Board of Supervisors Supports Community Projects
Improving Water Infrastructure, Incarcerated Reentry and Healthcare Education Workforce in Lake County
The Lake County Board of Supervisors approved submitting three key community projects to Congressman Mike Thompson, aimed at improving water infrastructure, reentry housing and healthcare workforce development to enhance public safety and strengthen Lake County’s economy.
Congressman Thompson issued a Solicitation Letter inviting submittals for Community Project Funding requests for fiscal year 2026. Matthew Rothstein, Chief Deputy County Administrative Officer, presented three community projects to the Lake County Board of Supervisors that aim to “enhance safety, create jobs and improve quality of life.”
The first of three community projects is the “South Lakeport Regional Water Resilience and Fire Protection Project,” which aims to enhance water infrastructure and resiliency. City of Lakeport City Manager Kevin Ingram, County Public Works Director Glen March and Special Districts Administrator Robin Ruddock Borre also represented the project. The funding will extend water services to an unserved corridor along South Main, creating future opportunities for Tribal and intergovernmental interties to build a more robust water system. The project includes 8,000 linear feet of water main, 58 two-inch services, 16 hydrants and four fire services.
County staff also highlighted the broad public support for the “South Lakeport Regional Water Resilience and Fire Protection Project.” Lakeport Fire Protection District Chief Patrick Reitz and Operational Area Fire Rescue Coordinator Chief Willie Sapeta have endorsed the community project. On March 4, 2025, the Lake County Board of Supervisors approved the project’s submittal to Congressman Thompson’s office for requested funding of $7,211,500 to enhance the region's water system and fire protection capacity.
To learn more about the South Lakeport Regional Water Resiliency and Fire Protection Project, click here on the following links:
The second community project focuses on “Reentry Housing and Workforce Development for Those Returning from Incarceration in Lake County.” This community project aims to improve public safety by supporting the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. It will provide housing for at least 20 justice-involved individuals and offer access to workforce development opportunities, potentially in collaboration with Lake County’s Community Action Agency and North Coast Opportunities Inc (NCO). $5,000,000 had previously been committed from Community Corrections Partnership funds, and the project has garnered support from key local organizations, including the Lakeport Police Department and Redwood Community Services.
The Lake County Probation Department is committed to meeting a critical community need through this initiative. The project will establish essential community relationships and enhance the reintegration of justice-involved individuals into society. By offering housing and workforce development, it will foster long-term success, reduce reoffending and contribute to the well-being of the community. On March 4, 2025, the Lake County Board of Supervisors approved the funding resolution, underscoring the County’s dedication to supporting individuals in their transition back into the community.
To learn more about the “Reentry Housing and Workforce Development for Those Returning from Incarceration in Lake County” community project, click here on the following links:
To read the resolution, click here.
To read the project description, click here.
To read the Letter of Support from the City of Lakeport Police Department, click here.
To read the Letter of Support from NCO, click here.
To read the Letter of Support from the Lake Family Resource Center, click here.
To view the BUILD participant rates, click here.
To read more about the Lake County Home Hardening Program, click here.
Deputy County Administrative Officer, Benjamin Rickelman, introduced the third community project, “Lake County Healthcare Education Innovation and Simulation Center” Project. This initiative aims to connect local residents, especially youth, to jobs in the healthcare sector, one of Lake County's largest. The project will repurpose a 6,600-square-foot vacant building, with Sutter Health leading the effort in partnership with local school districts, medical organizations, adult education institutions and local government. It aligns with Lake County’s Vision 2028 priorities, focusing on workforce development and creating sustainable career pathways for the community.
Kamlin Fasano, Business Development Specialist for Sutter Health, further detailed the project, explaining, “19% of Lake County’s workforce is employed in healthcare and social assistance, with expected continued growth.” Sutter Lakeside Hospital has committed to a ten-year lease for the facility, and local school districts, including Redwood K16 and Konocti Unified, have made financial contributions. The project enjoys broad public support and aims to provide essential training and education for healthcare careers, strengthening the county’s economy. The Lake County Board of Supervisors approved submitting the project to Congressman Thompson, requesting up to $3,000,000 in funding. Seventeen Letters of Support were submitted with the project materials.
To learn more about the “Lake County Healthcare Education Innovation and Simulation Center” project, click here on the following links:
These community projects, if funded, would each represent a significant step toward enhancing quality of life in Lake County. By focusing on critical areas like water infrastructure, public safety, and workforce development, the County is setting the stage for a stronger, more resilient future. Together, these efforts will help ensure that residents can live their best life in Lake County.