WOODLAND, CA (MPG) - The Yolo County Department of Community Services' Natural Resources Division is pleased to announce the launch of its annual survey for the Rural Community Investment Program (formerly known as the Rural Initiative Program). Available in both English and Spanish, the survey will remain open until Sept. 14. It is a vital tool for guiding the allocation of funds to address the infrastructure needs of rural areas within Yolo County.

The Rural Community Investment Program intends to bolster economic development, health, and safety in rural Yolo County. Each fiscal year, the Natural Resources Division, in collaboration with various departments and community members, evaluates and prioritizes potential projects. These projects are then presented to the Board of Supervisors for consideration, potentially receiving support through grant research or partial funding to address the unique needs of rural communities effectively.

District 5 Supervisor Angel Barajas underscored the importance of community involvement, stating, “The feedback we receive from this survey is invaluable. It helps us to make informed decisions and prioritize projects that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our rural residents. We encourage everyone to participate and have their voices heard.”

The Rural Infrastructure Investment Plan is designed to align infrastructure investments with the Board’s Strategic Plan objectives. The American Society of Civil Engineers reports a national infrastructure gap exceeding $2 trillion, with rural areas like Northern California’s Central Valley experiencing even greater disparities. This gap impacts rural communities significantly, affecting employment opportunities, quality of life, public safety, healthcare access, and overall economic competitiveness.

The scope of infrastructure includes essential systems such as roads, railways, bridges, water supply, sewer systems, electrical grids, and telecommunications. The Rural Community Investment Program is committed to exploring innovative funding models and fostering partnerships across public, private, and non-profit sectors to address these critical needs.

Recent community engagement and survey results have highlighted several key areas of focus for this year. These include the need for road improvements to enhance local transportation, increased law enforcement presence to improve safety, and initiatives to support health equity through the Wellness and Prevention Fund and a dedicated health program coordinator. Additionally, addressing power supply reliability and expanding high-speed internet and broadband are essential for boosting economic competitiveness and quality of life in rural areas.

Residents of rural Yolo County are encouraged to complete the survey and help shape the future of their communities. For more information about the Rural Community Investment Program and to access the survey, please visit www.YoloCounty.gov/RIISurvey. For information in Spanish and to access the Spanish-language survey, please visit www.YoloCounty.gov/RIIEncuesta.