Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.
Upcoming Broadband for All Roundtables
The California Department of Technology, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, California Emerging Technology Fund, and the California Public Utilities Commission hosting three Broadband for All Roundtables, each focused on a different audience. Information and updates on the implementation of the State’s Broadband for All Action Plan, Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, the CPUC’s Last Mile and Adoption Programs, and other digital equity initiatives will be presented.
Cities, Counties, Consortia, MPO
Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Register here
Schools & Libraries
To Be Scheduled
Tribes
To Be Scheduled
Career Opportunity – California Farm Bureau
The California Farm Bureau is seeking a Political Coordinator to provide support to the Department of Political Affairs by assisting with campaign reporting, fundraising, grassroots activities, political donations, and coordinating special events to further the California Farm Bureau’s political objectives and grow its political presence at the state and federal level. The job description is available here. Resumes may be submitted directly to the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Director of Political Affairs, Steven Fenaroli.
Sierra Nevada Conservancy Launches New Grant Programs to Conserve Lands and Boost Local Economies
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy has launched its 2022 Strategic Land Conservation and Vibrant Recreation and Tourism Directed Grant programs. The Vibrant Recreation and Tourism Directed Grant Program supports efforts to enhance and develop sustainable recreation and tourism opportunities, as well as increase access to public lands in the Sierra Nevada region. The Strategic Land Conservation Directed Grant Program conserves lands through the planning and implementation of fee-title and conservation-easement acquisitions that provide access for public use or to public lands, safeguard lands threatened by conversion, and protect lands that provide critical resilience to climate change.
Applicants interested in applying for a grant are encouraged to discuss project ideas with an SNC Area Representative. Concept Proposals must be submitted by May 6, 2022. If invited, full proposals will be due July 22, 2022. Awards will be made starting in December 2022.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Releases Small-Scale Water Efficiency Grant Opportunity
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) has announced the Small-Scale Water Efficiency grant opportunity. The program provides 50/50 cost share funding entities with water or power delivery authority for small water efficiency improvements that have been identified through previous planning efforts.
Projects eligible for funding include:
- installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system,
- lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, or
- other similar projects that are limited in scope.
The funding amount for this Small-Scale Water Efficiency grant award is capped at $100,000, and total project cost should not exceed $225,000.
Applications are due on April 28th and can be found here. If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, program requirements, or the evaluation criteria, click here and select Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Inquiries to schedule a time to talk with the program coordinators.
USDOT Opens Application Window for Competitive Grants to Support Infrastructure Projects
On Wednesday, March 23rd, United States Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced $2.9 billion in competitive grants is available for major infrastructure projects as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. While there are three major grant programs with funding up for grabs, including the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (RURAL), USDOT has combined the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) into a single application to reduce the burdens on state, regional and local government applicants, as well as make it easier to apply for more than one program at a time. Up to $300 million is available this year for rural highway, bridge, and tunnel projects that help improve access to an agricultural, commercial, energy, or transportation facilities that support the rural economy.
The application deadline is May 23, 2022 at 11:59pm EST. The NOFO can be found here. For more information, including frequently asked questions or how to apply, see here.
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 you.