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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030716_ra02JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Philip Morley, County Administrato DATE: March 7, 2016 RE: Consideration of Jefferson County funding priorities for the Federal Budget in fiscal years 2017 and 2018. STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Board of County Commissioners will establish a list of the County's federal funding priority suggestions for consideration in the 2017-2018 federal budget. ANALYSIS: Representative Kilmer's office has invited Jefferson County to submit our federal funding priorities for federal fiscal year 2017 budget (Oct 1 2016 -Sept 30 2017). This is an opportunity for Jefferson County to highlight our highest priority capital needs for federal funding, as well as important federal funding sources to County programs whose authorization may be in doubt. We've been asked to submit a short list of only the County's highest priority federal budget requests. Staff has solicited input from all County elected officials and directors for suggestions to consider as possible Jefferson County federal funding priorities. The Board of County Commissioners will consider the suggestions on March 7. FISCAL IMPACT: None directly. May provide additional funding for County services in 2017-18 federal fiscal years. RECOMMENDATION: The BoCC will discuss the priorities during their morning session, Monday, March 7, so we can send a response back to Rep. Kilmer's office later that same day. I would suggest we develop a ranked list. REVI BY: Philip Morley, ty Admini Date Rep. Kilmer Appropriations Requests Program/Activity: Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) — federal acquisitions for FY 2018 Requesting Organization: request from Jefferson County for USFS project consideration Point of Contact (Phone / e-mail): Jeff Chapman 360-385-9105 jchapman@co.jefferson.wa.us Request to Agency: US Forest Service Region 6 To be considered by Subcommittee: Interior Appropriations based on USFS project request Account (if known): Description of organization's main activities: County government Program Funding Level Requested (if applicable): $4,000,000 (fee/easement acquisition/access) Report / Bill language requested (if applicable): What was the program funding level requested in the President's FY2016 budget? $300,000,000 What was the program funding level included in FY2016 omnibus? $450,000,000 What is the program funding level requested in the President's FY2017 budget? $900,000,000 Brief explanation of and rationale for the funding or language: To provide funding for assisting with establishing the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNNST) in connecting to the Olympic National Forest across Jefferson County for both the east and west portions of the county. Jefferson County and the State of Washington have invested in this route. The federal government should as well. How is this request a good use of taxpayer funds? The PNNST is a trail administered by the US Forest Service. It was designated in Congress sponsored by retired Congressman Norm Dicks though some of the trail route across private and state lands has yet to be established. The USFS criteria for LWCF funding has seven criteria including 1. Recreation Use and Improved Public Access (60 points) 2. Healthy Watersheds (40 points) (Salmon Creek) 3. Community Benefits and Local Support (20 points) 4. Inside Congressionally Designated Area (20 points) 5. Regional Priority (50 points). USFS instructions to regions elaborate: "give additional points to projects that can demonstrate significant benefits for recreational access, especially those that solve access problems or perfect access rights on and to existing roads, trails, and waterways." Leslie Locke From: Jeff Chapman Sent: Monday, February 29, 2016 8:58 AM To: Philip Morley; Leslie Locke Subject: RE: Input on Federal FY 2017 Appropriations Requests Philip and Leslie My request is for 4 million dollars from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (federal side) for acquisitions related to the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail in Jefferson County. This would include the Eaglemount section, the Salmon Creek section, and the western Jefferson County section. As far as 1 know, this request does not compete with any other funding effort in Jefferson County. I am willing to represent the County on this and complete the form. We have a delegation of advocates that also would likely be willing to go to DC and meet with Congressman Kilmer. This may include retired Congressman Dicks, a former Appropriations Chair. This would be a pretty interesting opportunity — to go to DC with one of the stalwarts of Interior Appropriations to meet with a freshman member of the committee, Congressman Kilmer. Norm is also the sponsor of the House bill that designated the Pacific Northwest Trail. Thank you, Jeff Chapman I Jefferson County Assessor P.O. Box 1220 1 Port Townsend, WA 98368 360-385-9105 From: Philip Morley Sent: Friday, February 26, 2016 9:18 AM To: Barbara Carr<BCarr@coJefferson.wa.us>; Bob Hamlin <bhamlin@coJefferson.wa.us>; David Goldsmith <DGoldsmith@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Erin Lundgren <elundgren@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Jean Baldwin <JBaldwin@coJefferson.wa.us>; Laura Lewis <laura.lewis@wsu.edu>; Monte Reinders <MReinders@coJefferson.wa.us>; Philip Morley <pmorley@coJefferson.wa.us>; Sophie Nordstrom <SNordstrom@coJefferson.wa.us>; Tracie Bick <tracie@coJefferson.wa.us>; David Stanko <DStanko@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Jeff Chapman <JChapman@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Jill Landes <jlandes@coJefferson.wa.us>; Keith Harper <kharper@coJefferson.wa.us>; Michael Haas <MHaas@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Rose