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Home My WebLink AboutWORKSHOP re Secure Rural Schools Monies JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Mark McCauley, County Administrator DATE: September 6, 2022 SUBJECT: County Distribution Percentages for Secure Rural Schools Monies STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Periodically the Washington State Treasurer gives counties the option to change the distribution percentages for Title I, II and III monies made available under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. Jefferson County's current allocation percentages, elected by the county last in 2013, are 85%, 13% and 2% for Titles I, II and III, respectively. We have been asked to confirm our existing distribution percentages or chose another distribution scheme. Failure to do this will result in these monies being distributed using the following default percentages: 80%to Title 1 and 20%to be distributed between Titles II and III (most likely to Title II). ANALYSIS: The Secure Rural Schools Act breaks payments into three distinct categories: Title I-Roads & Schools Counties generally receive the majority of Secure Rural Schools funds under Title I, which is designated for the benefit of public schools and public roads. In years when the Secure Rural Schools Act is reauthorized by Congress, Title I payments are made from the USDA Forest Service to states. States then distribute the payment to all eligible counties. The funds must be passed through to local governmental entities for use at the county level (but not necessarily to county governments themselves). Each state must spend the funds on road and school programs, and state law sets forth how the payments are to be allocated between road and school projects. The state laws differ widely, generally ranging from 30%to 100% for school programs. Title II - Special Projects on Federal Lands Counties typically receive 20% or less of Secure Rural Schools funds under Title II, which are used by willing Federal agencies, State and local governments, private and nonprofit entities, and landowners for protection, restoration and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat, and other natural resource objectives on Federal land and on non-Federal land where projects would benefit these resources on Federal land. Rather than being distributed to the State, Title II funds are retained by the Forest Service and are allocated to specific projects that have been reviewed and recommended by a local Resource Advisory Committee. Resource Advisory Committees must initiate (recommend) Title II projects by September 30, 2025. Project funds must be obligated by Sept. 30, 2026 Title III - County Projects Funds received under Title III are used to: • carry out activities under the Firewise Communities program • reimburse the participating county for search and rescue and other emergency services, including firefighting and law enforcement patrols • cover training costs and equipment purchases directly related to the emergency service • develop and carry out community wildfire protection plans. • provide or expand access to broadband telecommunications services In years when the Secure Rural Schools Act is reauthorized by Congress, Title III payments are made from the Forest Service to states. States then distribute the payment to all eligible counties. Public Works relies heavily on the Secure Rural Schools Title I revenue which has been steadily reduced over time. The County makes up for some of these lost revenues by sharing PILT revenues received every year. Public Works recommends that the County keep the existing distribution percentages. Title II monies are retained by the Forest Service and are allocated for specific projects recommended by a local Resource Advisory Committee. Title III monies have heretofore not been used by the County, however, staff will be recommending that some of the accumulated Title III funds be used to hire a consultant to help us prepare Community Wildfire Protection Plans for our various communities. FISCAL IMPACT: If the Board of County Commissioners approve staff's recommendation this request will preserve the status quo and will have no fiscal impact. Should the Board choose to reduce the Title I distribution percentage, staff recommends consulting school districts who receive 50% of Title I funds. Said schools include Queets-Clearwater, Brinnon, Quilcene, Chimacum and Port Townsend. