer funding made available through the 2023-2024 California Climate Investments, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (“CAL FIRE”), Wildfire Prevention Grants Program in order to fund the update of the 2019 Humboldt County Community Wildfire Protection Plan; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to provide a fully executed original copy of the attached resolution to the Humboldt County Department of Public Works for submission to CAL FIRE.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
California Climate Investments, CAL FIRE, Wildfire Prevention Grants Program
DISCUSSION:
The California Climate Investments, CAL FIRE, Wildfire Prevention Grants Program provides funding for local projects and activities that address the risk of wildfire and reduce wildfire potential to forested and forest adjacent communities. Funded activities include, without limitation, hazardous fuel reduction, fire planning and fire prevention education with an emphasis on improving public health and safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Activities funded under this program are consistent with the development and maintenance of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (“CWPP”). Staff Recommendations aim to support the county’s continued role in working towards collective implementation and maintenance of the Humboldt County CWPP.
Staff is proposing a project for funding through the competitive 2023-2024 Wildfire Prevention Grants Program to support an update to the 2019 Humboldt County CWPP. The Board supports the maintenance of the CWPP and appoints the members of the Humboldt County Fire Safe Council (HCFSC) to provide guidance for its implementation and maintenance. The CWPP serves as the guiding document for reducing the risk of wildfire losses to Humboldt County communities and has been an excellent tool for planning and securing funding for numerous projects that have helped local residents and community groups prepare for the impacts of wildfire. This proposed project addresses the CWPP Priority Action 3.6 Integrated Planning - 3.6.10 Metric: CWPP Update. “This CWPP will be updated and maintained by the Humboldt County Fire Safe Council, with its next update planned for 2024, in accordance with all relevant guidelines.” If the proposed CWPP update project is selected by CAL FIRE for funding, a grant agreement will be executed, and work will begin in late 2024.
Accordingly, Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached resolution which authorizes the Humboldt County Department of Public Works Director, or a designee thereof, to submit an application and, if the funds are awarded, conduct all negotiations, and enter into, execute, and deliver any and all documents necessary to complete the proposed project supported by the Wildfire Prevention Grants Program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (1720289) |
FY24-25 Projected |
FY25-26 Projected |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
$150,000 |
$150,000 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$150,000 |
$150,000 |
|
Funding Sources (1720289) |
FY24-25 Projected* |
FY25-26 Projected* |
|
State/Federal Funds |
$150,000 |
$150,000 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$150,000 |
$150,000 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The estimated Wildfire Prevention Grants Program award of $300,000 will provide much-needed revenue to supplement the funds that the county is already investing in community wildfire preparedness. If the proposed project is selected for funding, a supplemental budget will be brought to the Board for approval or, depending on the timing, the funds will be incorporated into the fiscal year budget process.
The expense of staff time in preparing the application for the California Climate Investments Wildfire Prevention Grants Program, is included in the fiscal year 2023-2024 General Fund allocation provided by the Board of Supervisors to the Department of Public Works and other planning grant sources already budgeted for - Natural Resources Planning in budget 1720-289. One of the intended uses of the General Fund allocation was to research funding sources and write grant proposals to support actions recommended in the Humboldt County CWPP.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
If the proposal is selected for funding, the revenue will help maintain current Department of Public Works - Natural Resources Planning staffing levels. Activities planned through this funding will complement and expand upon existing programs currently funded through other grants that are expiring.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework priority of creating opportunities for improved safety and health.
New Initiatives: Seek outside funding sources to benefit Humboldt County needs.
Strategic Plan: N/A
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and member organizations of the Humboldt County Fire Safe Council.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to take the recommended action. However, this alternative is not recommended because of the community fire safety benefits that could be gained through the proposed project.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution Authorizing the Humboldt County Department of Public Works to Apply for and Accept Funding Made Available through the California Climate Investments Wildfire Prevention Grants Program.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A