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Federal lobbyist updates supervisors on Secure Rural Schools, EAS, CDBG and Last Chance Grade funding
Summary
Thorn Run Partners lobbyist Greg Burns briefed the Del Norte County Board on federal funding items including Secure Rural Schools, the Essential Air Service program, CDBG and Last Chance Grade, and answered supervisors' questions about impacts to local programs and infrastructure.
Greg Burns of Thorn Run Partners gave a remote federal policy and funding update to the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 12, outlining several matters that could affect county revenue and projects.
Burns said the House had included a three‑year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program in a reconciliation bill but the Senate‑approved version omitted it; the Senate subsequently passed a stand‑alone reauthorization by unanimous consent and the measure had returned to the House. He said the earliest realistic chance for final action is September and that counties had missed an expected April payment; he called for a retroactive provision so Del Norte receives delayed funds.
Burns also reviewed federal fiscal year 2026 budget prospects: the White House budget proposed limiting or eliminating some programs but House funding measures proposed full funding for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program and $3.3 billion for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Burns warned that the administration proposed eliminating the HOME program and that the House had proposed similar cuts; he said he expected the Senate to press back and that work would continue.
On last chance grade — the state highway segment that is eroding into the ocean — Burns described progress in environmental clearance and said Caltrans has allocated roughly $275 million so far for design and engineering, while total project costs could exceed $2.1 billion. He said a record of decision (final environmental clearance) might be reached by the end of the year, but construction funding would require sustained federal engagement over many years.
Board members asked about potential Medicare/Medicaid cuts in pending legislation and the possible effects on the county’s sole hospital, Sutter Coast Hospital, and on SNAP and senior nutrition programs. Burns said congressional negotiations and later appropriations work could change proposed cuts and noted a $50 billion hospital payment pot in one congressional package intended to offset hospital losses if coverage reductions occur.
Burns also reported progress on a congressional earmark request submitted to two U.S. senators for renovation of the county’s Vets Hall; both senators asked that the project be considered. He said he would continue to monitor appropriations and report back to the board.
