SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., June 4, 2009 - The Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC) of San Luis Obispo County has been designated by the State of California as a district coordinator for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the federal economic stimulus plan.
Since April of 2009, the EVC has been coordinating proposals for projects needing economic stimulus funding on behalf of the State's Business Transportation and Housing Agency (BT&H) for a region that includes the counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz.
The EVC partnered with the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) and J. Knight Consulting on this first-ever project. Two reports were submitted by the EVC to the State that include proposals from cities, counties and non-profits throughout the five-county region. Projects, ranging in type and cost, include transportation, infrastructure, energy, environmental, visitor serving projects, and others- all intended to create jobs and bring outside revenue to the central coast.
The most recent work plan, submitted on June 1st, is now available on the EVC web site at www.sloevc.org/workplan. Participating organizations were invited to submit proposals needing economic stimulus funds to be distributed through a formula-based approach and competitive grant applications. Respondents were directed to focus their efforts on "shovel ready" projects that would help create jobs. Where possible, organizations were asked to identify projects that had environmental benefits and would help provide 'green jobs'. The Plan includes hundreds of proposed projects in need of funding, and some funds have already been distributed to the central coast. Additional funds are anticipated to flow into the region as organizations successfully compete for funds.
"We are doing our part to help SLO County get its share of economic stimulus monies to help revive our local economy and create jobs. As a district coordinator by the State for this first-ever approach, the EVC and its partners have developed a process that may be leveraged for future collaborations for regional economic development and job creation", said Michael Manchak, President of the EVC.
Steve Devencenzi, SLOCOG's Planning Director stated: "The Economic Recovery Work Plan is a groundbreaking effort on the part of the State to establish more meaningful lines of communication between local and State agencies, and regional organizations. This coordinated approach to strategic public investments will result in opportunities that can result in targeted and meaningful projects. We hope to continue working together to assure that this opportunity will create needed jobs and build better communities."
"The Plan represents a significant and cooperative effort among hundreds of participating organizations within a five county region. This process has provided the central coast with a model that can be used in the future for regional coordination of projects." said John Knight of San Luis Obispo-based J. Knight Consulting.
Resource web site links:
- EVC / work plan: www.sloevc.org/workplan.php
- State Economic Recovery Work Plan: www.business.ca.gov
- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA): www.recovery.gov
About the Economic Vitality Corporation
EVC is a local non-profit economic development organization that provides business resources to help start and expand businesses throughout San Luis Obispo County. The Economic Vitality Corporation provides economic development services and business resources throughout San Luis Obispo County. The EVC stimulates the local economy by helping to generate jobs, increase investment in the community and promote the start-up, growth and attraction of businesses. www.sloevc.org (805) 788-2012
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