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Chief Administrative Office, Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience Office, recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Direct that all funding received from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act (also known as Title III funds) for Fiscal Year 2021-22 be directed to the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council for the purpose of funding fire prevention and planning projects; and
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a budget transfer increasing revenues and appropriations in Department 13 to make the payment to the Fire Safe Council.
FUNDING: Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act (also known as Title III funds).
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000 was first enacted by Congress to stabilize funding to counties for road maintenance and public schools in recognition of the decline of revenues from timber sales on federal lands. The funds may be used for the following purposes:
1. To carry out activities under the Firewise Communities program;
2. To reimburse the participating county for search and rescue and other emergency services, including firefighting and law enforcement patrols;
3. To cover training costs and equipment purchases directly related to the emergency service described above;
4. To develop and carry out community wildfire protection plans.
5. To provide or expand access to broadband telecommunications services.
Funding is reauthorized by Congress for additional years through various legislation. Most recently, Congress extended funding until 2023 under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58). The Fiscal Year 2021-22 allocation received by the County is $120,641.
On July 15, 2014, the Board directed that funding received under Title III be split evenly between the Sheriff's Office, for search and rescue, and the Fire Safe Council (13-1542v2). The direction was based upon a mutual agreement between the Sheri...
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