Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.

 

Opportunity to Support Agricultural Education and Leadership

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) provides an opportunity Support agricultural education and leadership through the California Special Interest License Plate (CalAgPlate) program.   

The CalAgPlate program is funded with proceeds generated through the sale of special interest, agriculture-themed license plates through the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Under the 2021 CalAgPlate program, CDFA has awarded $223,900 for organizations to enhance agricultural education and leadership opportunities. 2021 grant recipients include: 

  1. California Association, Future Farmers of America: $190,000

  2. Pala Band of Mission Indians: $9,500 

  3. Sacramento River Watershed Program: $9,400 

  4. 48th District Agricultural Association: $9,000

  5. California Farmland Trust: $6,000 

You can help support agricultural education and the CalAgPlate program by purchasing a special interest license plate at your local DMV office or online today. For additional details, read the press release here.  

 

Workshop Announced for $1.3 Billion in Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Funding

On Thursday, December 16th, staff from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) are hosting a virtual workshop and seeking input on the implementation plan for grant funds contained in the 2021-22 State Budget that are expected to be awarded in early 2022. Drinking water funds (totaling $650 million) will be prioritized for infrastructure in disadvantaged communities, while wastewater funds (also $650 million) are prioritized for septic-to-sewer projects (with local investment). For more information, see here. To participate online, join here or dial 1-669-900-9128, meeting ID # 960 5283 7341.

 

GO-Biz Cannabis Equity Grants Available for Eligible Local Jurisdictions

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has announced $35 million is available in FY 2021-22 for eligible cities and counties to promote equity and eliminate barriers to populations and communities that were disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. Local jurisdictions can be awarded up to $75,000 for assistance on cannabis equity program development, or up to $7 million for cannabis equity program applicants and licensees to gain entry to the state’s regulated cannabis marketplace. Grant applications must be received by December 13, 2021 and will be awarded no later than March 15, 2022. For more information on this grant and how to apply, see here. 

 

CDFA Accepting Applications for Water Efficiency Technical Assistance Program

CDFA’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI) is accepting applications for a new competitive grant program, the Water Efficiency Technical Assistance program (WETA). 

The Budget Act of 2021 allocated $5 million to support technical assistance for water efficiency and nutrient management for California farmers and ranchers. Resource conservation districts, non-profit organizations, University of California, California State University campuses, California community colleges, and California and federally-recognized tribes are eligible to receive funding to provide technical assistance. Supported activities include one-on-one assistance, on-site pump and irrigation system evaluations, and training in irrigation efficiency and nutrient management.

Applicants must have demonstrated expertise in on-farm irrigation water and energy use efficiency standards as well as on-farm nutrient management. Lead applicants are encouraged to partner with groundwater sustainability agencies, irrigation districts, and/or water quality coalitions to address local concerns and utilize existing outreach networks.

Visit the CDFA OEFI technical assistance website to review the application materials. Applications will be accepted through January 19, 2022 by 5 PM, Pacific Time. Late applications will not be accepted.

 

Career Opportunities

  • Reclamation District 1500 (RD1500) and Sutter Mutual Water Company (SMWC) Seek General Manager

The Board of Trustees of Reclamation District 1500 (RD1500) and the Board of Directors of Sutter Mutual Water Company (SMWC), separate organizations, are seeking a common General Manager who reports to the respective Boards and is responsible for implementing the policies of the respective organizations as well as managing Basin Irrigation and Drainage Authority (BIDA), a joint powers authority created to comprehensively manage the activities of RD1500 and SMWC. The position closes December 19, 2021. See the job description here. For more information, please email Bob Thomas of TERM Strategies.

  • California Farm Bureau Federation Seeks Political Affairs Program Coordinator 

The California Farm Bureau Federation is seeking a Program Coordinator for the Political Affairs Division to provide support to the Director of Political Affairs and Political Affairs department by assisting with campaign reporting, fundraising, grassroots activities, and special events to further the California Farm Bureau’s political objectives and grow its political presence at the state and federal level. For additional information and instructions to apply, see the job description here.

  • Yolo County Seeks Sustainability Coordinator

Yolo County invites applications for the position of Sustainability Coordinator. The incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day effective operations and coordination of the County’s Sustainability Plan, Climate Action Plan, General Plan-related sustainability initiatives, and others as necessary.  The position closes December 6, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. For details and application instructions, see the job posting here.

  • Yolo Land Trust Seeks Development and Outreach Coordinator

The Yolo Land Trust is recruiting for a Development & Outreach Coordinator to join its small, but mighty team. The position is responsible for the planning, coordination, and operation of the Yolo Land Trust’s development and communication programs; serves as the lead staff for the Land Trust’s community and fundraising events and for the digital communications about the organization; and provides administrative support as needed. For additional information or to apply, view the job announcement here. This position is open until filled.

 

CDFA Healthy Soils Program Incentives Funding Available

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has opened up their applications for the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) Incentives Funding! The funding is distributed on a first come-first serve basis so get your application in as soon as possible to participate. The HSP is currently accepting grant applications until February 25, 2022 or until funds are expended.

The HSP Incentives Program provides financial incentives to California growers and ranchers to implement conservation management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs), and improve soil health.

Do you need help with the HSP application? 

Click here for more information about Healthy Soils Program.

 

California Air Resources Board Offers Webinars on Regulatory Compliance Training

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is offering a variety of training webinars for regulatory compliance on issues affecting public fleets such as Off-Road Regulations, Truck and Bus Rules, and Diesel Truck Rules. 

The In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation (Off-Road Regulation) requires fleet owners to report to CARB, label their off-road vehicles, and reduce emissions from older equipment.  This course provides detailed information to help fleet owners understand and comply with the Off-Road Regulation: 

Date:        December 9, 2021
Time:        1:00 p.m.
Webinar:   Register

The Compliance Overview: Truck & Bus Rule, Off-Road Regulation, and Portable Equipment course include the following topics:

Truck and Bus Regulation:

  • Regulation Applicability
  • Engine Model Year Schedule
  • Exemptions & Extensions
  • How to Report for Regulation Flexibilities
  • Broker and Dispatcher Requirements
  • DMV Registration

Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP):

  • Regulation Applicability
  • Program Updates

Advanced Clean Truck (ACT)

  • Manufacturers ZEV Sales Requirements
  • One-Time Reporting
  • Future ZEV Rules

In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation:

  • Regulation Applicability
  • Requirements Currently in Effect
  • Future Compliance Deadlines

Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) & Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM):

  • PERP Eligibility
  • Program Requirements
  • ATCM Program & Updates
  • Enforcement & Inspections

Date:        December 16, 2021
Time:        1:00 p.m.
Webinar:   Register

 

FEMA Announces Application Period for 2021 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began accepting applications on September 30, 2021 for $1.16 billion in FY 2021 Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants, providing localities the opportunity to receive Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) pre-disaster mitigation grants. These grants recognize the growing hazards of extreme weather events and the need for risk mitigation activities to promote climate adaptation and resilience. The financial assistance through the BRIC program may fund state and local government pre-disaster capability and capacity building activities, mitigation projects, and cover management costs.

FEMA informational webinars can be accessed here, and more information can be viewed here or at www.grants.gov. The FEMA application period closes on January 28, 2022. 

 

Access the State Grants Portal for a Multitude of Funding Opportunities

Billions of dollars are up for grabs to public agencies and other entities, including tribes and businesses. Grant seekers can access a centralized portal of grant and loan opportunities here, or sign up to receive new grant opportunities delivered straight to your inbox.