PROPOSAL:
Approve Financial Assistance to Provide Transportation for South Coast
District Residents or Representatives of Organizations to Participate in
CARB Board Meeting in Sacramento
SYNPOSIS:
Staff is recommending a one-time financial assistance program, not to
exceed $15,000, to provide transportation for local residents or
representatives of organizations who are interested in participating in
the upcoming CARB Board meeting in Sacramento, on January 26, 2006, or at
a later date, if rescheduled.
COMMITTEE:
Not Applicable.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Approve financial assistance, not to exceed a total of $15,000, to
allow local residents or representatives of organizations to travel to
Sacramento to attend CARB Board Meeting.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
On June 23-24, 2005, the Executive Officer of CARB negotiated and signed
an MOU with Union Pacific Railroad Company and BNSF Railway Company; the two
railroads conducting over 80 percent of the rail-transport business in
California. Various community and environmental justice groups, as well as
business-related organizations, have been actively following the development
of this agreement.
On July 8, 2005, the Board held a public discussion regarding this
matter, which was attended by over 200 people representing elected
officials, community groups, local governments, environmental and health
organizations, businesses, and others.
After receiving numerous letters and other statements of concern, CARB
scheduled two public consultation meetings and a hearing on the railroad MOU
to allow for questions and comments from the public.
One public workshop was held in Sacramento on August 10. Over 50 local
representatives were in attendance at this meeting, many bearing financial
hardships to pay for their own travel to Sacramento to attend this meeting.
The second workshop was held in the City of Commerce on August 31 and drew
over 200 attendees. The public was able to comment on key components of the
MOU and provide comments on its impacts.
Subsequently, CARB held a hearing in El Monte on October 27 where over
400 people attended. Those in attendance included representatives from
community, business and environmental groups who wanted to express their
concerns or support to the CARB Board. After hours of testimony, the Board
directed its staff to report back in January 2006, clarifying many ambiguous
provisions in the agreement.
The AQMD has a duty to assure effective communication with interested
groups and the public. (Health & Safety Code section 40448(c).) It is
important to enable community members and other interested parties to avail
themselves of opportunities to engage in dialog and to participate in
regulatory or legislative proceedings that affect their lives. AQMD’s
assistance in this area would be another component of its public outreach
and education.
Proposal
The January 26, 2006 CARB Board Hearing will serve as the culmination of
six months of dedicated work by many in the local community, health,
business and environmental arenas who have been diligent in attending the
CARB workshops and hearings to speak about issues contained in the MOU.
However, many groups do not have the financial resources to travel and
testify at the CARB Board meeting in Sacramento. This one-time financial
assistance for travel will allow members of the impacted public to attend
this important hearing and testify in favor or opposition.
Recommendation
Staff proposes that financial assistance be approved, not to exceed a
total of $15,000, to allow local residents or representatives of
organizations to travel to Sacramento to attend the CARB Board meeting on
January 26, 2006, or at a later date, if rescheduled. A notice advertising
availability of the funds will be posted on the AQMD website along with a
description of the application procedure. Funds will be distributed to
applicants with a demonstrated need for funding on a first-come,
first-served basis. The grant awards will also consider equal geographic
representation.
Resource Impacts
Sufficient funds are included in the approved FY 2005-06 Budget of Public
Affairs.
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