To: Board of Directors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) BAY REPAIR Grant - East Richmond Heights Shaded Fuel Break
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to apply for and accept funding from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's BAY REPAIR Grant Program, in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000, for the East Richmond Heights Shaded Fuel Break Project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The grant application request will not exceed $3,000,000. The BAY REPAIR Grant Program does not require a local match; however, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District staff time and resources may be identified as in-kind contributions. No additional General Fund impact is anticipated.
BACKGROUND:
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District's BAY REPAIR Grant Program supports projects that improve air quality, public health, and climate resilience by reducing emissions and mitigating wildfire risk.
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (District) proposes the East Richmond Heights Shaded Fuel Break Project (Project), which will establish a strategically located shaded fuel break across approximately 57 acres in and around the communities of East Richmond Heights, Villa Mira Vista, and Hasford Heights. The Project is located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and is designed to reduce hazardous fuel loading while preserving mature tree canopy.
The Project will reduce wildfire intensity and spread potential by removing ladder fuels and excess vegetation, improving defensible space, and enhancing firefighter access. Implementation methods will include a combination of goat grazing, hand crews, chipping, and mechanized equipment, consistent with best practices to minimize soil disturbance and maintain ecological integrity.
This grant will also fund the Dis...
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