Each fall, the County Administrator’s Office initiates the development of the coming year’s Federal Legislative Platform by inviting members of the Board of Supervisors, Department Heads and key staff to provide recommended changes or additions to the current adopted Platform.
In October, departments were invited to provide suggested changes to the Federal Platform by submitting input in writing.
The Legislation Committee typically reviews the Draft Platform in November and/or December of each year, with the Proposed Platform recommended to the Board of Supervisors for adoption in January.
Referral Update:
Federal Funding Needs
Due to the ban on federal earmarks that was implemented for FFY 2011, the County is skeptical that appropriations for specific projects will be included in budget bills for FFY 2017. However, our federal advocate, Paul Schlesinger of Alcalde & Fay, recommends that we identify specific projects that helps tell our delegation what our federal needs are, helps us identify specific federal programs for which we need to seek program increases or, at least, protect against cuts, and helps the County look for federal grants to address the specified needs.
No new projects are recommended to be added to the list of federal funding needs.
REAUTHORIZATION OF FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION ACT
Staff recommends the addition of one new project:
5. Iron Horse Corridor Enhancement Program -- $## million for joint planning, environmental review, and the construction of improvements in the Iron Horse Trail Corridor, a 28 mile non-motorized facility used for commute and recreation purposes providing access to schools, recreational facilities, commercial areas, residences, and mass transit hubs. Eligible projects include corridor planning, trail access improvements, trail expansion/enhancements, overcrossings (7 overcrossings in 5 cities), intersection improvements, Class I trail inter-connectivity projects, and wayfinding/signage projects.
APPROPRIATIONS AND GRANTS SUPPORT positions
Staff recommends the deletion of one policy:
East Bay Regional Communication System (EBRCS) – A project to build the East Bay Regional Communication System (EBRCS), a P25 Radio System infrastructure for Contra Costa and Alameda County. This system will provide interoperable voice communication in both the 800 MHz and 700 MHz frequencies to all public safety and public services agencies within Contra Costa County and Alameda County.
EBRCS will allow for interoperable voice communication within the region that can be integrated with other P25 radio systems outside the geographical area of the EBRCS, for example, with San Francisco. This project will provide Level 5 communications which is the highest level of interoperable communications. This project will allow for everyday interoperable communications, not just various levels of interoperability during big events or disasters in which radio caches are deployed or gateway devices used.
Staff recommends the addition/revision of one policy:
Multimodal National Freight Network – In 2015 the primary freight network was established pursuant to MAP-21. The County supports increases in dedicated freight funding as proposed in the National Freight Strategic Plan. The County will pursue grants and appropriations for 1) the Northern Waterfront Initiative – specifically, funding for a short-line railroad feasibility study for the Northern Waterfront Corridor and a Land-Use Cost-Benefit/Fiscalization study for the Northern Waterfront; and 2) consistent with the Draft National Freight Strategic Plan congestion reduction strategy, projects along the I-680 corridor including the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane - Direct Access Ramp project.
2016 Federal Platform Policy Positions
Staff recommends the addition of one policy:
Workforce Development – Contra Costa County supports policies that meet the needs of serving businesses, workers, job seekers, and youth. The County further supports policies under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) that preserve local decision-making relative to spending, direction of work, and other functions of local workforce boards. The County also supports policies that increase employment and the creation of jobs in both the public and private sector and that enhance business’ access to a qualified talent pool, and promote business growth through the development of a skilled workforce. The County also favors policies that provide increased funding to support job seeker services, as well as policies that make strategic investments to leverage existing funding in the workforce development arena.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
REVIEW the Draft 2016 Federal Legislative Platform (Attachment A, Draft 2016 Federal Platform, clean copy), provide direction to staff on any recommended changes, and RECOMMEND action to the Board of Supervisors.
Attachments-Y
Attachment A: Clean Copy Draft 2016 Federal Platform
Attachment B: Marked-up Draft 2016 Federal Platform