SACRAMENTO - Gov. Jerry Brown today signed a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that allows the Smith River Rancheria to join the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority and other local joint powers agreements involving sewer, water and transportation management.
"Del Norte County depends on the whole community pulling together to make progress toward economic prosperity and the tribal governments are an essential part of this teamwork," Chesbro said. "Elk Valley Rancheria has been a valuable member of the Airport Joint Powers Authority since its inception in 2007. Smith River Rancheria has had a standing invitation from the membership to join the JPA and now state law will allow this to happen."
Assembly Bill 798 amends Section 6529 of the California Government Code to designate the Smith River Rancheria Tribal Council a "public agency" for the purpose of entering into the Boarder Coast Regional Airport Authority and other joint powers agreements (JPA) with Crescent City and Del Norte County, that "assist, facilitate, develop or enhance sewer, storm water, drinking water, or transportation services." The new designation takes effect on Jan. 1, 2012.
Members of the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority JPA, which manages Crescent City's commercial airport, Jack McNamara Field, are Crescent City, Del Norte County, Elk Valley Rancheria, Brookings, Ore. and Curry County in Oregon.
"We wish to thank Assemblyman Chesbro for his leadership and support on this matter and Governor Brown for his signature to AB 798," said Kara Miller, Smith River Rancheria Tribal chair. "We look forward to the opportunity to continue working with the local community, on a government-to-government basis, on matters of mutual importance."
Chesbro authored a similar bill last year, which passed both houses of the Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support, but former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed it.
"I thank Governor Brown for understanding the important role tribal governments play in their local communities," Chesbro said.
CONTACT: Andrew Bird, Chesbro communications director, (916) 319-2001
