Proposals will be accepted through April 30, 2024
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Food Assistance program is now accepting applications for the fourth round of Resiliency Grants.
To help address critical needs of hunger relief organizations across Washington, WSDA is offering the Resiliency Grants Program with at least $5.3 million in pass through state funding to eligible hunger relief organizations, including those not currently participating in Food Assistance (FA) core programs.
The application is divided into two parts: a concept proposal and a full application, by invitation. The concept proposals for the Food Assistance Resiliency Grants Program 2024-2025 are now open through April 30, 2024.
The Resiliency Grants Program contributes to WSDA’s ongoing Focus on Food Initiative, which aims to ensure access to a safe and nutritious supply of food to support a healthy and thriving Washington population. The Resiliency Grants and Initiatives Committee, a diverse advisory group, helps inform the design of this program.
For more information on grant eligibility requirements, program overview, and the application link, visit the WSDA Food Assistance website.
ref. https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=38632
IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:
Superior Court eFiling Set to Go Live in Whatcom, Kitsap, Columbia and Grays Harbor Counties in April; More Courts to Come
April 04, 2024
As part of a new pilot program from the Administrative Office of the Courts, four Washington county superior courts will be implementing document eFiling to better assist court staff, judicial officers, attorneys, pro-se litigants and other justice partners./ WA COURTS
Commerce invests nearly $20 million to preserve affordable housing.
Funding will help make repairs to keep 873 units in service for vulnerable populations in 14 counties
OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Department of Commerce this week announced $19.8 million in awards to 31 applicants to preserve 873 affordable housing units through the Housing Preservation Program. These projects provide critically needed housing to some of Washington’s most vulnerable populations./ WA COMMERCE DEPT.
Asphalt manufacturer and distributor penalized $27,000 for violating dangerous waste regulations.
VANCOUVER –
The Washington Department of Ecology is issuing a $27,000 penalty to Albina Asphalt for not properly managing their dangerous waste. The waste included liquid asphalt, diesel, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are persistent toxic chemicals./DOE
Direct Consolidation Loan Deadline for Income-Driven Repayment Adjustment April 30, 2024.
Washington DFI reminds Washington student loan borrowers that the direct consolidation loan deadline in order to be reviewed for the one-time income-driven repayment account adjustment is April 30, 2024./DFI
WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs starting April 8; additional tentative digs planned for April and May/WDFW
2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
KILMER ANNOUNCES NEW FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE MAKAH INDIAN TRIBE TO SUPPORT OCEAN MAPPING EFFORTS
PORT ANGELES, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the Makah Indian Tribe will receive $288,482 in federal funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support its ocean data mapping capabilities. This funding is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will build on prior ocean data and mapping support work by the Tribe, while also focusing on priorities identified by the Tribe and the West Coast Ocean Alliance, including tribal data sovereignty and student engagement./From a press release issued 4/2/24
KILMER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO EMPOWER TRIBAL NATIONS IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHALLENGES
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Mike Simpson (ID-02), and Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (WA-03) introduced the Tribal Environmental Risk and Resilience Act (TERRA Act) to streamline the process for Tribal Nations to respond to environmental threats, including extreme weather events, natural disasters, and other climate-induced challenges./ from press release issued 4/4/24
Senator Cantwell Joins WA Delegation in Supporting Major Disaster Declaration for Communities Affected by Severe Winter Storms in January
Letter comes in the wake of a “series of extraordinary storm events” which struck Washington state in January; State and local agencies responsible for disaster recovery are overburdened and in need of federal assistance, wrote the senators./From a press release issued 4/4/24
Cantwell Calls for Investigating Overuse of Migrant Solitary Confinement
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined 11 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Patrick Lechleitner calling on the department to end the misuse of solitary confinement at ICE facilities./from a press release issued 4/1/24
Senator Murray Leads WA Delegation in Supporting Major Disaster Declaration for Communities Affected by Severe Winter Storms in January./ From a press release issued 4/2/24
IMPORTANT DEADLINE: Senator Murray Encourages Eligible Residents Affected by Grey and Oregon Road Wildfires to Apply for Disaster Relief with FEMA and SBA By April 20th/ from a press release issued 4/3/24
WORLD< NATION< BUSINESS
WORLD:
As Crisis in Myanmar Worsens, Security Council Must Take Resolute Action to End Violence by Country’s Military, Address Humanitarian Situation, Speakers Urge
Senior UN Official Announces Plan to Appoint Special Envoy ‘in the Coming Days’
Bringing the multifaceted crisis in Myanmar to the fore, speakers urged the Security Council today to take decisive measures to end violence by that country’s military and address the deteriorating humanitarian situation, also calling for the swift appointment of a United Nations Special Envoy to enhance the Organization’s engagement on the matter./UN PRESS RELEASE
2024 Conference of Civil Society Organizations Working on Question of Palestine.
The response to the war in Gaza is the litmus test for the international justice system, participants heard in Geneva today, during the first day of the two-day Conference of Civil Society Organizations working on the Question of Palestine — convened by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People — with many highlighting the role of civil society in preserving international law and ensuring accountability./UN PRESS RELEASE
General Assembly Adopts Resolution on Role of Diamonds in Fuelling Conflict, amid Concerns Certain States Might Block Updates to Text
Organ also Takes Up Appointment of Board Members on Sustainable Consumption, Production Patterns/UN PRESS RELEASE
Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a UN Security Council Briefing on Children and Armed Conflict./USUN
Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: We received Israel’s report on the terrible killing of the World Central Kitchen team in Gaza a few days ago. We’re reviewing it very carefully. We’ll be discussing its conclusions with Israeli officials and with humanitarian organizations in the days to come./US STATE DEPT.
