Nevada County’s Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund Grant Program will provide up to $850,000 in one-time grants to respond to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by funding projects to promote public health and public safety at highly impacted outdoor recreation destinations.
The County seeks proposals to the Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund for high-impact projects that can be implemented in 2022 and/or 2023.
- 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 2022 and/or 2023 recreation seasons.
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. The County has experienced a dramatic increase in people accessing open spaces. In April 2021, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors allocated 30% of its federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allotment, $5.8 Million, to promote Community & Economic Resiliency. The package includes four grant programs, including the Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund funded in part by ARPA, and one loan program.
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.
Grant Focus
The primary focus will be on infrastructure projects located at major trailheads, staging areas and river crossings such as (but not limited to): South Yuba River destinations (e.g. Purdon Crossing, Edwards Crossing, and Lang’s Crossing); snow-play areas on Highway 80 near Donner Summit; major trailheads throughout the county; Bear River at Dog Bar; and impacted areas on the Truckee River. Possible projects might include improvements at trailheads or staging and gathering areas such as signage, toilets, lighting, parking improvements, land management to reduce fire danger or impacts of visitation, waste management solutions, urgent/emergency maintenance of outdoor recreation sites, etc.
Grant Amount
Outdoor Visitor Safety Fund grants are expected to range from $10,000-$100,000 and will be capped at $200,000.
Timeline
The RFP was released on March 10th, with anticipated awards announced in June 2022. 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.
For more information
The RFP will be available on our Purchasing page. Scroll down to “Open Bids” to find the link to the RFP.
