Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.
Public Hearings for the 2022 Central Valley Flood Protection Plan Update
The Central Valley Flood Protection Board, which is responsible for adopting the 2022 Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) Update, is hosting a series of three hearings which began on Thursday, May 12th. The remaining hearings are taking place May 16th and May 19th.
For more information about how to participate in these hearings, or how to submit a written comment, please visit the Board’s 2022 Public Hearings webpage, www.cvfpbfloodplanhearings2022.org. For an electronic copy of the 2022 CVFPP Update and supporting documents, please see DWR’s Central Valley Flood Protection Plan webpage. Comments on the Public Draft should be provided no later than June 6, 2022, at 5 pm PST.
Date: May 16, 2022
Time: 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Location: State of California Natural Resources Agency Building (715 P Street, Sacramento, CA), First Floor Auditorium
Zoom, Live Streaming, and Call-In options available for remote participation.
For participation information visit the Board’s 2022 Public Hearings webpage here.
Date: May 19, 2022
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Online Only
For participation information visit the Board’s 2022 Public Hearings webpage here.
Save the Date, June 2nd: 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.
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
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.