A $330,947 state grant is shared by seven local service districts
By Mike Taborski
Several special districts in Plumas County each applied for and received a share of the $100 million COVID-19 grant allocation approved by the State Legislature and Governor’s office in the 2021-22 budget. The application process required independent special districts to document the fiscal impacts it suffered as a result of the national health pandemic that had not been reimbursed in other forms by the state or federal government. They were also required to provide detail on how the money would be used.
Seven districts in Plumas County applied for and received a total of $330,947. Here is the breakdown of what the community services districts each received:
- Almanor Recreation and Park, $45,375;
- Central Plumas Recreation and Park, $65,466;
- Gold Mountain Community Services, $84,264;
- Hamilton Branch, $24,834;
- Indian Valley Recreation and Park, $33,766;
- Meadow Valley Fire Protection, $35,966 and
- Quincy Fire Protection, $41,276.
Neighboring Lassen County received $164,475 that went to two districts: Herlong Public Utility, $76,891 and Lassen Library, $87,584.
In all, 50 counties were awarded a portion of the state’s $100 million pandemic fund. Recreation and park districts topped the list of applicants with 58 followed by 40 fire districts getting reimbursed.
A complete list of the district awards county by county can be seen by opening the PDF included at the bottom of this story.
Neil McCormick, CEO of the California Special Districts Association, said that throughout 2020 and 2021, California’s special districts provided essential services to their local communities, maintained a large portion of the state’s critical infrastructure, and employed thousands of front-line workers, but initially received none of the COVID relief funding available to cities and counties. He added that this funding arrives after special districts across California experienced budget cuts and added expenditures necessitated as a result of the COVID pandemic.
“Special districts are addressing our biggest statewide challenges, all at the local level,” said McCormick. We applaud Governor Newsom and our Legislature for recognizing this and responding to our requests for partnership. Special districts make a difference throughout California and this funding will make a difference in the communities special districts serve.”
Statewide, more than 2,000 independent special districts across the state serve the needs of all 40 million Californians at some level, and more than 60 percent of these local agencies provide specialized services to a disadvantaged community.
The California Special Districts Association is a not-for-profit association representing more than 2,000 independent special districts that provide water, sanitation, fire protection, park and recreation, healthcare, electricity, port and harbor, resource conservation, library, cemetery, and other specialized community services throughout California.
Statewide COVID-16 Grants awarded
