Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 205-2019 authorizing the Department to apply for the California Climate Investment Fire Prevention Grant Program and expend funds if awarded the grant.
FUNDING: Road Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On September 25, 2019 the California Climate Investment Fire Prevention Grant Program announced the next cycle of grant funds. The Department of Transportation, Maintenance and Operations Division (Transportation) is collaborating with the Chief Administrative Office - Vegetation Management Program in order to apply for grant funding that would enable Transportation to contract out hazardous vegetation removal services within County right-of-way on designated roads and enable Chief Administrative Office - Vegetation Management Program to provide fire prevention education to the public in designated areas within the County.
County roads that will be included for the hazardous vegetation removal services will be identified using the mapping tools provided by the grant administrator which include low-income, high-risk and one way in and out roadways. Should the County be awarded the grant, funds will need to be expended by March 15, 2024. A resolution from the Board of Supervisors is required as part of the grant application. Transportation anticipates contracting out the services due to limited staff and time. If awarded, staff will return to the Board with a request for an agreement for services and a budget amendment if needed.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could decline to adopt the Resolution, thereby eliminating the County from applying for this grant opportunity. The action to approve the resolution in this agenda item is part of the grant requirements for local government entities.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
Chief Administrative Office - Vegetation Management Program
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with the approval of the Resolution. If the County is awarded the grant, there will be minimal staff time that will be an in-kind contribution that will be included in the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair's signature on two original Resolutions.
2) Clerk of the Board will forward one original Resolution to Transportation, attention Ashley Johnson.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure, Public Safety
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation