Keller Canyon mitigation grants announced

PITTSBURG (Aug. 21, 2012) -- Over 78 grants totaling $1,206,175 were awarded from the Keller Canyon Landfill Mitigation Fund.

The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors approved the allocations this morning at their regular meeting in Martinez.

“It was a little bit easier this year because there was more money we could use as awards,” said Supervisor Federal Glover, who administers the fund. Last year’s total was about $1.1 million but a major portion was allocated to paying off a deficit and money was set aside for a reserve fund, as recommended by the County Assessor’s Office.

Under those same rules, the reserve from 2011 could be transferred to this year’s fund. Concurrently a reserve of 20 percent of this year’s projected revenue is being set aside and will roll over into the 2013 grant funds. The end result is that a greater share of the funds could be used as 2012 awards even though the total amount was nearly the same as 2011, explained Glover.

The District V supervisor said that he was pleasantly surprised to hear that at the tonnage of the landfill is projected to increase in 2012-13. The mitigation fund is based on tonnage at the Keller Landfill located south of Bay Point and Pittsburg. The fund was created to help those communities most impacted by the landfill. The City of Pittsburg also receives mitigation money.

It was not until Glover was elected supervisor in 2000 that he began using the fund for local agencies, nonprofits and services that benefit the appearance of the community, public protection and youth. That explains why the major portion of the fund is going to the Sheriff’s Office, building inspection and a plethora of youth programs from Bay Point to Antioch.

Nevertheless, there was enough money remaining to pay for a a wide array of programs: from a crossing guard program for Bay Point schools to violence prevention; afterschool programs such as East County Kids-N-Motion and tutoring to prepare youth for college.

“There is so much being done for our community without fanfare and they don’t get the attention they deserve,” said Glover. “This fund helps programs serve our young people, feed the needy and bring relief and joy to so many.”