During the Washington County Board of Supervisors’ regular Monday meeting, District 4 Supervisor Mala Brooks broached the subject of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Discretionary grants.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced the availability of $1 billion to modernize and create new American Infrastructure.
The announcement from the U.S. Department of Transportation stated, “For this round of RAISE grants, the maximum grant award is $25 million, and no more than $100 million can be awarded to a single state, as specified in the appropriations act. Up to $30 million will be awarded to planning grants, including at least $10 million to Areas of Persistent Poverty.”
Alluding to the abrupt resignation of Andrew Smith who was brought on to write grants on behalf of the county last month, Brooks said, “And the concern is since we don’t have a grant writer any more, I would like to apply for the RAISE grant on behalf of the county and we have to do an intent letter.”
Brooks told fellow BOS members that the intent letter was due the following day (Tuesday) and insisted that they shouldn’t let the potential grant funding “pass them by.”
The deadline to submit an application for RAISE grant funding is July 12, 2021.
According to its Restrictions on Funding, pursuant to the FY 2021 Appropriations Act, no more than 50% ($500 million) of the funds provided for RAISE grants shall be awarded to rural projects.
Eligible applicants for RAISE grants are state, local, tribal, and U.S. territories’ governments, including transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organizations and other political subdivisions of state or local governments.
“As a supervisor, I’d be more than happy to write this grant on behalf of the county and send our intent letter,” she said, adding she would not charge for the services.
District 1 Supervisor Lee Gordon inquired as to whether applying for the RAISE grant funds would be something the BOS could request South Delta Planning and Development District (SDPDD) to do.
Brooks reiterated that she would write the grant free of charge and said that first, a resolution to draft and file an LOI must be approved by the board.
She then made a motion to draft such a resolution.
Gordon suggested the board make inquiries to SDPDD and BOS president Carl McGee agreed he would do so on behalf of the board.
“I can’t imagine any reason they wouldn’t apply for it,” Gordon said.
McGee responded, “If not, we’re going to make it happen.”
He then reminded the board of the motion to move forward with the approval of a resolution in support of an LOI written by Brooks to apply for the RAISE grant funds.
BOS attorney Willie Griffin noted, “Even if South Delta agrees to do it, you all need a resolution authorizing such.”
McGee reiterated his intent to contact SDPDD to find out if they would be able to assist in applying for the RAISE grant funds.
He said in essence, if for some reason SDPDD is not able to assist, the BOS would consider other alternatives, pending Griffin’s review.
“It’s too all over the place,” Gordon said of Brooks’ proposal and voted “nay,” as did McGee and supervisor Tommy Benson.
Brooks’ motion failed to pass by a vote of 3 to 2 in opposition.
“It is rather disheartening and extremely detrimental to the citizens of Washington County that the Washington County Board of Supervisors refused to apply for the RAISE federal transportation grant by a 2-3 vote,” Brooks said in a statement. “The county voted to issue a contract to Mr. Andrew Smith to be the grant writer for the county, but after being unable to get a contract signed from the county, Mr. Smith requested that the board rescind its approval.”
Brooks asserted that the county could have collaborated with all of the municipalities in the county to get roads, streets and bridges repaired across the county.
“On the other hand, I would like to commend Leland’s Mayor and Board of Alderman for making an effort to apply for these funds for the city,” she said.
In addition, Brooks said she will begin efforts to get citizens more engaged in government, adding, “Citizens are our strength, and I want them involved and aware of everything that happens in our meetings.”
McGee said despite not voting to have Brooks write the grant application, the board is going to do what they can to obtain the grant funds through South Delta Planning and Development District.
As of Friday afternoon, the Board of Supervisors were awaiting a response from SDPDD as to whether they would be able to apply for RAISE grant funds on behalf of the county.
