The Barbed Wire: SPECIAL EDITION - March 31, 2020

Rural County Priorities in the Federal Aid Package Adopted by Congress

On March 27, 2020 Congress approved, and President Trump signed, the Coronavirus Aid Release and Economic Security (CARES) package in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier in March, RCRC’s partner the National Association of Counties (NACo) sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging that any response-legislation prioritize funding for public health programs, infrastructure and telecommunications development, human services programs, and stable funding for the Federal Payments in Lieu of Taxes and the Secure Rural Schools program.

RCRC’s federal affairs advocates, American Continental Group (ACG), prepared an analysis of how the contents of CARES package align with rural county priorities, including the priorities urged by NACo. To view the analysis, click here.

ACG has also prepared a new “CARES Act Relief Funds Toolkit”, available here. This document is intended to serve as a guide for businesses interested in the relief opportunities included in the CARES Act. ACG will update this resource as the Trump Administration releases further guidance on the new programs established under the CARES Act relief package.

Developed Recreation Facilities in California Temporarily Closed

In a news release issued last Friday, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the temporary closure of all developed campgrounds and developed recreation sites in California “in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and with the Governor’s shelter in place order, to help limit the spread of COVID-19.” BLM explains, “The closure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until such time as conditions allow for safe use of the recreation areas. While developed recreation sites are closed, dispersed camping and trails remain open and available to the public.” The full news release is available here.

For more information on the status of recreation and visitor services across BLM-managed public lands in California, click here.

Food Security in a Time of COVID-19 Insecurity: How the Coronavirus Affects Farming

In a recent article, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) asked, “How will COVID-19 affect California agriculture—key to food supplies locally and nationally?” The writers of the article spoke with Merced County farmer Cannon Michael about the pandemic’s impact on farmers and farmworkers. Read this interesting article here.

FPPC To Extend Form 700 Deadline Due to Coronavirus

This Thursday, April 2nd, in response to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) will formally ratify a 60-day extension for those who are required to file a 2019 Annual Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700). The Form 700s, originally due on April 1, 2020, will now be due on June 1, 2020.

The FPPC encourages form filers who have access to an electronic filing system to take advantage of its use. If electronic filing is not available, filers are encouraged to submit Form 700s by mail. Statements postmarked on or before the new, extended deadline will be considered filed on time.

To access FPPC’s electronic Form 700 filing system, click here. If you have an advice question related to Form 700, please e-mail Form700@fppc.ca.gov or call (916) 322-1052 and leave a message.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ASSISTANCE

Coronavirus (COVID-19) County Resource Page Available

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC), RCRC’s local government partner, continues to provide excellent up-to-date state and federal information to counties on this ever-changing pandemic event. We encourage visiting CSAC’s COVID-19 resource page, which contains vital links to all CSAC COVID-19 advocacy letters and resources. CSAC’s staff continues to work around the clock to update activities so that all of California’s counties can remain properly informed.

Economic Development Resources for Communities and Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus

The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) has assembled resources for communities and business impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). The page will be continually evolving as new resources become available. To go directly to the CALED resources, click here.

Use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds for Infectious Disease Response

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds may be used for a range of eligible activities that prevent and respond to the spread of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Check out the Quick Guide to CDBG Eligible Activities to Support Infectious Disease Response for guidance and additional information.

Federal Disaster Loan Assistance Available from the Small Business Administration

Applications are now being accepted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for federal disaster loans to help alleviate economic injury caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). All fifty-eight (58) California counties are designated as eligible. To apply, please visit SBA’s Disaster Loan Assistance portal here.