County Approves Risk Funding Application for Flood Damage Prevention Post-Trout Fire

In a recent work session held by the Grant County government, officials discussed critical funding applications and infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing community safety and disaster preparedness.

One of the key topics was the application for emergency watershed protection funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This funding is essential for addressing potential flooding damage linked to the recent Bridal Fire. Although the area has been fortunate to avoid significant flooding so far, officials emphasized the importance of applying for these funds now to prepare for any future heavy rainfall that could impact the burn scar areas. The application would allow the county to address small projects identified as necessary for mitigating flood risks, particularly on state highways and Bear Canyon Lake.

Officials noted that if the county does not secure these funds now, they would be unable to request assistance later if flooding occurs as a result of the fire. The funding application includes a 25% match requirement, which can be supplemented by state funds previously obtained for similar projects.

Another significant discussion point was the proposal to allocate $69,376 from the county fire fund for communication infrastructure improvements for the Cliff Volunteer Fire Department. This investment aims to install repeaters and antennas to enhance communication capabilities for law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire departments in the area, addressing a critical gap in service.

Additionally, the county is moving forward with a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a disaster recovery on-call contractor. This initiative aims to streamline disaster response efforts by having a dedicated contractor available for emergency work related to flooding events. The recommendation to award the contract to King Industries was based on their high-scoring proposal, which promises cost savings compared to existing state contracts.

These discussions reflect the county's proactive approach to disaster preparedness and community safety, ensuring that residents are better equipped to handle potential emergencies in the future. The decisions made in this meeting are expected to have a lasting impact on the community's resilience against natural disasters.