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board approve maintaining the County's current Secure Rural Schools distribution percentages and authorize the County Administrator to complete the "WA Combined Instructions and Elections Form" confirming our decision. REV ED BY: / Z.� Mark McCa 0, County Administrator Date 9/3/22, 11:20 AM Olympic National Forest-Advisory Committees An official website of the United States government Here's how you know USDA Its Forest Service Title II Project Proposals Projects are = � � � tF G x', # �E*'%`R ;'+{A 3s 5, NJa 9,a''"4 'o-,'$•"`'. ..,�ydf V �t � $ s+,Y . • Y considered for Title II funding if they make additional . ; investments in, and r create employment opportunities � #; through: � � �. ..� �� ,=�. .� � `�- • Improvement of existing infrastructure maintenance; ' ``'? .5 L :+ 1 ► • Implementation of = • stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems; • Restoration and improvement of land health and water quality. • Projects must comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations. • Projects must be consistent with the applicable resource management plan and with any watershed or subsequent plan developed pursuant to the resource management plan. The funds may be used for projects that have broad-based support and with objectives that include: • road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration; • soil productivity improvement; 1/4 https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/olympic/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=fseprd1008698&width=full 9/3/22, 11:20 AM Olympic National Forest-Advisory Committees • forest ecosystem health improvements; • watershed restoration and maintenance; • wildlife and fish habitat restoration, maintenance, and improvement; • noxious and exotic weeds control • native species re-establishment At least 50% of all project funds are to be used for projects that are primarily dedicated to road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration; or to restoration of streams and watersheds. Who Can Apply • Federal agencies • State and local governments • Private entities • Nonprofit entities • Landowners Applicants should consult with QlyyjnpLc National Forest prior to proposal submission. Title II Submission Forms • Title II Project Submission Form (.doc), Supplemental Form (.doc) • Title II Project Submission Form (.pdf) , Supplemental Form (.pdf) Please submit completed forms electronically to Cori Rendon at . Hard copies can be mailed to Olympic National Forest, 1835 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98512 and Attention: Title II/RAC Coordinator. Archived Project Proposals https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/olympic/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=fseprd1008698&width=full 2/4 �.; Forest Service Olympic National Forest 1835 Black Lake Boulevard U4S Southwest Olympia, WA 98512 360-956-2402 FAX:360-956-2330 File Code: 1350 Date: April 13, 2016 Route To: Subject: Approval of Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee FY2014 Project Recommendations To: James Pena On April 6, 2016, the Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) met in Sequim, Washington, at the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe community center to review FY2014(FY2015 Payment Year)Title II project proposals and make recommendations for the expenditure of funds resulting from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. This letter serves to document the RACS's recommendations and my approval of the following project work. All of the projects occur on,or to the benefit of, National Forest System Lands in Clallam, Grays Harbor,Jefferson, and Mason Counties. Clallam County Clallam County Sheriffs Department Chain Gang $27,658 Olympic Peninsula Cooperative Noxious Weed Control (Clallam) $9,725 Olympic SKY Crews(Clallam) $2,400 Calawah OHV Trail System/Restoration Planning $7,800 Upper Dungeness Large Wood Enhancement $7,500 Clallam Deferred Road Maintenance& Road 2860 Road Improvements $64,589 Washington Conservation Corps (Clallam) $9,505 $129,177 Grays Harbor Invasive Plant Prevention and Control in Grays Harbor County $16,125 Grays Harbor Deferred Road Maintenance $20,438 Washington Conservation Corps (Grays Harbor) $22,500 Campground Restrooms Roof Replacement $10,168 Lake Quinault Museum Parking Improvement $2,000 $71,231 Jefferson County Quilcene Ranger Corps $20,000 Olympic Peninsula Cooperative Noxious Weed Control(Jefferson) $20,000 Olympic SKY Crews (Jefferson) $6,057 Visitor Use Monitoring, City of Port Townsend's Drinking Water Watersheds(Jefferson) $5,503 Jefferson Deferred Road Maintenance $46,566 Remodel of the Mt.Townsend Trailheads $3,000 Hood Canal Ranger District Crew Leader(Jefferson) $6,057 Washington Conservation Corps (Jefferson) $14,050 $121,233 USDA e, America's Working Forests—Caring Every Day in Every Way rrrred n rec,.dea rape; James Pena 2 Mason County Hood Canal Ranger District Cooperative Noxious Weed Control $20,000 Washington Conservation Corps(Mason) $20,000 Hood Canal Ranger District Crew Leader (Mason) $1,g00 Mason County Deferred Road Maintenance $12,539 $53,939 Projects Recommended By: (1;‘) AL CARTER Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee Chairperson Proje Appr ved By: f✓ 41, LARRY SANDOVAL Acting Forest Supervisor Designated Approving Authority cc:Amber Sprinkle,Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee Members,Susan Piper, Program Managers Forest Service Olympic National Forest 1835 Black Lake Boulevard SW Olympia,WA 98512 360-956-2402 File Code: 1350 Date: September 26,2017 Route To: Subject: Approval of Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee FY2017 Title 1I Project Recommendations To: Regional Forester On September 20,2017,the Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee(RAC)met in Forks, Washington,to review the 2017 project proposals for Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. The purpose of that meeting was to make recommendations for the projects to be • funded with available 2015 funds. This letter serves to document the RACS's recommendations and my approval of these projects as the Designated Federal Officer. All of the projects occur on,or to the benefit of,National Forest System Lands in Clallam,Grays Harbor,Jefferson,and Mason Counties. The RAC made the following recommendations for projects and funding amounts: Clallam County Olympic Peninsula Cooperative Noxious Weed Control(Clallam) $ 28,000 Upper Dungeness Large Wood Enhancement Phase 2 Planning $ 2,000 Clallam Deferred Road Maintenance $ 55,500 Washington Conservation Corps(Clallam) $ 28,577 Trail Footlogs in HCRD $ 2,516 Washington Trails Association Multi-Forest Agreement Support $ 3,000 County Total: $119,593 Grays Harbor Grays Harbor Deferred Road Maintenance(including FSR2372 resurfacing) $ 35,000 Washington Conservation Corps(Grays Harbor) $ 5,590 Invasive Plant Prevention and Control in Grays Harbor County • $ 12,632 County Total: $ 53,222 Jefferson County Bogy-Tucker Tributary Improvement $ 10,000 FS Road 2527,2527017 Stabilization and Closure(DNR Q3300 Rd) $ 53,976 Olympic Peninsula Cooperative Noxious Weed Control(Jefferson) $ 28,000 Pit Privies for HCRD $ 1,525 Washington Conservation Corps(Jefferson) $ 32,000 County Total: $125,501 USDA America's Working Forests—Caring Every Day in Every Way Primed on Recycled Paper Regional Forester Mason County Hood Canal Ranger District Cooperative Noxious Weed Control $ 15,560 Mason County Deferred Road Maintenance $ 17,800 Mason County Sheriffs Office Cooperative Agreement $ 5,000 Pit Privies for HCRD $ 1,525 Trail Footlogs in HCRD $ 4,885 Washington Trails Association Multi-Forest Agreement Support $ 2,847 Washington Conservation Corps(Mason) $ 5,000 County Total: $62,617 The RAC also made recommendations for any remaining or additional funds. These recommendations are listed below. • Clallam County: Any remaining or additional funds should be applied to the Mason County Sheriff Agreement. - Grays Harbor County: Any remaining or additional funds should be applied to the Washington Conservation Corps. • Jefferson County: Any remaining or additional funds should be applied to Jefferson County Deferred Road Maintenance. • Mason County: Any remaining or additional funds should be applied to the Washington Conservation Corps. I intend to follow the RAC recommendations and hereby approve the project list provided above. The 2015 Title II funds have been allocated and the projects can now move forward once the appropriate planning,partnerships agreements,or other acquisition steps are completed. