AEDC Receives $5 Million in Sustainable Industries Grant
on Friday. Arcata Economic Development announced that it has received a $5 million grant from the California Community Economic Resilience Fund to develop a planning process for sustainable industries that create high-quality, accessible jobs for all. AEDC will administer these funds on behalf of the Redwood Coast region, which includes Humboldt, Del Norte, Mendocino, and Lake counties, in partnership with Caltech Humboldt’s California Center for Rural Policy.
“For decades, AEDC has worked to provide financing to small businesses in these four counties,” AEDC Executive Director Ross Welch said in a prepared statement. “These funds will allow us to collaborate and think about bigger issues, addressing infrastructure and community development projects and programs that support the entire region. We’re excited to be a part of this.”
The Redwood Region RISE (Resilient, Inclusive, Sustainable Economy) planning will run from November to September 2024 and develop a plan recommending investment in projects in the region to develop industry and support carbon realization by 2030 neutralization goal.
“(California Rural Policy Center) is delighted to be able to leverage its long history of participatory research and engagement in the region to serve CERF goals. Our mission is to set a table where people of all backgrounds, workers, businesses, Leaders, professionals and policymakers can collaborate to achieve a vision of a prosperous, carbon-neutral and equitable future,” said Dawn Arledge, executive director of CCRP, in a press release.
Coast Central announces $100,000 grant
Coast Central Credit Union President and CEO James T. Sessa announced that the Board of Directors has awarded $100,000 to 12 local organizations through spring financing of the Community Investment Program, bringing the total amount awarded since 2008 to $2 million. A total of 48 nonprofits were awarded $600,000.
Fall 2022 recipients include:
Humboldt County
- Pay Eureka Rescue Mission $20,000 for bunk beds and mattresses
- $20,000 to Fortuna Senior Centre for bathroom construction in new building
- $10,000 for Telegraph Ridge Fire Protection for fire station repairs and upgrades
- $9,800 to Hoopa American Legion Post 415 for new roof at community center
- $6,600 to HCAR Bay Center for storage of work programs
- $6,500 to Mattole Valley Resource Center for backup generators
- $4,500 to Humboldt Bay Rowing Association for repairs to boat trailers
- $3,900 for adult day care at Mad River for a new office computer
- $3,500 to Whitethorn Volunteer Fire District for new digital radio
Humboldt/Trinity County
- $3,500 to Willow Creek Fire Safety to reduce chipper maintenance for brushes
Del Norte County
- Paid $9,200 to Lighthouse Repertory Theatre for new equipment
Trinity County
- $2,500 to Coffee Creek Volunteer Fire Dept. for new radio supplies
“The program started 14 years ago as a way to donate $100,000 annually to local nonprofits as part of the long-standing credit union motto, “The People Helping the People,” said Cesa. “Five years ago, we were very fortunate to be able to increase this to $200,000 per year. We are very grateful for the loyalty of our members and our Board of Volunteers for their continued support of this level of giving.”
The 2023 Spring Split kicks off in February. January 1, 2023, at coastccu.org/community/community-giving.