Ann Carroll <carrollra@coJefferson.wa.us>; Ruth Gordon <RGordon@coJefferson.wa.us>; Stacie Prada <SPrada@co.jefferson.wa.us>; David Sullivan <dsullivan@coJefferson.wa.us>; Kathleen Kler <KKler@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Phil Johnson <pjohnson@coJefferson.wa.us>; Anne Sears <asears@co.jefferson.wa.us> Cc: Eric Kuzma <ekuzma@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Zoe Ann Lamp <ZLamp@coJefferson.wa.us>; Dunia Faulx <DFaulx@coJefferson.wa.us>; Jared Keefer <JKeefe r@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Veronica K. Shaw <veronica@coJefferson.wa.us>; Jodi Adams <jadams@coJefferson.wa.us>; Anne Sears office (sears@olympus.net) <sears@olympus.net> Subject: Input on Federal FY 2017 Appropriations Requests Colleagues, Representative Kilmer's office has invited Jefferson County to submit our federal funding priorities for federal fiscal year 2017 budget (Oct 1 2016 -Sept 30 2017). This is an opportunity for Jefferson County to highlight our highest priority capital needs for federal funding, as well as important federal funding sources to County programs whose authorization may be in doubt. We've been asked to submit a short list of only the County's highest priority federal budget requests. Enclosed is the form Rep Kilmer's office has suggested we use for each request. Please send your suggestions for requests to Leslie Locke (Ilocke@co.iefferson.wa.us) in the Co. Admin Office by Close of Business, Thursday, March 3. That will allow this office to review them and distribute them in preparation for review by the BoCC. The BoCC will discuss the priorities during their morning session, Monday, March 7, so we can send a response back to Rep. Kilmer's office later that same day. I would suggest we develop a ranked list. Philip Philip Morley Jefferson County Administrator pmorley@co.iefferson.wa.us (360) 385-9100 x-383 This is a reminder that all email to or from this email address may be subject to the Public Records Act contained in RCW 42.56. Additionally, all email to and from the county is captured and archived by Information Services. From: "Wasserman, Aaron" Date: February 25, 2016 at 5:53:33 PM EST To: Kathleen Kler Subject: Appropriations Deadline Good afternoon, As you may know, Rep. Kilmer is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which sets funding levels for federal programs. As we approach budget season for fiscal year 2017, we are reaching out to ask for your key priorities. The President's budget was released on earlier this month and Appropriations Committee has begun hearings with cabinet and senior administration officials. To ensure that Rep. Kilmer can be an effective voice for issues of regional and national importance, we kindly request that you share your county's top appropriations priorities (support for federal programs that currently benefit the county or a need for federal assistance). Please note that Rep. Kilmer does not require the use of any form for submission of your priorities. However, I have included a template for your use. Your feedback will give Rep. Kilmer the ability to begin working to educate his colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee about factors to consider when making key funding decisions. Please provide your priorities with me before March len If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email. Sincerely, Aaron Wasserman Legislative Director Representative Derek Kilmer (WA -06) 1520 Longworth House Office Building 202-225-5918 Leslie Locke From: Monte Reinders Sent: Friday, March 04, 2016 10:45 AM To: Philip Morley; Leslie Locke Cc: Zoe Ann Lamp; Eric Kuzma Subject: RE: Input on Federal FY 2017 Appropriations Requests Philip: For Roads the biggest funding priorities are 1. Fund Secure Rural Schools and Communities Self -Determination Act beyond this year (when it expires), preferably for multiple years to allow budget planning and preferably at historic levels for Jefferson County where it has been cut by 75% over the last 4 years. The County cannot sustain even basic road maintenance services without this funding. Forestry was the industry that provided revenue in Jefferson County up into the 1990s. No new industries have arisen to replace this since the harvest reductions on federal land. No new industries are likely to replace it in any near term projection. 2. Continue to fund Highway Transportation Bills that include funding which makes its way to Jefferson County both through WSDOT highway projects and to local agency projects for Jefferson County, the City of Port Townsend, and Transit. Projects include intersection improvements, safety improvements, transit infrastructure and equipment, road infrastructure preservation, pedestrian projects surrounding schools and communities, and emergency repairs which typically preserve access to federal land in Jefferson County — most notably the Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park. 3. Continue to fund and expand the Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) in Highway Transportation Packages. Jefferson County cannot be expected to provide federal land access when the funding that traditionally came from that federal land has been reduced by over 75% through harvest reduction and subsequent cuts in the replacement program (Secure Rural Schools). For the Sewer, the primary funding sources (federal programs) include: 1. US Dept of Agriculture Rural Development, Water & Environmental Programs (WEP), Peter McMillin Washington State WEP Program Director—funded NEPA 2. EPA Region 10, Special Appropriation Acts Project (SAAP) Program — funded design of the wastewater system 3. Clean Water State Revolving Fund, managed in WA State by Dept. of Ecology, Jeff Nejedly, Water Quality Program Manager—funded facilities planning work. These programs are already funding partners for the Port Hadlock Wastewater System. They are interested