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Piper at(360)956-2435,or Bill Shelmerdine at(360)956-2282. Projects Recommended By: IAN JABLONSKI Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee Chairperson Projects Approved By: Afi • RETA LAFORD Forest Supervisor cc: Brenna White Forest Service Olympic National Forest 1835 Black Lake Boulevard SW US Olympia,WA 98512 u.:a: : 360-956-2402 File Code: 1350 Date: July 22, 2019 Route To: Subject: Approval of Title II Project Funding(Budget Year 2017) To: Regional Forester This letter documents my approval of the Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) funding recommendations for use of Title II funds from Budget Year 2017 ($364,369.80). On May 23, 2019,the RAC met in Montesano, Washington,to review received project proposals under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. First, the RAC recommended 10% of the available funds ($36,436.98)be allocated to the Forest for administrative and overhead costs. Next, the RAC recommended the following project funding,by County. RAC Funding Recommendation for Projects(Title II Budget Year 2017) Clallam County Clallam County Deferred Road Maintenance $ 26,000.56 ' Clallam County Sheriff's Office Chain Gang $ 12,000.00 Eagle Springs Habitat Restoration $ 17,000.00 .. Gold Creek Crossing Repair—Sleepy Hollow Trail $ 2,200.00 Klahanie Trees for Future Fish $ 6,000.00 Olympic Peninsula Cooperative Noxious Weed Control(Clallam) $ 16,402.00 Washington Conservation Corps(Clallam) $ 32,000.00 Young Stand Thinning $ 10,000.00 County Project Total: $121,602.56 I. Grays Harbor(including Quinault Special Management Area) Grays Harbor County Deferred Road Maintenance $ 26,300.00 Invasive Plant Prevention and Control in Grays Harbor $ 13,638.00 2. Rainbow Creek River Access $ 4,250.00 Washington Conservation Corps(Grays Harbor) $ 10,368.63 '• 2. County Project Total: $ 54,556.63 1. Jefferson County Dosewallips River Powerlines Reach Restoration Project $ 17,500.00 Jefferson County Deferred Road Maintenance $ 34,999.87 '• Lower Big Quilcene Trail Reroute $ 9,000.00 Olympic Peninsula Cooperative Noxious Weed Control(Jefferson) $ 30,000.00 Washington Conservation Corps(Jefferson) $ 17,746.00 County Project Total: $109,245.87 I. Mason County Hood Canal Ranger District Cooperative Noxious Weed Control $ 21,263.88 i• Mason County Deferred Road Maintenance $ 21,263.87 '. County Project Total: $ 42,527.75 ' '• l. Post-meeting adjustment to address previous rounding of funds. 2. Post-meeting adjustment to include funds from Quinault Special Management Area. 3. Post-meeting correction to reflect more funds available than presented at RAC meeting. USDA America's Working Forests—Caring Every Day in Every Way Primed on Recycled Paper Regional Forester 2 By September 2021, Title II funds from Budget Year 2017 need to be spent or obligated in a contract, grant, or agreement. Regional and Forest capacity is limited to execute funding agreements and projects this year, correspondingly some projects may be delayed. The RAC also made the following funding recommendations, by County, for re-purposing any unspent Title II funds from Budget Year 2017 before the September 2021 deadline. RAC Funding Recommendation for Unspent Funds (Title lI Budget Year 2017) Clallam County Clallam County Sheriff's Office Chain Gang Grays Harbor County I" Washington Conservation Corps 2"d Grays harbor County Deferred Road Maintenance Jefferson County 1" Olympic Peninsula Cooperative Noxious Weed Control(Jefferson) 2nd Jefferson County Deferred Road Maintenance Mason County l" Washington Conservation Corps 214 Hood Canal Ranger District Cooperative Noxious Weed Control Title II Funding Recommended By: J°77 IAN JAB NSKI Committee Chair, Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee Title II Funding Approved By: RETA LAFORD Forest Supervisor cc: Brenna White, Susan Garner, Sheila Walker USDA United States Forest Olympic National Forest 1835 Black Lake Boulevard SW Department of Service Olympia,WA 98512 MOM Agriculture 360-956-2402 File Code: 1200 Date: November 19,2020 Dear Interested Parties: On November 4,2020, the Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee(RAC)met