CDBG waiver is being readied as we read

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 – This is NEWZ.  Today, as this is being typed, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) initiated by Nevada County is being readied for a “waiver” approval.  In April of last year (2011) word had it that the CDBG for the Community Facility District 2007-1 (CFD) was awarded to Nevada County to assist low/moderate income families within the above mention CFD.  The following June this grant award was retracted due to some technicalities.  This technicalities were addressed by both the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) and Nevada County in a hurculean collaborative effort to “get it straight.”

The ensuing months were occupied by this grant being reviewed by both federal and state agencies that identified the faulty technicalities.  The final outcome is that a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is required by this particular grant to be included in the application for the grant.  Originally it was determined that only a State of California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review was necessary.  So, now (again as this is being typed) the information from the EPA is being configured into the required NEPA in order for the grant waiver to move on through the state and federal agencies for approval.

This is progress.   (Jeanette Clark, reporting) For more information click here.

Fire Safe Assistance for Qualified Residents

Fire Safe Assistance for Some Citizens

The Union, Section A, Wednesday, April 20, 2011

“The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County is offering fire safe clearing assistance to low-income seniors and physically disabled residents of Nevada County at no cost.

The Special Needs Assistance Program provides defensible space clearing to qualified residents who are both physically and financially unable to create and maintain their property to meet defensible space requirements under state law.

Applicants are required to qualify for the service either as a senior citizen – over 65 years of age – or through medical disability.  All applicants must meet income guidelines established by the federal government for Nevada County.

The program provides up to eight hours of service for new clients and four hours of service for clients receiving prior assistance.  Service is provided on a first-come, first-served basis after applicants qualify.  With fire season just around the corner, now is the time to apply for help.  Crews will begin work for this fire season in May.

“Many citizens in our community are in need of help with creating defensible space,” said Executive Director, Joanne Drummond.  “We’re pleased to be able to offer this important service for those in need.”

For more information about creating defensible space or the programs offered to assist landowners by the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County visit www.areyoufiresafe.com or phone (530) 272-1122.  – Submitted to The Union