in the success of the project and have very limited grant funding available to offer. In addition, Rep. Kilmer maybe familiar with the Public Works Trust Fund loan program in WA State. Funds are not currently available through the PWTF program as the funds have been redirected for education and other uses. Jefferson County has one open loan with about $8+ million available for construction. The PWTF program denied an additional loan due to affordability and the ability to repay another loan. Jefferson County continues to work with the WA state legislature and all available funding sources to obtain grants that are necessary to make this project affordable to the local community while protecting water quality. Monte Reinders, P.E. Jefferson County Public Works Director/County Engineer 623 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 (360) 385-9160 From: Philip Morley Sent: Friday, February 26, 2016 9:18 AM To: Barbara Carr <BCarr@coJefferson.wa.us>; Bob Hamlin <bhamlin@co.jefferson.wa.us>; David Goldsmith <DGoldsmith@coJefferson.wa.us>; Erin Lundgren <elundgren@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Jean Baldwin <JBaldwin@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Laura Lewis <laura.lewis@wsu.edu>; Monte Reinders <MReinders@coJefferson.wa.us>; Philip Morley<pmorley@coJefferson.wa.us>; Sophie Nordstrom <SNordstrom@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Tracie Bick <tracie@co.jefferson.wa.us>; David Stanko <DStanko@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Jeff Chapman <JChapman@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Jill Landes <jlandes@coJefferson.wa.us>; Keith Harper<kharper@coJefferson.wa.us>; Michael Haas <MHaas@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Rose Ann Carroll-.carrollra@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Ruth Gordon <RGordon@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Stacie Prada <SPrada@coJefferson.wa.us>; David Sullivan <dsullivan@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Kathleen Kler <KKler@coJefferson.wa.us>; Phil Johnson <pjohnson@coJefferson.wa.us>; Anne Sears <asears@co.jefferson.wa.us> Cc: Eric Kuzma <ekuzma@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Zoe Ann Lamp <ZLamp@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Dunia Faulx <DFaulx@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Jared Keefer <JKeefe r@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Veronica K. Shaw <veronica@co.jefferson.wa.us>; Jodi Adams <jadams@coJefferson.wa.us>; Anne Sears office (sears@olympus.net) <sears@olympus.net> Subject: Input on Federal FY 2017 Appropriations Requests Colleagues, Representative Kilmer's office has invited Jefferson County to submit our federal funding priorities for federal fiscal year 2017 budget (Oct 12016 -Sept 30 2017). This is an opportunity for Jefferson County to highlight our highest priority capital needs for federal funding, as well as important federal funding sources to County programs whose authorization may be in doubt. We've been asked to submit a short list of only the County's highest priority federal budget requests. Enclosed is the form Rep Kilmer's office has suggested we use for each request. Please send your suggestions for requests to Leslie Locke (Ilocke@co.jefferson.wa.us) in the Co. Admin Office by Close of Business, Thursday, March 3. That will allow this office to review them and distribute them in preparation for review by the BoCC. The BoCC will discuss the priorities during their morning session, Monday, March 7, so we can send a response back to Rep. Kilmer's office later that same day. I would suggest we develop a ranked list. Philip Philip Morley Jefferson County Administrator Pmorlev@co.iefferson.wa.us (360) 385-9100 x-383 This is a reminder that all email to or from this email address may be subject to the Public Records Act contained in RCW 42.56. Additionally, all email to and from the county is captured and archived by Information Services. From: "Wasserman, Aaron" Date: February 25, 2016 at 5:53:33 PM EST To: Kathleen Kler Subject: Appropriations Deadline Good afternoon, As you may know, Rep. Kilmer is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which sets funding levels for federal programs. As we approach budget season for fiscal year 2017, we are reaching out to ask for your key priorities. The President's budget was released on earlier this month and Appropriations Committee has begun hearings with cabinet and senior administration officials. To ensure that Rep. Kilmer can be an effective voice for issues of regional and national importance, we kindly request that you share your county's top appropriations priorities (support for federal programs that currently benefit the county or a need for federal assistance). Please note that Rep. Kilmer does not require the use of any form for submission of your priorities. However, I have included a template for your use. Your feedback will give Rep. Kilmer the ability to begin working to educate his colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee about factors to consider when making key funding decisions. Please provide your priorities with me before March 71n If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email. Sincerely, Aaron Wasserman Legislative Director Representative Derek Kilmer (WA -06) 1520 Longworth House Office Building 202-225-5918 Rep. Kilmer Optional Template for FY 17 Appropriations Requests Program/Activity: Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds Subcommittee: Agency: EPA Account (if known): Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds Requesting Organization: Jefferson County Point of Contact (Phone / e-mail): Description of organization's main activities: Our activities are two -fold: 1.) To ensure safe drinking water and waste water disposal to our residents. 