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ARF- 7519 Regular Agenda Item     3. A.    
Special BOS Meeting
Meeting Date: 08/30/2022  
Submitted For: Michael O'Driscoll Submitted By: Michael O'Driscoll, Director
Department: Health & Emergency Management Division: Emergency Management
Fiscal Year: 2022 Budgeted?: No
Contract Dates
Begin & End:
March 15, 2022 - September 30, 2025 Grant?: Yes
Matching
Requirement?:
Yes
Fund?: New

Information
Request/Subject
Approval of a grant application to the United States Forest Service (USFS) to accept a congressionally directed earmark award of $609,000 to be used for maintaining water storage systems for wildfire protection in Gila County.
Background Information
On March 15, 2022, through Senator Mark Kelly's office, Gila County was awarded $609,000 in Congressionally directed earmark monies to be used for maintaining water storage systems for wildfire protection in Gila County. The award expires in September 2025.

When the $609,000 was awarded, the funds went directly to the USFS for disbursement to Gila County. In our discussions with the USFS, it was discovered that since the $609,000 was sent directly to USFS any disbursements of these funds must follow their grant application process. In further discussion with the USFS, we were informed that this funding has a 1:1 match requirement attached to it. This match can be financial, in-kind activities, or a combination of both. The in-kind match can be contributions consisting of donated time and effort, real nonexpendable personal property, and goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the supported activity or project.

The breakdown of this Congressionally directed earmark award would be $609,000 from the USFS with a $609,000 match from Gila County (financial, in-kind activities, or a combination) for a total of $1,218,000.
Evaluation
Increasing the capability of fire suppression efforts is vital to the protection of Gila County residents’ life and property in areas prone to wildfires. This funding will assist in fighting fires early, saving on response and recovery costs. This award will allow Gila County to update and maintain the current water tanks and storage facilities systems that are strategically placed in high-risk wildfire areas.

Currently, Gila County has 14 high-priority water tanks and storage systems locations throughout high-risk wildfire areas. Many of these 14 sites have old water bladders with deteriorating water storage tanks. This funding will provide the opportunity for the evaluation and purchase of new water tank storage systems to replace the dilapidated tanks and old bladders.
Conclusion
Due to the age and condition of our current water tanks and storage systems that the USFS uses for quick wildfire suppression and response in high-risk areas of Gila County, this funding would greatly assist in upgrading those systems at the 14 locations throughout the county.
Recommendation
It is the recommendation of the Gila County Health & Emergency Management Department Director that the Board approve a grant application to the USFS and accept a congressionally directed earmark award of $609,000 to be used for maintaining water storage systems for wildfire protection in Gila County with the understanding that this funding comes with a 1:1 match of $609,000 for Gila County that can be in cash, in-kind activities, or a combination of both for the period of March 2022 through September 2025.
Suggested Motion
Information/Discussion/Action to approve a grant application with the United States Forest Service to accept a congressionally directed earmark award of $609,000 to be used for maintaining water storage systems for wildfire protection in Gila County with the understanding that this funding comes with a 1:1 match of $609,000 for Gila County that can be in cash, in-kind activities, or a combination of both for the period of March 2022 through September 2025. (Michael O'Driscoll)

Attachments
SF424-Application for Federal Assistance
USFS Financial Capability Form
USFS Civil Rights Form
USFS Certificate Lobbying Form
Preliminary Budget Proposal
Felony Tax Delinquent Form
Budget Information Summary
Additional Grant Application Detail

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