A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC's affiliated entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.

 

ESJPA Launches Business Plan Development Process

This month the Rural Counties Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority (ESJPA) launched a process to develop a business plan to guide future organizational efforts. Staff will form the plan utilizing input from members of the ESJPA Board of Directors, county solid waste and recycling managers, and other public works personnel to evaluate how to best serve members and to explore potential expansion of member services, while efficiently utilizing ESJPA staff and resources. ESJPA has begun surveying county staff to gather feedback on service needs and, in combination with feedback from current ESJPA members, will be finalizing the business plan by fall 2022. 

ESJPA currently consists of 24 RCRC member counties and focuses on the challenges facing solid waste and recycling operations in local jurisdictions. ESJPA has dedicated staff to assist members with implementation, enforcement, reporting, and other regulatory and statutory requirements. Staff also conduct trainings, provide one-on-one assistance when member counties go to enforcement actions, manage used tire and used-oil grants for a number of counties, and prepare compliance documents to aid member counties with regulatory implementation and political advocacy. Additionally, ESJPA acts as an advocacy arm for member counties at both the legislature and regulatory agencies such as CalRecycle, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, the State Water Resources Control Board, and the California Air Resources Board.  

Find additional information on ESJPA at www.esjpa.org.

 

GSCA Establishes Leadership and Begins Plan Implementation

Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) is a joint powers authority designed for the purpose of increasing access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet for rural Californians. Since its formation in August 2021, GSCA membership has grown to a total of 37 rural counties. The GSCA Board of Directors, comprised of an elected county supervisor from each member county, confirmed membership at their inaugural meeting in December 2021 along with the appointment of their senior leadership.  For the 2022 calendar year, Calaveras County Supervisor Jack Garamendi is serving as Chair and Alpine County Supervisor David Griffith is serving as Vice Chair.  

At this time, GSCA is advancing its aim to increase investment and delivery of robust internet in rural California. One aspect of this plan is to expand internet in rural counties through the pursuit of technical assistance and funding for member counties. With many state and federal funding opportunities emerging for internet infrastructure, GSCA has released a resource document providing an overview of funding sources, organizations involved, and a glossary of terms. GSCA is also seeking grant funding on behalf of 26 of its member counties to assist them in developing broadband strategic plans, an important component to achieving foundational readiness for internet deployment.  

Another key aspect of GSCA’s plan of work is to partner with county governments to install and operate open-access, municipal internet, beginning with select initial locations and then expanding to additional sites. GSCA is currently evaluating potential locations for this purpose.  

Additional information, resources, and project updates regarding GSCA are available at www.goldenstateconnect.org.