Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board consider approving and authorizing the Chair to sign a letter to Congressman McClintock's office in support of Community Project Funding requests for regional projects, and to support the attached list of ten stimulus projects.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On April 14, 2021, the Department of Transportation received an email request from the El Dorado County Transportation Commission to partner with our local communities to encourage Senator McClintock to support funding for regional projects through the Community Project Funding (CPF) discretionary grant program. The CPF, recently released by the U.S. House of Representatives, presents an opportunity for our County to secure funding to support much-needed traditional and transformative transportation investments. The CPF provides an opportunity for a local or regional jurisdiction to advocate for a specific project in a way that clearly illustrates the need, impact, and value that will be realized by not just the local community, but by all users of the transportation system. CPF funding is awarded to a recipient based on their specific advocacy and therefore is not subject to competitive award processes, giving local jurisdictions a greater opportunity to secure transportation funding that will address the needs of their constituents. Furthermore, the CPF allows a local jurisdiction to secure funding for a project which they have deemed the highest and best use of transportation funding rather than require them to structure a project which fits the framework of a specific funding program.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to sign the letter of support.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
CAO's Office
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
As the Federal government has already approved funding for this purpose, the Board should authorize the Chair to sign the letter to Congressman McClintock in order for some of the Federal funding to be allocated to El Dorado County to benefit our community and constituents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the County to issue the letter of support.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Obtain the Chair's signature on the letter and mail the letter to Senator McClintock's office.
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation