DATE: December 17, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: United States Department of Agriculture Grant Programs Resolution
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Adopt Grant Programs Resolution authorizing the submittal of individual or regional applications for various grant programs, administered by United States Department of Agriculture, for a period of five years from date of adoption of said resolution;
2. Authorize Chairman of the Board of Supervisors or his/her designee, as Signature Authority for all grant-related documents necessary to secure grant funds and implement grant program activities; and
3. Authorize Director of Public Works and Planning, or his/her designee, as Signature Authority for all grant-related documents, excepting only Grant Agreements and Amendments thereto, necessary to secure funds and implement grant program activities.
REPORT
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant program regulations require a jurisdiction’s governing body to declare by resolution authorizations related to the application and administration of grant programs. The recommended action will meet this requirement for each of the programs. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may choose not to adopt the USDA grant programs resolution. Doing so would make the County ineligible to receive any funds from USDA for any of the grant programs offered.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the adoption of this resolution. Activities performed pursuant to any of the USDA grant programs would be funded by those grant funds awarded by the USDA. If funds are awarded, sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues will be included in the Department’s Resources Division Org 5512 FY 2024-25 Adopted Budget and will be included in future Recommended Budgets for the duration of the grant term.
DISCUSSION:
The Rural Development Act of 1972, more commonly known as the “Farm Bill,” authorizes the USDA to administer various grant programs (grants) in furtherance of the Federal government’s efforts to support projects that aim to improve solid waste management, environmental protection, rural infrastructure, and community development.
Approval of recommended action would authorize the County to apply for all USDA grants for which the County is eligible (as identified in Exhibit “A”) and, if awarded, administer those grants. The resolution affords the County the option of participating in the various grants as either an individual applicant, or a regional applicant in partnership with the various incorporated jurisdictions throughout the County, as identified in Exhibit “B” of the resolution. The resolution will also provide for streamlined application process for USDA grant programs, by authorizing the delegation of signature authority to the Director of the Department of Public Works and Planning or his/her designee in regard to the administration of the grant and the securing of grant funds. The resolution authorizes only the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors to execute any grant agreements and corresponding amendments, consistent with County policy pertaining to the execution of agreement and amendments.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #53, May 25, 2021
BAI #68, May 24, 2016
BAI #36, March 10, 2015
BAI #51, April 23, 2013
BAI #45, February 21, 2012
BAI #38, March 15, 2011
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Grant Programs Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Salvador Espino