U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Schedules Public Meeting on the Yellow-Legged Frog
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) scheduled two public meetings this month to discuss proposals to list and designate critical habitat for the Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog, the northern distinct population segment of the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog, and the Yosemite Toad.
The remaining meeting information is as follows:
January 13, 2014 (Monday)
1:00 p.m.
Fresno County Board of Supervisors Chambers
Hall of Records, Room 301
2281 Tulare Street
Fresno, CA 93721
The USFWS will present information and address questions as the draft economic analysis is currently slated to be released to the public by the end of the month. A public hearing on the proposals and draft economic analysis is planned in Sacramento following the release.
Additional information, including links to the proposed critical habitat maps by county can be accessed here.
For additional information, please contact RCRC Legislative Analyst Nick Konovaloff at 916.447.4806 or nkonovaloff@rcrcnet.org.
Drinking Water Reorganization
A public meeting has been scheduled concerning the proposed transfer of the Drinking Water Program (currently under the CA Department of Public Health (CDPH)) to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The purpose of the meeting is to obtain input to inform the proposed transfer of the Drinking Water Program. A Transition Plan is anticipated to be completed by February 14, 2014.
The meeting information is as follows:
January 15, 2014 (Wednesday)
9:00 a.m.
Cal-EPA Headquarters Building
Byron Sher Auditorium
1001 I Street, Second Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Last summer, the Brown Administration (Administration) released a White Paper describing its proposal to transfer the Drinking Water Program. The transfer is intended to align the state’s drinking water and water quality programs into an integrated organizational structure. The Administration’s objectives include continued focus on supporting small and disadvantaged communities to address their unique drinking water needs.
The White Paper can be accessed here. A webcast of the meeting can be accessed here.
For additional information, please contact SWRCB Director of Transitions Elizabeth Haven at 916.341.5457 or liz.haven@waterboards.ca.gov.
Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentives Program Workshops Announced
The California Strategic Growth Council has announced the dates and locations for its Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentives Program Workshops. The Workshops are intended to provide technical assistance, an overview of the application process, and assist in the preparation of grant applications.
Detailed workshop information can be accessed here. Grant guidelines, and staff contact information for questions can be accessed here.
For additional information, please contact RCRC Regulatory Affairs Advocate Mary Pitto at 916.447.4806 or mpitto@rcrcnet.org.
Department of Housing and Community Development Releases 2014 Community Development Block Grant Notice of Funding Availability
The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has released the 2014 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) of approximately $28,500,000 for CDBG eligible activities for funding year 2014-15.
Applications (except for the Economic Development (ED) Over-the-Counter (OTC)) are due to HCD by April 11, 2014, with awards to be announced in July or August. The ED OTC application is due by April 30, 2015. Information related to this funding can be accessed here.
HCD will hold five workshops through the state. Detailed information on the workshops can be accessed here.
For additional information, please contact RCRC Regulatory Affairs Advocate Mary Pitto at 916.447.4806 or mpitto@rcrcnet.org.