Del Norte Gets a Peek at What Congress Will Approve for Fiscal 2026

Del Norte’s Federal advocate, Greg Burns of Thorn Run Associates, Washington, DC. via ZOOM appeared before last week’s Board of Supervisors meeting.

In light of the President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, many of cuts were not retained which were encouraging to Del Norte County,  reported by Burns.

A major program, Secure Rural Schools  (SRS) which contributes about $1.5 million per fiscal year for Del Norte was pulled from the U.S Senate pulled Secure Rural Schools funding. The President then signed the Bill into law. Secure Rural Schools (SRS) will be reviewed for a September re-vote. Other bullet points are noted 

• Essential Air Service will continue

• Community Development Block Grant  has been restored

• The Home Program addressing housing  needs will be restored

• Last Chance Grade funding, the second largest in California’s history, with an already $250 Million invested

• Del Norte has already missed a Federal Secure Rural Schools payment, will seek a retroactive reimbursement when  it applies for continuation of SRS.

• Burns also advised the Board, funds from SRS benefits the City and includes  the City Waste Water Treatment plant 

Also on hand at the meeting  was a group of young folks called Change Makers, part of the True North, sponsored by Amy Campbell Blair.