DISCUSSION
Secure Rural School (SRS) funding provides assistance to rural counties affected by declining timber harvests on federal lands. Title III funds are a component of SRS funding. Title III funds may only be used to carry out Firewise Communities Program activities, reimburse search and rescue and other emergency services, and to develop community wildfire protection plans. These activities must be in relation to federal lands. Congress last renewed the SRS program in 2015 and it has since lapsed. Approximately $189,000 remains available for allocation within Shasta County. Projects shall be initiated by September 30, 2017.
On June 28, 2017, a request for proposals was circulated. Four proposals were received totaling $159,250. The Sheriff’s Office applied for $25,000 for search and rescue recovery efforts and $40,000 for emergency fire response services. The Western Shasta Resource Conservation District applied for $65,250 for Firewise Communities activities. The Day Lassen Bench Fire Safe Council applied for $29,000 for Firewise Communities activities. Staff will return to the Board for final project award after a 45-day comment period. |