NATION:
Austin Calls for 'Rapid Increase' of Aid Into Gaza Through All Crossings./DOD
Five New Federal Agencies Join Justice Department in Pledge to Enforce Civil Rights Laws in Artificial Intelligence/DOJ
Justice Department Announces Publication of Third Volume of National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment/doj
U.S. Departments of Education and Labor Continue Biden-Harris Administration’s Push for Better Pay and High-Quality Pathways into Education Professions./ DEPT. of EDUCATION
HUD Awards $13.5 Million in Grants to Expand Access to Homeownership Opportunities
Four housing providers to produce over 440 homes for low-income first-time homebuyers using Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) Grants/HUD
BUSINESS:
U.S. Department of the Treasury Now Accepting Applications for New Investing in America Small Business Opportunity Program/US TREASURY DEPT.
USDA Makes $1.5 Billion Available to Help Farmers Advance Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act will help farmers save money, create new revenue streams, enhance natural resources, and tackle the climate crisis./USDA
Enriching Data and Analysis in Economics with Real Life Experiences
Governor Adriana D. Kugler
At Women in Economics Symposium, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri/THE FED
Dirty Dozen: IRS urges taxpayers to not fall prey to untrustworthy tax preparers; ‘ghost preparers’ can disappear with taxpayer cash, information/IRS
US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD FOR JOINT REQUEST ON RETIREMENT PLAN BENEFITS INFORMATION PROVIDED TO WORKERS, FEDERAL GOVERNMENT/DEPT. of LABOR
IN FOCUS & LOCAL MEETINGS:
IN FOCUS: WDFW seeks public input on Theler Wetlands restoration project.
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) are seeking public input on the planned restoration of seven acres of estuarine habitat in the Mary E. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve in Mason County.
Located on the Union River Wildlife Area Unit in lower Hood Canal near Belfair, the trail system and wetlands provide recreational opportunities for birders and nature enthusiasts while protecting the estuarine ecosystem from development pressure of the growing area.
The project involves estuary restoration to improve habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species, including Hood Canal summer chum salmon, which are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). It also involves removing a 1,250-foot breached levee to restore natural tidal processes and improve fish access to adjacent wetlands, elevating Roessel Road to help prevent flooding, and reconnecting the preserve’s trail network through an elevated boardwalk.
The project is undergoing a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review. The public can view SEPA documents at: wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/environmental/sepa/open-comments. Comments may be submitted through the PublicInput comment portal for this project or by email to: ThelerWetlandsRestoration@PublicInput.com. Comments may also be mailed to: Lisa Wood, WDFW SEPA/NEPA Coordinator, at PO Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98504-3200. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on April 16, 2024.
"We are excited to continue working with our partners, HCSEG, Mason County, and the North Mason community on restoring estuary functions,” said WDFW Restoration Coordinator Chris Waldbillig. “This project builds on habitat restoration completed in 2013 and increases the shallow estuary habitat critical for juvenile salmon as well as waterfowl and shorebirds. We know from past restoration that juvenile salmon seek out these protected waters at high tides to eat, grow, and take shelter before moving into the nearshore habitat as they migrate toward the ocean.”
Theler Wetlands is part of the 543-acre Union River Unit of South Puget Sound Wildlife Area. WDFW began managing property there in 1962. Most recently, the North Mason School District transferred 106 acres to the Department in August.
“We appreciate the partnership with the school district and community for wetland protection and education and are proud to steward these important conservation lands that offer a variety of recreational options,” said WDFW Wildlife Area Manager Katie Laushman. “The Union River Unit provides many opportunities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and a hand boat launch that can be used for accessing waterfowl hunting blinds.”
Construction is expected to begin in late summer 2024. The project has received funding through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Puget Sound Partnership.
“HCSEG is excited to partner with WDFW to accomplish this saltmarsh restoration project that includes the renewal of recreational opportunities in lower Hood Canal,” said HCSEG Executive Director Mendy Harlow. “The project will not only benefit the recovery of ESA-listed Hood Canal summer chum salmon, but also a multitude of bird species that rely on saltmarsh habitat for foraging and rearing their young.”
All members of the public are invited to share their perspective and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or basis of disability.
WDFW manages more than a million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting the state’s land and water for its human and wildlife populations.
HCSEG is one of 14 regional fisheries enhancement groups actively assisting Washington State in salmon recovery efforts. With the help of donors, volunteers, members, and staff, HCSEG conducts habitat restoration and research projects and environmental education programs throughout the entire Hood Canal Watershed that not only benefit local salmon populations, but also support the ecological diversity and sustainability of our local communities. HCSEG strives to deepen the connection between land, people, and salmon through research, restoration, and education. Our mission is to ensure that wild salmon are once again abundant in the Pacific Northwest.
