Title
Human Services Department recommending conceptual approval to submit a Community Development Block Grant Planning and Technical Assistance Economic Development Allocation application for one or more projects in an amount up to $35,000 each, for a combined total amount up to $70,000 to the California Department of Housing and Community Development under the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
FUNDING: Federal CDBG Grant Funds.
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: There is no cost associated with the application process beyond the staff time associated with preparation of an updated application. The County match requirement for each $35,000 study is expected to be designated by the NOFA at $1,750 each, which is 5% of the grant amount. The in-kind match is proposed to be covered by the administering departments budgeted General Fund Housing Element Implementation dollars for the Sierra Pacific Industries project-specific study and by the County Economic Development Promotion Fund, with a community contribution for the Divide economic development plan non-project-specific study.
Background:
On August 16, 2007, a community forum was held in Georgetown to discuss barriers to community and economic development in the Divide area. Community and County stakeholder groups subsequently formed to discuss concerns that were identified at the forum. An application was developed proposing to hire a consultant to collect and evaluate demographics and economic data that would result in an economic development plan for the Divide community. Such a study would assist the County in meeting the goals identified in the 12-month interdepartmental economic development action plan adopted by the Board on May 18, 2009, to create prosperous and sustainable communities while maintaining our quality of life. This plan includes an action to explore and apply for community economic development grants, State and Federal governmental assistance sources for developing needed economic development tools in support of this goal.
Reason for Recommendation:
The Board approved submittal of applications for CDBG Economic Development Allocation Planning and Technical Assistance grants during both the 2008-09 and 2009-10 NOFA cycles for a non-project-specific study to develop an economic development plan for the Divide Community. However, the annual CDBG allocations were already oversubscribed by the time these applications were submitted, and no additional funding became available.
It is expected that the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) will release a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Fiscal Year 2010-11 Community Development Block Grant Planning and Technical Assistance Economic Development allocation in April 2010. Eligible activities would include project-specific planning activities for preparation of one or more Over-The-Counter funding applications for up to $70,000 or one or more proposed economic development studies not directly focused on the development of a specific project for up to $35,000. Multiple studies can be completed for up to $70,000, combining one project-specific study and one non-project-specific study.
It is necessary at this time to obtain conceptual approval to submit a CDBG PTA Economic Development Allocation application prior to the 2010-2011 NOFA release to ensure that the County can compete in the upcoming funding opportunity.
It is proposed to again submit an application under the Economic Development allocation for $35,000 for a non-project-specific study to fund the preparation of a local economic development plan for the Georgetown Divide community.
A $35,000 application for a proposed project-specific study is also under consideration. Staff is in preliminary discussions with Sierra Pacific Industries regarding their potential partnership with Waste Connections for repurposing green waste and discarded building materials. Therefore staff is also requesting conceptual approval to submit an application on behalf of Sierra Pacific Industries should it be determined appropriate. If an application is prepared, it will be brought back to the Board for final approval and authorization for submittal.
Existing staff would be utilized to administer the activities under this grant. The level of environmental review required under the grant activities would be determined and completed as a part of the grant set up conditions for each project as required by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and would be overseen by County staff.
Following Board conceptual approval to proceed, the application will be developed to include one or both of the referenced projects and a Public Hearing will be scheduled for Board consideration of the application and receipt of any public comments, at which time adoption of a Resolution would authorize submittal of the grant application.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
Human Services to develop a 2010-11 Community Development Block Grant Planning and Technical Assistance Economic Development allocation application and all relevant documents for Board of Supervisors consideration and adoption of a Resolution authorizing submittal of said application to the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
Contact: Daniel Nielson, 642-7275
Concurrences: N/A