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<br /> PROGRAM/BUDGET REVIEW <br /> <br /> PAGE 7 <br /> <br /> FY 1997-98 <br /> NRCS is approaching the County for funding assistance to <br /> continue the cost-share agricultural conservation program <br /> for our small farmers that need the most assistance. <br /> NRCS will also approach the State for funding. The money <br /> secured from both the County and State will be used by <br /> NRCS as leverage to obtain additional Federal funding. <br /> The program will be administered by the local Soil and <br /> Water Conservation Districts (Waiakea, Hamakua, <br /> Mauna Kea, Kona, Ka'u, and Puna). Department of Public <br /> Works is working with NRCS through this program in <br /> implementing the County Grading Ordinance. This program <br /> will also help in implementing the proposed tax rule <br /> relating to agriculture use. <br /> I am requesting each County Council member to allocate <br /> $10,000 out of their individual discretionary funds for <br /> the continuation of this program. A special account <br /> could be set up for this purpose under R&D's agriculture <br /> account. <br /> TOTAL PROGRAM COST: $90,000 <br /> 8. ARE THERE OTHER FUNDING SOURCES (E.G. GRANTS, <br /> ENTITLEMENTS, ETC.) OTHER THAN THOSE ALREADY IN PLACE <br /> THAT COULD SUPPLEMENT OR ENHANCE PROGRAMS OR SERVICES <br /> CURRENTLY PROVIDED? IF ANY, DESCRIBE THE SOURCE AND WHY <br /> YOU HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO ACCESS THE FUNDING. <br /> New Industrv <br /> Economic Development Agency (EDA) is a potential source <br /> of funding for economic development projects, however, <br /> EDA's budget has been cut drastically since their heyday <br /> in the 70's when they used to do $4 billion plus. The <br /> County's involvement in this program was reduced <br /> considerably when DBEDT decided not to continue their <br /> share of funding a staff person to coordinate the EDA <br /> effort. <br /> Also, the County's unemployment had improved for a while <br /> and reduced our priority for funding. <br /> Please note: Most of the EDA grants require a 25 percent <br /> match and can be utilized for economic development <br /> planning, technical assistance, and on-ground <br /> improvements such as construction and improvements. EDA <br /> also provides assistance in cases of sudden and severe <br /> dislocation (sugar plantation closures) and long-term <br /> economic deterioration. <br /> <br />