(2) The Oregon Conservation Corps Advisory Committee is established within the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for the purpose of managing the Oregon Conservation Corps Program.
(3) The Governor shall determine the number of members on the committee and appoint the members.
(4) The committee shall, in collaboration with a qualified nonprofit foundation, actively seek and source private donations to support the Oregon Conservation Corps Program.
(5) The committee may direct the expenditure of moneys from the Oregon Conservation Corps Fund for a promotional website and materials to solicit private funds.
(6) Members may not receive compensation for service on the committee, but, subject to any applicable laws regulating travel and other expenses of state officers and employees, may be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of committee duties with moneys available to the commission for the purpose of reimbursing the members.
(7) The committee shall administer a grant process that:
(a) Provides funding to support the work conducted by the Oregon Conservation Corps Program.
(b) Defines and uses an equity lens in awarding grants by identifying and supporting populations with greater vulnerability including communities of color, indigenous communities, communities with members who have limited proficiency in English and communities with lower-income members.
(c) Awards grants to eligible organizations.
(d) Ensures that grant awards support activities described in ORS 476.694 (1) and subsection (8) of this section.
(e) Establishes guidelines for prioritizing grant-supported projects to reduce community fire risks, promote youth and young adult workforce development and educational experiences and reduce hazardous fuels.
(8) The committee shall consult with the State Forestry Department to ensure that the grant process awards funds to proposals that:
(a) Protect at-risk communities and infrastructure within the wildland-urban interface, as described in ORS 477.503.
(b) Meet standards for fuel treatment established by the department.
(9) The committee shall biennially submit a report, on the timeline described in ORS 293.640, to an appropriate committee or interim committee of the Legislative Assembly, as described in ORS 192.245, and to the State Wildfire Programs Director and Wildfire Programs Advisory Council, regarding the expenditure of moneys deposited in the Oregon Conservation Corps Fund. [2021 c.592 §22]
Note: See note under 476.694.