2.) To promote economic development in a sustainable manner for the betterment of the citizens it serves. Providing infrastructure toward these roles are critical to protect the health of the citizens of our county as well as provide a foundation for economic opportunity. Program Funding Level Requested (if applicable): Report / Bill language requested (if applicable): Priority given to infrastructure projects in rural counties of depressed economic activity where public health is at risk due to improper or inadequate wastewater disposal. What was the program funding level requested in the President's FY2016 budget? Clean Water — $1.12 billion Drinking Water - $1.19 billion What was the program funding level included in FY2016 omnibus? Clean Water — $1.39 billion Drinking Water - $863 million What is the program funding level requested in the President's FY2017 budget? Clean Water — $979.5 million Drinking Water - $1.02 billion Brief explanation of and rationale for the funding or language: Locally, we have a shovel -ready wastewater treatment plant project to serve an area of the county that desperately needs infrastructure in order to spur economic growth for businesses and individuals as well as abate fecal pollution sources to freshwater and marine waters. The marine shoreline in the area is home to a number of shellfish beds that supply food to residents, businesses and tribes. Such a project would allow the area to attract new business and jobs in addition to allowing for growth of existing businesses. The current barrier is available grant funds. As with many rural counties, we have a depressed economy and are unable to fund the project on our own. With grant funding, we can make this priority project a viable one for our community and allow us to improve many conditions in our county for the betterment of our citizens. How is this request a good use of taxpayer funds? This request is an excellent use of taxpayer funds. Rural areas are historically underserved as services are focused to more urban areas. Rural areas are more likely to be economically depressed, have health disparities and generally lack the resources to pick themselves up and improve the lives of the people that live there. By providing a mechanism for the local governmental entity to improve wastewater or drinking water capital facilities allows for taxpayer benefit to occur for decades to come. Locally, not only will it address the immediate issues of fecal contamination of fresh and marine waters and infrastructure needs of the area, but it will also pay future dividends with increased economic activity, growth and pollution prevention. Rep. Kilmer Optional Template for FY 17 Appropriations Requests Program/Activity: Puget Sound Program; Puget Sound Protection and Restoration Subcommittee: Agency: Environmental Protection Agency Account (if known): National Estuary Program Requesting Organization: Jefferson County Point of Contact (Phone / e-mail): (360) 385-9411 Description of organization's main activities: Within Jefferson County government and in conjunction with multiple partners, operate programs to address non -point source pollution to water and shellfish beds. Activities undertaken with this funding source include, but are limited to, stormwater infrastructure improvements, critical habitat and water quality protection, correction of on-site septic system and agriculture waste pollution as well as shellfish growing area protection and restoration, regulation of critical areas, stormwater runoff and fecal waste from humans and animals. This program and its subsequent activities are effective mechanisms to protect both public health and the environment throughout our region and support employment opportunities for these highly capable professionals as well as the business sectors that the activities protect (shellfish and salmon fisheries). Program Funding Level Requested (if applicable): Report / Bill language requested (if applicable): Funding shall be appropriated to revise the National Estuary Program by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to make competitive awards to address urgent and challenging issues that threaten the economic and ecological well-being of coastal areas (Puget Sound). What was the program funding level requested in the President's FY2016 budget? Puget Sound Program — $29.998 million National Estuary Program — $16.8 million What was the program funding level included in FY2016 omnibus? Puget Sound Program — $28 million National Estuary Program - $26.7 million What is the program funding level requested in the President's FY2017 budget? Puget Sound Program — >$30 million National Estuary Program — $27.2 million Brief explanation of and rationale for the funding or language: This program funding is utilized to make improvements nationwide in designated estuaries. Both the house and senate have passed reauthorization bills (HR 944 and S 1523, respectively). How is this request a good use of taxpayer funds? These funds are not only beneficial to the environment and fisheries but also directly benefit the health of taxpayers. These funds do this by reducing fecal pathogens entering drinking water supplies and food supplies (shellfish) as well as improving water quality, riparian zone restorations and pollution source identification and correction for salmon habitat. These funds efficiently and effectively remove adverse impacts to people, business and the environment (both financial and physical). By reducing fecal pathogens, we can keep shellfish beds open, people employed and business in operations. By restoring salmon habitat, we can provide more robust fisheries to recreational anglers, tribes and commercial fishermen. By conducting pollution identification and correction, we can locate various sources of pollution that could contaminate the environment with hazardous waste or through stormwater runoff, contaminate drinking water systems and cause toxic algal blooms.