virtually to review FY2018 and FY2019 project proposals for Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. The purpose of that meeting was to make recommendations for the projects to be funded with available funds. This letter serves to document the RAC's recommendations and my approval of those projects as the Designated Federal Official. All projects occur on,or to the benefit of,National Forest System lands in Clallam,Grays Harbor,Jefferson and Mason Counties. The RAC made the following recommendations for projects and funding amounts: Clallam County Forest Road 2922 Culvert Replacement $2,000 Deferred Road Maintenance(2018) $39,000 Young Stand Thinning $15,000 PNW Trail Maintenance $13,400 Noxious Weed Control (2018) $20,000 WTA Support and Crew Leader Position $1,300 Washington Conservation Corps(CCC)(2018) $20,000 Deferred Road Maintenance(2019) $28,527 Eagle Springs Habitat Restoration $33,767 Noxious Weed Control(2019) $20,000 WTA $2,000 WCC (2019) $20,000 County Total: $214,994 Grays Harbor County(including Quinault Special Management Unit) Invasive Plant Prevention(2018) $17,500 Deferred Road Maintenance(2018) $15,000 WTA Support and Crew Leader position(2018) $700 WCC (2018) $18,521 Invasive Plant Prevention(2019) $17,500 Deferred Road Maintenance(2019) $15,000 WTA Support and Crew Leader position(2019) $2,673 WCC(2019) $13.248 County Total: $1 00,142 Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper 2 Jefferson County Deferred Road Maintenance(2018) $47,984 PNW Trail Maintenance $13,000 Noxious Weed Control(2018) $30,000 WTA Support and Crew Leader position(2018) $11,000 WCC(2018) $25,000 Deferred Road Maintenance(2019) $15,000 Noxious Weed Control (2019) $30,000 WTA Support and Crew Leader position(2019) $11,000 WCC(2019) $25,000 Forest Road 2140111 Culvert Removal $3,000 County Total: $210,984 Mason County Noxious Weed Control (2018) $15,000 Deferred Road Maintenance(2018) $10,000 WTA Support and Crew Leader position(2018) $2,000 WCC (2018) $6,220 Noxious Weed Control(2019) $15,000 Deferred Road Maintenance(2019) $10,000 WTA Support and Crew Leader position(2019) $2,000 LeBar Horse Camp Maintenance $8,000 WCC (2019) $6,220 County Total: $74,440 The RAC also made recommendations for any remaining or additional funds. These recommendations are listed below: • Clallam County—any remaining and additional funds applied to WCC • Grays Harbor County and QSMA—any remaining and additional funds applied to WCC • Jefferson County—any remaining and additional funds applied to Deferred Road Maintenance • Mason—Any remaining and additional funds applied to WCC I concur with the RAC recommendations and hereby approve the project list provided above. The Title II funds have been allocated and FY2018 and FY2019 projects can now move forward once the appropriate planning,partnership agreements, or other acquisition steps are completed, and a final budget is approved. If you have any questions,please contact Susan Garner at 360- 489-4456 or Susan.garner(auusdda.tov. Sincerely, KELLY Digy ned by KE'LY"LAWRENCE LAWRENCE D2.3850 12. 0 8'0 0 0 KELLY D. LAWRENCE Forest Supervisor Jefferson County 2019 Title II Grant for the Lower Big Quilcene Trail Reroute(paid for 3 weeks of Northwest Youth Crew to reroute trail in Port Townsend watershed away from the riverbank) .. f 11i, 4't .. 7— f . f: ..',, n4,* . . ,,..i..' ' ''' '''-"- ' ' ' '''. :. ,..,, i --- .: liii 4,,,, „get , . • , - - i,„„•, . . , r.•-, --.A.t.4..44... ,,i. „. ...,...„ , . . . ,..,.. , ,... N. 44,0 µ`- is • I, :x � sn, .... i * ,. 4 - . • ',- '.,- . 7 „,,, ti. ., ii. 2, Ili A . .. , , ...„,,,,,,,,, .. 1 r, . ,. . _...0 ri. I , , 4 tl, .4 f ,.....4-..', „„ 4. s t t i r. * rh . 'Yf } r- ' ``' tr' 4 'i'. dot '4"^Y ,, ' . { -��g `k f r� .. wr,' `q. .,d *err alot a •` J'4lt ' ,yy N i Y k Y t +v mot.. .vy��' � ti 'V� i° .. 1, Y�`� / 'f+'� � i'!� `� r'. `K H-Z Thinning is a successful stewardship habitat enhancement project conducted five years ago that continues to accrue environmental value free from noxious weed encroachment,thanks to the dedicated efforts of ONF and the Clallam Weed Board Olympic Peninsula Cooperative Noxious Weed Control 2021 Project Report A Title II Participating Agreement between USFS Olympic National Forest and Clallam Noxious Weed Control Board httpl/vvvvw.clallam.net/weed/forestservice.html