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| ARF- 2533 |
Regular Agenda Item 3. E.
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| Regular BOS Meeting |
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| Information |
| Request/Subject |
| Authorize submission of a "Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act" Title II Grant for 2014 |
| Background Information |
| On October 2, 2013, the "Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000" was re-authorized for one year as part of HR 527 Helium Stewardship Act and includes provisions for Title II Special Projects on Federal Lands. On December 17, 2013, the Board of Supervisors elected the full share of Secure Rural Schools funding, and further designated that twenty percent be allocated to the Title II Special Projects on Federal Lands. This act authorizes the use of area Resource Advisory Committees (RACs) as a mechanism for local community collaboration with federal land managers in recommending Title II projects on federal lands, or that will benefit resources on federal lands. Gila County is one of the five eastern counties that make up the geographical area for the Eastern Arizona RAC. As with the past year, the Tonto National Forest will administer funds for projects included within this forest. The timing for this year's grant cycle has been considerably shortened. The Title II grant applications have to be submitted by May 31, 2014, and successful grants will require signed agreements by September 30, 2014. |
| Evaluation |
It is estimated that $367,444 will be available for Title II projects in Gila County. Title II funds may be used for projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implementing stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems and restoring and improving land health or water quality.
Following the successful completion of the prior Title II project, the Public Works Department will submit a similar application to haul material and surface an additional section of the unpaved portion of Forest Road 512.
Forest Road (FR) 512 provides access to the community of Young, Arizona, from State Route (SR) 260. The only other access to Young is via SR 288. The unpaved portion of FR 512 has no base material on it, and there is no way to maintain the existing road without adding material. The funding obtained through this process during the last grant cycle provided funding to haul material and surface five miles of the 13.5 miles of unpaved road. The material was hauled in from local material pits near the area, and placed on the road using motor graders, water trucks and rollers. The finished surface on those five miles will provides a safer roadway for the traveling public.The intent of this current grant application is to haul material and surface the remaining eight miles of unpaved, unsurfaced road. Continuing with this project will provide additional improved surface miles, and should reduce accidents on the road and provide for quicker emergency response times, and will reduce maintenance costs on the road.
This proposal currently has letters of support from the Forest Supervisor, and the Gila County Sheriff's Office. Staff expects to have additional letters of support from the local Pleasant Valley Ranger District and the Pleasant Valley Fire District by the application deadline.
The Resource Advisory Committee is expected to meet and select grants in July or early August 2014, in Springerville, Arizona; however, there is not a confirmed date for that meeting at this time. |
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| Conclusion |
| The project to continue to haul material and surface the remaining eight miles of unpaved road of Forest Road (FR) 512 has broad local support as well as support at the Tonto Forest Supervisor's Office. This project will improve the safety of the road, reduce emergency response times, and provide material for future maintenance. In addition, it will allow for goods and services to be more efficiently provided to the residents of Young, Arizona. In the past, several companies have refused to deliver their goods to that community because of the condition of this road and the damage to their delivery vehicles. |
| Recommendation |
| Staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve this Title II Grant application for "Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000" as reauthorized by HR 527 Helium Stewardship Act for Forest Road 512 Surfacing Project for Federal Fiscal Year 2014. |
| Suggested Motion |
Information/Discussion/Action to approve the submission of a grant application by the Gila County Public Works Department for a "Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000", as reauthorized by HR 527 Helium Stewardship Act, Title II - Special Project Grant for fiscal year 2014 funding for a Forest Road 512 Surfacing Project.
(Steve Stratton, Steve Sanders, Jacque Griffin) |
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