Commission hears about $7 million outdoor recreation mitigation grant; staff eye $400,000 application for search-and-rescue

Peggy (identified in the meeting by first name) told the commission she attended an outdoor recreation mitigation meeting and reported key program details: the grant opens July 15 and closes August 31, with approximately $7,000,000 available for counties in the eligible classes. "They have approximately $7,000,000 to grant to 3rd class down through 6th class counties," Peggy said, and commissioners discussed applying on the county's behalf.

Commission staff and elected officials discussed priorities and eligible uses. Staff said only counties can apply directly, but "a county can allocate money into a special district if they so desire to do that." Commissioners discussed the potential to ask for about $400,000 focused on search-and-rescue mitigation and equipment/replacement costs; staff emphasized the importance of demonstrating mitigation need on a per-capita and visitor-impact basis when drafting the application. No motion to commit funds was taken at this meeting; Peggy offered to attend the mandatory CIB tutorial and represent the county in application planning.