In a recent meeting, the Board of Supervisors discussed significant developments regarding the Salida Community Planning Initiative, originally approved in August 2007. This initiative designated approximately 3,300 acres for specific land use and zoning, but deferred environmental reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

In May 2023, Scannell Properties, LLC proposed a large-scale development project within this area, which includes warehouse and distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and retail space. Due to the project's potential impact, the county determined that a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was necessary. To facilitate this, a third-party reimbursement agreement was established between the county, Scannell Properties, and Ascent Environmental.

The county has opted for a non-competitive procurement approach to manage costs and timelines effectively. The scope of work for the programmatic EIR will encompass environmental assessments, infrastructure planning, and the development of a fee program for the entire Salida community plan area, rather than just the Scannell property site. The total estimated cost for this initiative is $899,000, with a projected timeline of 14 to 15 months for completion.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the need for an incorporation feasibility analysis, which aligns with the initiative's goal of promoting the Salida community's financial and fiscal self-sufficiency. The county is requesting $682,780 from the general fund to support this analysis, with the remainder to be sourced from existing funds allocated for the Salida community plan's implementation.

Overall, these efforts aim to ensure a comprehensive approach to development in the Salida area, facilitating environmental assessments and infrastructure planning necessary for the community's growth and sustainability.