Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 040-2021 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 March 10, 2021, the California Climate Investment Fire Prevention Grant Program opened the next cycle of grant funds. The Department of Transportation, Maintenance and Operations Division (Transportation), would like to apply for grant funding that would enable Transportation to contract out hazardous vegetation removal services within County right-of-way on designated roads.
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.
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. The projects that would be funded by the grant are additional brushing projects that Transportation would not otherwise be able to complete. If awarded, staff will return to the Board with a request for an agreement for services.
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
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with the approval of the Resolution. Should the County be awarded the grant, funds will need to be expended by March 15, 2025, or March 15, 2026, depending on funding source. If awarded, the three-year grant period will include an in-kind contribution of staff time of approximately 150 hours for an Administrative Analyst to administer the grant, 40 hours for fiscal staff to process invoices, and 120 hours for a Highway Maintenance Worker to oversee the projects to be spread over the term of the grant. The Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget includes the staff time needed to perform the work should the grant be awarded.
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