Tuesday, 20 July 2010 06:39

Ione Eyes Prop. 84 Grants to Fund Ione Business Park Plan

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slide2-ione_eyes_prop._84_grants_to_fund_ione_business_park_plan.pngAmador County – The Ione City Council this week will consider applications to the California Sustainable Communities Grant Program, including one that would create the “specific plan” for the Ione Business Park. The Ione council today could consider an application for a grant established by Proposition 84, the “Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006.” Ione City Planner Christopher Jordan in a report this week said: “Over the past several months, staff has been looking for ways to move the Industrial Park project forward and encourage near-term development.” Jordan said “detailed land, circulation, and utility planning for the property have been put on hold for a variety of reasons,” but the city “would be wise to complete the planning and environmental clearance for the project now.” In doing so, the city would be positioned to apply for state and federal “public works economic development grants.” He said the sustainable community planning would qualify because the industrial park would allow more people to live and work in Ione, cutting down vehicle trips and improving air quality. He said “the project would also bring more people to shop in the downtown.” Jordan said Prop 84 funds could be used for study of land use and phasing; a fiscal plan; and infrastructure planning for water, sewer and drainage. It could also study and provide impact analysis or drainage, air quality, noise and biological assessment. “Not included in the project are any related (California Environmental Quality Act) review steps,” Jordan said, which “means that the city would not be able to adopt the plan upon completion until the CEQA review was financed.” Ione staff sent a letter to Ione Business Park owner Howard Properties identifying this and requesting their participation. “Any funds spent by the city or property owner on the analysis or CEQA,” Jordan said, “could be counted as ‘additional resources’ that could be leveraged against the grant and help increase the city’s chances of being funding.” The application cost was estimated at $5,000, Jordan said, while the city as lead agency could apply from $100,000 up to $1 million (or in some cases $2 million). The Ione council today and Plymouth City Council on Thursday could a joint application for Prop 84 funding, with Amador County, Amador City, Jackson and Sutter Creek. With each putting in $1,000, they would seek a grant for “Amador countywide greenhouse gas inventory and reduction plans.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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