Below are highlights of some of the actions taken by the Board of Washoe County Commissioners at its October 11th meeting.

Reduced Flood Insurance Premiums: The Board approved the Community Rating System Renewal Application to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). NFIP allows communities which provide additional protection to properties in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplains the opportunity to apply for reductions in the flood policy premiums. The community is given points for efforts which exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. The points are awarded in 20 different areas which range from Floodplain Map Information to Open Space Preservation to Flood Warning Program.

Donations: The Board accepted several donations, including: a trailer-mounted 150KW generator (valued at $5,000) from the Regional Transportation Commissioner for Washoe County Emergency Management and Homeland Security and a cash donation of $150 from In Memory of Matthew John McGill to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to be used for Search and Rescue-Hasty equipment and supplies.

Grants: The Board accepted several grants, including the Washoe County Repeat Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Prevention grant, in the amount of $45,000 (no County match required); a Nevada Office of Traffic Safety grant in the amount of $2,350 (no County match required) to cover overtime costs to conduct traffic enforcement checkpoints; a Justice Assistance grant in the amount of $3,500 (no County match required) to cover overtime costs associated with Project Safe Neighborhood; an Emergency Management Performance grant in the amount of $120,877 (requires a soft match of $120,877 by applying the salary expense of Washoe County Sheriff Search and Rescue positions); and Nutrition grants for Home Delivered Meals program in amount of $286,136 (with $50,501 County match) and Congregate Meals program in the amount of $230,753 (with $40,726 County match). Additional grants include a U.S Fish and Wildlife grant in the amount of $150,000 (no County match required) for the Verdi Pond Liner Project at Crystal Peak Park, which will sustain four local jobs, a Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement grant in the amount of $100,000 (no County match required) for the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Sciences Division and a National Institute of Justice grant in the amount of $342,000 (no County match required) for the DNA Backlog Reduction Program. Grants accepted today totaled $938,616.

Citizen Recognition: The Board presented Tom Noblett with a Resolution of Appreciation for his dedicated service the Sun Valley Neighborhood Center, especially for the Sun Valley Senior Bingo Game. Mr. Noblett provides countless personal time to host the games and solicit prizes.

Verdi Fire Ecosystem Restoration Project: The Board authorized Washoe County Public Works Department to coordinate with Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space to bid the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 (ARRA) Verdi Fire Ecosystem Restoration Project. The Verdi Fire occurred on July 31, 2011 and burned 85 acres of non-federal land. The project will include noxious weed treatment of thistle and tall-white top adjacent to the fire boundary, reseeding of the fire area, native shrub plantings and enhancement along the riparian corridors. One of the main objectives for all ARRA projects is to implement on-site treatments that will employ at least 6 people in varying trades, including contractors. A total of $145,000 has been allocated for this project. Funding for this project is a result of a funding surplus from the Red Rock Fire Ecosystem Restoration Project which was completed under the projected budget. With this project, Washoe County will have invested $11,223,605 in ARRA projects, sustaining 132 jobs, with 96% of the projects funding going to local contractors.

National Community Planning Month: The Board proclaimed October as National Community Planning Month. In 2006, the American Planning Association (APA), the national planning organization that promotes excellence in planning and which has over 40,000 members, declared October of each year as National Community Planning Month. Each year APA and its members, chapters, divisions, and professional institute sponsor National Community Planning Month to raise the visibility of planning efforts in communities across the U.S., and throw a spotlight on the many residents, leaders, officials, and professionals who contribute to making great communities.