VALLEJO
California National Forests prepare for incoming critical fire weather
The USDA Forest Service is augmenting staff and pre-positioning firefighting resources across the state, preparing for predicted critical fire weather over the weekend and into next week.
"We are committed to quick, aggressive response to fire starts on Forest Service managed land and stand ready to provide assistance to our partners. To do this, we're planning ahead — to pre-position firefighting resources strategically for the most efficient response," said Pacific Southwest Region Fire Director Jaime Gamboa.
Both northern and southern California are expected to experience critical fire weather this weekend. Record high temperatures have caused vegetation to dry rapidly, especially in low- to mid-elevation ecosystems. Monsoon moisture is expected to move into the area from the Southwest, slightly lowering temperatures. But a heightened possibility for thunderstorms through the weekend raises the likelihood for widespread lightning Saturday night into Sunday. This is expected to be followed by the returns to extremely hot temperatures.
The Forest Service asks the public to remain diligent about preventing human-caused fire starts, which can pull resources from lightning fires.
—Use caution when parking on dry grass and when towing and mowing.
—Make sure campfires are completely out before vacating campsites and picnic areas.
—Adhere to posted campfire restrictions.
Fire information is available on forest social media sites, as well as inciweb.wildfire.gov. For regional happenings, follow the Pacific Southwest Region on Facebook, X and Instagram.
—Submitted
SACRAMENTO
Caltrans awards $51.4 million for sustainable transportation projects to strengthen California's climate resilience
With a majority of funding coming from Governor Gavin Newsom's clean transportation infrastructure package and the California Climate Commitment, Caltrans today awarded $51.4 million in planning grants for 89 sustainable, climate-resilient transportation projects throughout California to help communities better withstand the impacts of extreme weather events fueled by climate change.
The selected projects will help reduce planet-warming pollution, improve resiliency of the state highway system, enhance access to safe walkways and bike paths, and expand natural disaster preparedness. Nearly $29 million comes from one-time state and federal sources made possible by Governor Newsom's historic $15 billion clean transportation package in the 2022-23 state budget to further the state's ambitious climate goals. Another $12.4 million comes from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The awards will fund project planning and conceptual design efforts, helping move the projects closer to construction.
In total, Caltrans will fund:
$28.8 million in Climate Adaptation Planning Grants – all from Governor Newsom's clean transportation infrastructure package – to 30 local, regional and transit agencies to identify transportation-related climate vulnerabilities through the development of climate adaptation plans, as well as project-level adaptation planning to address climate impacts to transportation infrastructure. Ninety-seven percent of these projects will benefit disadvantaged communities.
$19.2 million in Sustainable Communities Competitive and Technical Grants to 50 local, regional and transit agencies for transportation and land use planning, as well as planning for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This includes more than $6 million to fund planning for 16 projects that improve safety and access for people who walk and bike. Ninety-two percent of these projects will benefit disadvantaged communities.
District 1 projects include:
Humboldt Partnering Assets & Authorities for Comprehensive Transit (PAACT) - The project will build strong government-to-government partnerships, harnessing interagency leadership to reshape the region's transit system into a more connected, efficient, and more user-focused multi-modal network that attracts significantly more users in upcoming years. A transit network analysis will complement the short-term Transit Development Plan by identifying long-term opportunities to coordinate or consolidate routes, services, and/or governance, and leverage additional funding sources to expand transit service and multimodal options. The project will focus on building strong working relationships among Humboldt County Association of Governments, Humboldt Transit Authority, other transit and mobility-service providers, Caltrans, local tribes, cities, and county agencies to collaboratively plan transportation and land use.
Lake County Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Plan - The Project aims to develop a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) charging/fueling infrastructure plan. This project allows Lake County to join a larger energy network with neighboring jurisdictions that have already developed an electric vehicle charging network with future expansion, while Lake County's budget constraints have limited such progress. Aligned with the State's 2021 Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure, the project emphasizes investment in ZEV infrastructure, especially in rural areas. It involves collaboration with local Lake County agencies, including planning and public works, as well as tribal governments, to assess ZEV infrastructure needs and integrate these into land use and planning tools.
—Submitted
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