If individuals in a disadvantaged inland community want to see the ocean, there might be a state grant for that.
The Williams City Council last week authorized staff to pursue an Outdoor Equity grant to fund opportunities for disadvantaged youth, English learners, children in foster care, senior citizens, disabled, and other qualifying individuals to have access to broader outdoor recreation.
The grant covers activities both within and outside the community, but officials are more interested in providing recreation opportunities locally.
“We could charter a bus to take X amount of people on an excursion for the day,” said Councilman Don Parson.
The city is eligible to apply for the competitive grant, which is offered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
“Each town can receive up to $700,000 for their area,” said Katheryn Ramsaur, assistant planner.
City officials said they will attempt to gather community response before they make a request for a specific amount.
The Outdoor Equity Grants Program was enacted when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 209 in 2019, which provided $19 million in funding so people in disadvantaged communities can participate in outdoor excursions to state parks and other public lands.
The grant would fund program operations, transportations, and staff time.
“This would be at no cost to the city,” Ramsaur said. “Once funded, you would get everything from them, and up to 50 percent upfront. The grant even funds equipment. If you wanted fishing poles for a fishing trip, it would be covered. Kayak rentals. Everything like that is covered.”
While the grant would fund overnight excursions, Ramsaur said local and regional outdoor activities would be better suited for Williams.
The city would have to oversee coordination and plan each of the various activities, which the state would reimburse 100 percent.
While the grant funding is highly competitive – and is awarded to both urban and rural populations – city officials saw no harm in applying.
“Why not try?” Ramsaur added.
The grant would fund a four-year program.
Based on feedback so far, if the City is successful in a grant award, officials plan for three in-town outdoor recreational activities the first year, and one excursion outside the community.
According to the state, activities could include teaching students about the environment, taking educational walks to discover nature, or a trip to a natural area, such as a regional, state, or national park, tribal land, river or lake, forest, mountain, wildlife refuge, or desert.
Public agencies and non-profit organizations can apply. All applications must be submitted electronically to State Parks by 5 PM on Oct. 8. Grant applications are scored on a 100-point maximum value system.
The state is expected to announce the grant recipients next spring, officials said. ■