To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Administrative Office
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Approve Sending a Letter in Support of City of Blue Lake’s Grant Funding Request to US Economic Development Administration (EDA)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the letter in Attachment 1;
2. Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign and distribute to the addressees; and
3. Authorize County Administrative Office/Economic Development (ED) Division Director and staff to provide support to the City of Blue Lake’s regional development project.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
DISCUSSION:
The City of Blue Lake, through the City Manager, has requested a letter from the County of Humboldt addressed to the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) and signed by the Chair of your Board in support of Blue Lake’s project as described in Attachment 2.
The city has undeveloped land within their city limits and would like to determine the feasibility of developing a Recreational RV Park/Campground. The project would encourage visitors to stay over night and spend money locally. Many visitors currently come to Blue Lake to spend the day to escape inland heat by enjoying time on the Mad River and hiking on local trails. The city believes this type of facility would spur business develop in the city and other local communities. It would most likely have a regional economic impact on Humboldt County.
The city requests County Economic Development Division (ED) staff to provide 80 to 100 hours of dedicated time in support and participation as a match for the city’s application to EDA. Staff would participate on various levels, including a kick-off review/scoping meeting with the contractors to discuss regional needs and how the city’s project aligns with the county Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and your Board’s Strategic Framework. Staff time will occur over several months on an as-needed basis.
County Economic Development Division staff would also provide input on final development strategies, investment ideas and possible funding opportunities for the project. ED staff have met with the City Manager, Amanda Mager, and the city’s consultant multiple times, beginning in July 2019, to discuss potential economic development in and around the City of Blue Lake.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There would be minimal financial impact to the county as the fiscal year 2020-21 Adopted Budget for the Economic Development Division provides staff time for this type of activity, including in-county travel.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework in multiple ways by seeking outside funding sources to benefit Humboldt County needs ; encouraging new local enterprise; supporting business, workforce development and creation of private-sector jobs; building interjurisdictional and regional cooperation; and, advancing local interests in natural resource discussions.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
City of Blue Lake
County of Humboldt Public Works Department
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
California Department of Parks and Recreation
US Economic Development Administration
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Your Board could choose not to provide the City of Blue Lake a letter of support for this project. Staff recommends approving and sending the letter as written.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Letter of Support for City of Blue Lake
Attachment 2 - Brief Project Description
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A