Title
Air Quality Management District recommending the Board, acting as the Air Quality Management District Board of Directors, adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 082-2019 authorizing Air Pollution Control Officer to:
1) Execute grant agreement G18-PBRM-06 accepting initial funding from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in the estimated amount of $28,717 for the implementation of the Prescribed Burn Reporting and Monitoring Support Program (Program);
2) Execute any future grant or funding agreements with CARB and other necessary actions to receive additional funding to support the implementation of the Program through the statutory term of the program; and
3) Implement and expend the funds in accordance with agreement G18-PBRM-06 and CARB requirements.
FUNDING: State funding from the California Climate Investments Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Prescribed Burn Reporting and Monitoring Support Program (Program) grant is intended to provide resources to air pollution control districts for an enhanced smoke management program, including enhanced reporting of prescribed fire activity in their regions, air monitoring of prescribed fires, improved public outreach regarding prescribed fires, and resources for district staff to attend regional training sessions on different elements of the State's smoke management program. The grant agreement provides $28,717 for state Fiscal Year 2018 for the program. There is no match requirement required with the acceptance of grant funding. Enhancing the smoke management and prescribed fire programs will reduce wildfire risk and associated health impacts from wildfire smoke.
ALTERNATIVES
If the Board chooses not to adopt the Resolution, the District will not have funding available to provide the County's residents with the benefits of this enhanced smoke management program.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Resolution has been approved by County Counsel and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The acceptance of this funding will allow the District to perform the tasks of the enhanced smoke management plan and will help to offset the costs of those programs and participate in the enhanced monitoring, reporting, and outreach activities with the other involved agencies. There is no fiscal impact to existing District funding.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk to provide AQMD with a signed copy of the Resolution.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Dave Johnston, Air Pollution Control Officer