Jefferson County, Montana
Notice of Intent to Expend County Title III Funds
The Secure Rural Schools Act (SRS Act) was reauthorized by Public Law (P.L.) 115-141 and signed into law by the President on March 23, 2018.
Per P.L. 115-141 and an update directive from the US Forest Service from May 1, 2018, the county must initiate these projects before September 30, 2020. Following a 45-day public comment period, the funds must be obligated by September 30, 2021.
The 45-day public comment period starts on January 13, 2021 with publication of the proposed use of county funds in the County’s newspaper of local record, the Boulder Monitor and posted on Jefferson County’s website. On March 2nd, 2021 the board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the use of these funds.
Comments can be delivered in person or mailed to Jefferson County Commission, PO Box H, Boulder, MT 59632. Email comments to commissioners@jeffersoncounty-mt.gov.
Comments must be received by 5:00 pm on Monday, March 1st, 2021.
The amount for this initiation is $275,192 per funds available and budgeted for on September 8, 2020. Funds were received by Jefferson County in 2013 to present and have been verified by the Jefferson County Treasurer.
Authorized Uses: The following uses were authorized under P.L. 151-141 to Title III payments to states:
1) To carry out activities under the activities of the Firewise Communities program;
2) To reimburse the participating county for search and rescue and other emergency services, including firefighting and law enforcement patrols;
3) To cover training costs and equipment purchases directly related to the emergency service described in paragraph (2); and
4) To develop and carry out community wildfire protection plans.
Previously received Title III funds can be used for any of the new uses now authorized.
Project 1:
Search and Rescue $62,160
Sheriff’s Office $141,525
Disaster & Emergency Services $62,386
“To reimburse the participating county for search and rescue and other emergency services, including firefighting and law enforcement patrols, that are performed on forests, 45 days after the date on which the use was published as required in section 302 (b) and that are paid for by the participating county. To cover training costs and equipment purchases directly related to the emergency services described in the above paragraph.”
Project 2: County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) $9,121
“To develop and carry out community wildfire protection plans. To educate homeowners in fire sensitive ecosystems about techniques in siting (positioning or locating) a home, constructing a home, landscaping and maintenance around a home that decrease the risk of injury or death and decrease the risk of damage or destruction of a home as a result of a wildfire in the area surrounding the home.”
Budget Summary
Revenue: Title III Funds Available $275,192
Expenses: Search and Rescue $62,160
Sheriff’s Office $141,525
Disaster and Emergency Services $62,386
Community Wildfire Protection Plan $9,121
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Total $275,192
Legal 21-003 Published in the Boulder Monitor January 13 & 20, 2021 MNAXLP
