Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.
DWR Launches 'Save Our Water' Campaign with Resources for Residents on Water Conservation Measures
Currently, more than 95% of the state is in “severe drought” and does not have enough water to meet the needs of California’s homes, businesses, farms and wildlife. Water supply shortages are anticipated to pose a huge challenge for the entire West, particularly in the upcoming summer months. In order to prepare, the California Department of Water Resources has launched a “Save Our Water” campaign with resources for residents on how to make small changes in their water usage to help conserve water and mitigate further severity of drought conditions. Resources, including an informational toolkit, are available to share with the public at www.saveourwater.com. Please distribute generously among county staff and agencies, and reach out to RCRC Policy Advocate, Sidd Nag or DWR for additional assistance and/or suggestions on getting the word out to county constituents.
Save the Date: Webinar on County Drought Planning Requirements for Domestic Wells and State Small Water Systems
In September 2021, Senate Bill 552 (SB 552) was signed by Governor Newsom and enacted into law. SB 552 includes new responsibilities and requirements at both the state and local level to help small water systems and rural communities reduce their risk of inadequate water supply amid a water shortage event. This is the first of three virtual workshops to inform and solicit input from stakeholders on the development of a guidebook to support the preparation of County Drought Plans which focus on state small water systems and domestic wells as required under SB 552. During this first workshop, DWR and State Water Board staff will review the SB 552 requirements for counties and the plan to develop a guidebook as technical assistance, and solicit input on needed tools and considerations that could help counties meet the requirements. The virtual workshop is open to County Office of Emergency Services, County Environmental Health Programs, County Planners, other county programs and other interested parties.
Date: June 2, 2022
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Institute for Local Government Launches New Digital Planning Commissioner Handbook & Regional Trainings
The Institute for Local Government (ILG) recently released an updated version of their Planning Commissioners Handbook. This handbook is designed to support planning commissioners, their staff, and other officials interested in land use and planning; to help local officials understand the planning process; and provide a glimpse of some potential planning challenges commissioners may experience during their terms. The handbook describes the major terms, plans, and policies that make up the framework of local planning, as well as typical stakeholders in the process and the basics of reviewing applications for development.
In conjunction with this release, ILG is hosting regional training sessions for planning commissioners. These interactive sessions will take place in person at various locations throughout the state and will cover topics such as the role of a planning commission, how to work effectively with staff and the governing board, effective community engagement, CEQA basics, required planning documents, and local and regional planning challenges and opportunities. Each session will give participants the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and fellow planning commissioners to hear best practices, emerging trends, and lessons learned. All sessions are FREE but space is limited and registration is required. Find a full schedule and register here.
Career Opportunity in Del Norte County
Del Norte County seeks a Deputy Director for the Community Development Department - Public Works Branch. This position has branch level administrative responsibility of the department (Public Works Branch), including a variety of contract management and intra- and inter-agency coordination activities under general direction of the Community Development Department Director. Under an administrative team concept, plans, organizes, coordinates and directs work of personnel in the Public Works Branch which includes the Engineering and Surveying Division, Roads Division, County Service Area (sewer collection system), and Flood Control District. Additional information is available here, or view details and apply online.
Career Opportunity in Plumas County
The County of Plumas seeks a County Administrative Officer. The CAO is a contracted, at-will position both appointed by and accountable to the Board of Supervisors and is responsible for enforcement of all County codes, ordinances and regulations, the conduct of all financial activities, and the efficient and economical performance of the County’s operations. First review of qualified applicants scheduled for May 6, 2022. For additional information and to view the job posting click here.
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.
California Water Management Research Needs Virtual Workshop May 27th, Hosted By Water UCI
Join Water UCI for a one-half day workshop aimed at prioritizing the most urgent research needs for water resilience in California. The workshop will consist of a series of large and small discussions on issues of water equity, sustainability, research translation, as well as a review of the survey results. Water UCI looks forward to hearing from stakeholders about what research is most urgent and how it can best be applied.
Date: May 27, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
RSVP Here
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.
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 your inbox.