WASHOE COUNTY NEWS RELEASE
The Washoe County Board of Commissioners held its regularly scheduled meeting today and took action on items including the following: accepted a nearly $2 million Federal Highway Administration Grant Award from the Nevada Department of Transportation for the Eastlake Boulevard Improvement Project; authorized the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District to proceed in forming a Blue Ribbon Committee to study regional fire issues; proclaimed March 2013 as Professional Social Work Month in Washoe County; approved the 2013-14 Washoe County Strategic Plan, which includes the Board of County Commissioners goals and objectives; and approved a resolution and letter of support to the Nevada Delegation for Sierra Nevada Job Corps Center.
Federal Highway Administration Grant Award: Item 28. The Board of County Commissioners accepted the $1,970,775 grant for the Eastlake Boulevard Improvement Project in Washoe Valley and authorized the Community Services Department to advertise and solicit bids for the project. The grant is the first installment of $6 million in funds to be directed to road projects pursuant to a settlement, release and waiver agreement between Washoe County and the state of Nevada. The funds will be used for reconstruction and road repairs on Eastlake Boulevard.
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) Blue Ribbon Committee: Item 18. The commissioners discussed and authorized staff to implement a process to determine the level of participation of other cooperating agencies throughout the community for a Blue Ribbon Committee. Staff will solicit applicants for the committee, which will review and analyze regional fire services. Members of the committee will be representative of the community, its geography and its interests. The Board further instructed staff to continue reaching out to adjacent fire service agencies to participate, including neighboring counties and federal agencies. For more information, including TMFPD Fire Chief Charles A. Moore’s monthly update report, view the staff report and other supporting documents.
Professional Social Work Month: Item 14. The Board proclaimed March as Professional Social Work Month. Washoe County currently employs approximately 125 professional social workers in various fields, including public guardian, child welfare, adult services and senior services. Director of Social Services Kevin Schiller thanked all the employees for their dedication and hard work. This proclamation recognizes the contributions Washoe County social workers make every day throughout the community.
2013-14 Washoe County Strategic Plan: Item 32. The commissioners reviewed and approved the Washoe County mission, vision, values and the Board’s 2013-14 strategic objectives and goals. Those include the sustainability of financial, social and natural resources; economic development and diversification; safe, secure and healthy communities; public participation and open communication; and a valued, engaged employee workforce.
Resolution and letter of support for Sierra Nevada Job Corps Center (SNJCC): Item 19. Located in Washoe County, SNJCC provides education and training to Nevada’s disadvantaged youth to enable them to join the skilled labor workforce in the community. SNJCC is funded by the Department of Labor. In January 2013, the DOL issued a suspension on acceptance of new students through June 30, 2013. As a result, an expected 330-440 prospective SNJCC students will be denied enrollment during that period. The Board will send the resolution and a letter of support for SNJCC to the Nevada Delegation which represents the county.