IN FOCUS: Board of Natural Resources Approves Expansion of Devils Lake Natural Resources Conservation Area.
The Trust Land Transfer will add 443 acres of wildlife habitat, forested shoreline, and rare forest plant community to the existing NRCA in Jefferson County
The Washington State Board of Natural Resources approved a 443-acre expansion of the Devils Lake Natural Resources Conservation Area in Jefferson County through a Trust Land Transfer at its monthly meeting Tuesday.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources previously managed the property for the Common School Trust, which helps fund K-12 education statewide. However, it was inefficient to manage for timber harvest income due to steep, potentially unstable slopes. It will now be transferred into conservation status.
Proceeds garnered from the transfer of the parcel will be used to purchase replacement lands for future trust management.
The transfer will permanently protect 1 mile of scenic forested shoreline and steep slopes along Hood Canal, along with many protected biological and ecological species. The property is also home to a globally imperiled rare forest plant community that remains in healthy condition.
“We have a responsibility to ensure Washington state’s public lands provide the greatest environmental, social, and economic good,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “This innovative Trust Land Transfer and expansion of the Devils Lake NRCA is just one example of how my agency is looking ahead to not only support kids by creating sustainable revenue sources for our schools, but also protecting and conserving vital ecosystems and critical habitats.”
DNR generates more than $250 million each year through the management of trust lands, which support schools, colleges, and critical local services across Washington state. That revenue comes from sustainable forest management, agricultural leases, clean energy leases, and commercial real estate leases.
The Trust Land Transfer tool is designed to transfer lands that provide important ecological values or public benefits but don’t produce enough revenue to support schools and local services across Washington state. DNR transfers these lands to public agencies for conservation or recreation purposes and then replaces them with lands better suited to generate money to support public services for generations to come.
Revitalization of the Trust Land Transfer tool was a major project of the 2021 Trust Land Performance Initiative, which focused on identifying tools to address underperforming land assets. This effort, funded in part by the Legislature, was designed to make the tool more consistent, transparent, repeatable, and effective.
For more information on the transfer, including photos and a map of the parcel, go to dnr.wa.gov/about/boards-and-councils/board-natural-resources.
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:
Clallam County Commission work session for 4/8/24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082024-1154
Clallam County Commission meeting for 4/9/24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092024-1153
DDAC COMMITTEE MEETING FOR 4/9/24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04092024-1152
CITY OF SEQUIM COUNCIL MEETING FOR 4/8/24
https://sequimwa.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=113
CITY OF FORKS COUNCIL MEETING 4/8/24
https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Agenda-20240408.pdf
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting 4/9/24
https://portofpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Comm-Pkt-4-9-24.pdf
CLALLAM COUNTY PUD meeting for 4/8/24
https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/clallampud/Board.nsf/Public
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 4/8/24
https://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/WeblinkExternal/0/edoc/5257044/040824A.pdf
Port of Port Townsend meeting for 4/10/24
https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-04-10-CommMtg-Agenda.pdf
Weekly devotional
1 John 3:16 (New International Version)
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
Weekly Bible Lesson:
How You Can Begin the Church in Your Village
Perhaps you live in a city or village where the church of Christ does not yet exist. There may be man-made churches in the area, but the church of the bible has not yet been established. What should you do? Should you become a member of a man-made church? Should you move to another where the church of Christ is found? These are important questions.--TFTW
https://truthfortheworld.org/how-you-can-begin-the-church-in-your-village
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
The Chosen: About the life of Christ
https://watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen
THIS WEEK'S VIDEOS:
Prepping 101: The Step-by-Step Guide to Surviving Global Chaos
No one is laughing at preppers any more. The movement that used to be considered fringe is becoming more mainstream. But why? Glenn speculates that people all over the world are witnessing the assault on their basic needs to sustain human life … by their own governments! Food production is being altered, water is being fought over, and energy is getting flipped completely upside down. The threat of World War 3 has never been closer, and many Americans are worried about political divide fallout over the November 2024 election. After 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned we can’t rely on Big Government to save us. Because not only is the government creating much of the chaos, Glenn reveals how totally unprepared our officials are for the next major disaster.
No one is coming to save you, so Glenn heads to the chalkboard to outline step by step how you can get your family prepared for a catastrophe. But don’t be overcome by your fear; react to it with resilience. Preparing is not as daunting as it seems, and it can be done inexpensively in stages. Disaster preparedness specialist Chris Ellis has served in a variety of disaster and homeland defense positions. He joins Glenn to discuss his findings on the history and growth of preparedness in America and why the prepper movement is growing here and in other countries like Taiwan, Israel, Japan, and Sweden. His simple advice to get started? Go camping and touch nature.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duf06SGYO1o
Sunday Worship 3/31/2024--FOUR LAKES C. of C
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDHH9a5oee8
BEWARE OF DATING SCAMMERS
DON'T BE ROOKED by a CROOK!
NIGHT OWL COMICS
https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
