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Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund
Project Contact: Senior Administrative Analyst, Erika Seward
530-265-1572, Erika.Seward@nevadacountyca.gov
About the Program
The Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund (OVSF) was established to fund projects or programs that respond to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and promote health and safety at highly impacted outdoor recreation destinations.
Nevada County recognizes the connection between the economic resilience of our community, the health of ecosystems, tourism, and outdoor recreation, and the timely opportunity to support community health, safety, economy, environment, and resilience. Nevada County experienced a significant increase in visitation to outdoor recreation destinations during the pandemic. Without appropriate infrastructure, this increased visitation strains local resources, creating environmental and safety issues at lakes, river crossings, trails, and similar outdoor recreation destinations.
Specifically, this project addresses the unmet need(s) at outdoor recreation sites to promote community health and safety, economic development, and resilience; and further the American Rescue Plan of America (ARPA) priority of “2.22: Strong Healthy Communities: Neighborhood Features that Promote Health and Safety”.
Funding Sources
The OVSF grant program will provide up to $850,000 in one-time grants to eligible entities. ARPA-eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, and special-purpose districts. State and Federal agencies may be eligible depending on available general fund monies.
- The “Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund Grant” program, as presented to the Board at its January 2022 Retreat, is funded by $400,000 from the General Fund and $450,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
- The first round of funding through ARPA resulted in 9 awards and $415,570 dollars given to local organizations to affect change in both Eastern and Western Nevada County. Learn more about those projects below.
How Funds Can Be Spent
The County seeks proposals to the Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund for high-impact projects or programs that can be implemented in 2023 and/or 2024.
- Proposals must address unmet needs at outdoor recreation sites and promote public health and public safety; and should support economic development, enhance equitable access, promote environmental sustainability, address climate change adaptation, and promote resilience.
- Competitive proposals should be collaborative, highly leveraged, and “shovel-ready” for either the 2023 and/or 2024 recreation seasons.
- Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund grants are expected to range from $10,000-$100,000 and will be capped at $200,000.
Eligibility Requirements
ARPA-eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, and special-purpose districts. State and Federal agencies may be eligible depending on available general fund monies.
Timeline
The RFP was released on February 8, 2023, with anticipated awards announced in June 2023. ARPA funds must be obligated (i.e., under contract) by 12/31/24 and funds must be expended with all work performed and completed by 12/31/26.
Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund Round 2 Proposals and Awards Process
STEPS | DESCRIPTION | STATUS |
---|---|---|
1 | Request for Applications Open to Public, visit Purchasing website - scroll to OPEN bids section | In Progress, due 3/15/2023 |
2 | Application Technical Assistance Call February 10 & February 17 | |
3 | Review Applications | |
4 | Award Applications | Mid-July |
5 | Funds Distributed | Mid-September |
6 | Project completion | December 31, 2026 |
Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund Round 1 Proposals and Awards
Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund 1st Round Grants | ||
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Project Title | Funding Awarded for Project | Additional Information on Project |
Bear Yuba Land Trust: Adam Ryan Preserve Parking Area | $99,500 | COUNTY OF NEVADA - File #: SR 22-0789 (legistar.com) |
Bear Yuba Land Trust: Trailkeepers | $11,500 | COUNTY OF NEVADA - File #: SR 22-0798 (legistar.com) |
Bicyclists of Nevada County: Harmony Ridge Trail System | $13, 724 | COUNTY OF NEVADA - File #: SR 22-0790 (legistar.com) |
Nevada Irrigation District: Scotts Flat Parking | $18,000 | COUNTY OF NEVADA - File #: SR 22-0791 (legistar.com) |
South Yuba River Citizens League: River Ambassadors | $16,705 | COUNTY OF NEVADA - File #: SR 22-0799 (legistar.com) |
South Yuba River Citizens League: Golden Quartz Picnic Area Vault Toilets | $46,371 | COUNTY OF NEVADA - File #: SR 22-0792 (legistar.com) |
South Yuba River Citizens League: Wild & Scenic Trail Marker and Safety Signage Project | $75,000 | COUNTY OF NEVADA - File #: SR 22-0793 (legistar.com) |
Truckee Trails Foundation: Eastern Nevada County Visitor Safety & Environmental Hazard Prevention Program | $109,370 | COUNTY OF NEVADA - File #: SR 22-0794 (legistar.com) |
Truckee Trails Foundation: Visitor Safety & Environmental Hazard Prevention | $25,400 | COUNTY OF NEVADA - File #: SR 22-0800 (legistar.com) |
Total Funding in Round 1: | $415,570 |
LINK TO ARPA PAGE with a little text.
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Trisha Tillotson
Agency DirectorPhone: 530-265-1222
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Community Development Agency
Physical Address
950 Maidu Avenue, Suite 170
PO Box 599002
Nevada City, CA 95959-7902
Phone 530-265-1222Fax 530-478-5799
Hours
Monday - Friday
Open from 8-5pm
CDA New Project Submittals: 8-3:30pm
Appointments are available. Book an appointment.