Nevada County targets $10 billion in state funding for climate resilience projects

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors convened on January 24, 2025, for the second day of their workshop, focusing on the county's 2025 work plan and funding opportunities. The meeting highlighted the county's success in securing funding and outlined future strategies to enhance sustainability and resiliency projects.

Mandy, a key presenter, reported that over the past two years, Nevada County has successfully secured nearly $14.9 million in funding for various projects. She expressed optimism about continuing this trend, especially with significant funding streams available for sustainability initiatives. Notably, the passage of Proposition 4 in November 2024 will allocate $10 billion in state funding aimed at safeguarding drinking water, combating wildfires, protecting natural lands, and supporting job training, all crucial for the county's residents.

The discussion also included suggestions for future policy directions to maximize funding opportunities. These included continuing the current work plan, implementing already grant-funded projects, and developing the Western Nevada County Collaborative. This collaborative aims to enhance efficiency by potentially integrating efforts from the Energy Action Plan group and the Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming steps, including the consideration of a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan contract next month and ongoing applications for available funding. Chair Hall commended the team for their efforts in securing climate-focused funds that address the specific needs of rural Nevada County.

Overall, the workshop underscored the county's commitment to pursuing funding that supports critical projects and enhances community resilience against environmental challenges.