Whats New: Enclosure 3

April 2, 2001 - Enclosure 3
  Roberti-Z'berg-Harris Urban Open Space
  and Recreation Grant Program
   Public Comment Period Announced
   Public Hearings Announced

The Draft Procedural Guidelines for the Roberti-Z'berg-Harris Urban Open Space and Recreation Grant Program Act (RZH) will be made available for public comment beginning May 20th and ending June 28th.

Written comments may be submitted by US mail, e-mail, or fax.
Oral and written comments may also be submitted at the two public hearings (see information below).

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The RZH program provides block grants to cities, counties and eligible districts in urbanized areas and needs basis (competitive) grants to cities, counties, and eligible districts in urbanized and non-urbanized areas. RZH grants shall be expended for high-priority projects that satisfy the most urgent park and recreation needs, with emphasis on unmet needs in the most heavily populated and most economically disadvantaged areas within each jurisdiction. Funds received as either block grants or as needs basis grants may be used for either acquisition or development of recreation land and facilities. Up to 30 percent of the grant amount can be requested for special major maintenance and/or innovative recreation programs.

The majority of the RZH funds, 83 percent of the total funds, are provided as block grants to eligible entities in urbanized areas based on population. The most heavily urbanized jurisdictions will receive an additional increment of block grant funds.

The balance of the funds, 17 percent of the total funds, will be awarded on a competitive basis. In addition to cities, counties, and eligible districts, federally recognized California Indian Tribes are also eligible for the needs basis grants. Eligible entities in non-urbanized areas may compete for 88 percent of the needs basis grants. Eligible entities in urbanized areas may compete for 12 percent of the needs basis grants.

The RZH guidelines will establish policies and procedures for applying for these funds. All RZH grants require a 30 percent match. The draft guidelines will incorporate the Administrative Standards developed by the Department of Parks and Recreation for use in all grant awards. (See Enclosure 1).

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The Office of Grants and Local Services must receive all comments by 4:30 PM, June 28, 2001. The public can provide comments by U.S. mail, by e-mail, by fax and at public hearings.