Congressman Sam Farr defended San Benito County’s last-place
ranking in per capita, direct federal funding by contending that
most of the allocations are based on formulas, how there isn’t a
relative abundance of federal property here, and that locals don’t
do enough in requesting the funds.
Congressman Sam Farr defended San Benito County’s last-place ranking in per capita, direct federal funding by contending that most of the allocations are based on formulas, how there isn’t a relative abundance of federal property here, and that locals don’t do enough in requesting the funds.
A report put out by the U.S. Department of Commerce ranks California’s 58 counties in total direct federal funding and breaks it down into five categories: retirement and disability payments; other direct payments; grants; procurement; and salaries and wages. San Benito County was last on the list per capita, with a total of $233.35 million – or $4,238 per resident.
Farr, the Democrat from Carmel who represents San Benito County, started out in responding to the ranking by noting how the county has “very little federal property” – such as Pinnacles National Monument and the Clear Creek Management Area – compared with other smaller counties. That amounts to fewer dollars as payments in lieu of taxes, he said. He also said the smaller population here means less money from Social Security and veterans payments.
San Benito County also, however, ranked 58th out of 58 counties in the state for federal grant funding.
“I’ve always been aware of this,” said Farr, about the lacking grant funds here.
He went on to list off some allocations for San Benito County in which he was involved, such as obtaining $1 million for a campground project at Pinnacles National Monument, $800,000 for the San Benito Health Foundation and another $100,000 for a law enforcement grant. He also pointed out a recent $4.5 million federal contract with Pacific Scientific based near Hollister, and how he “led the fight in Washington” to increase doctor Blue Cross reimbursements in San Benito County.
Farr said local officials have to “be more active in requesting grant money.”
From there, Farr mentioned how the county should try to improve its property tax base. Higher property tax values would mean more local revenue.
“There’s a lot of sources of money,” Farr said.
Farr underscored how he has a roundtable scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Francis Retreat near San Juan Bautista where officials with several federal departments will discuss the best practices to obtain federal assistance.
“I just hope there’s a lot of interest in it,” he said. “San Benito’s an incredible county.”
