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What's News SB 838
SB 838: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much money is this bill asking for?
The legislature will make that determination. The well-established Fire Safe California Grants Clearinghouse (http://grants.firesafecouncil.org), the main entity for administering competitive grants to local councils and other groups with wildfire safety projects, has demonstrated a need of over $26 million per year statewide.
2. How will the money be distributed and what are the criteria for distribution?
The money will be distributed through the Grants Clearinghouse on a competitive basis using established Clearinghouse criteria.
3. What will SB 838 fund?
- Fire safe council prevention and fuel reduction projects -- Wildfire threat reduction projects targeting areas identified and/or prioritized in collaborative, community-based fire plans.
- California Fire Safe Council and Clearinghouse -- Costs associated with operating the California Fire Safe Council and the Grants Clearinghouse.
- Fire safe council coordinators and operating costs -- Costs associated with operating Fire Safe Councils other than the California Fire Safe Council.
- Fire safe educational programs -- Programs to increase awareness and create citizen action to improve wildfire survivability around the home and/or community, with priority placed on targeting areas identified and/or prioritized in collaborative, community-based fire plans.
- Department of Forestry and Fire Protection community fire prevention specialists.
The bill must first pass for funding to become available. Sign on as a supporter here because SB 838's success depends upon the endorsement of people like you.
5. Will the distribution be limited to fire safe councils, or will other organizations be considered?
Through the grants clearinghouse, a wide range of organizations are eligible for funding. The final bill language will give further direction on eligibility. For more information on the clearinghouse, see our website.
6. I want to help. How can I be more involved in this process?
- Write a letter to your state representatives and ask your friends and neighbors to sign on to your letter. Click here to see a Sample Letter of Support. To identify your Assembly or Senate representative, please visit: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html.
- Post your letter at www.firesafecouncil.org by emailing a copy to cafiresafe@sbcglobal.net. Write in the Subject Line: "SB 838 Support Letter 'Your Organization Name".
- Join our list of supporters by filling in our online form here.
- Join our SB 838 support committee by signing in here.
- Talk about SB 838 every chance you get! See our Talking Points for ideas.