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1. What is an EIFD?

On January 1, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law, SB628, “Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts” (EIFDs) which allows for a separate government entity to be created by a city or county within a defined area to finance infrastructure projects with community-wide benefits. EIFDs are an upgraded version of the Infrastructure Financing District (IFD), which uses Tax Increment Financing to fund a wide-variety of infrastructure projects.

2. Will the EIFD increase taxes?

No. An EIFD is a a type of Tax Increment Financing, an economic tool which reinvests a portion of property tax from any increase in property value above a set base year (The Tax Increment) back into The District. This is not an increase in taxes, but rather takes 75% of the Tax Increment intended for the County General Fund and places it in a fund to be used on infrastructure projects which benefit The Samoa Peninsula.

3. What about sea level rise?

There is a lot of concern about the impact of sea level rise on the Peninsula due to Climate Change. Although Climate Change is a very real threat and sea level rise could potentially be devastating to Humboldt Bay, the Peninsula is actually at less risk than other larger communities. Using the NOAA' interactive sea level rise tool you can see the effects of sea level rise, in various local scenarios and time-frames, on Humboldt Bay. Not only is the Peninsula at less risk that the surrounding communities, but the Samoa Peninsula EIFD can actually be used to reduce the impacts. An EIFD can fund infrastructure that specifically mitigates climate change including sea level rise.

4. What type of Infrastructure is the EIFD funding?

The EIFD is not currently funding anything and is still only in the formation phase. However, once formed the EIFD can fund a variety of infrastructure projects which benefit The District and the surrounding Community. Below is a list of fundable infrastructure projects through an EIFD

Example projects may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

1.  Highways, interchanges, ramps and bridges, arterial streets, parking facilities, and transit facilities\
2. Sewage treatment and water reclamation plants and interceptor pipes
3. Facilities for the collection and treatment of water for urban uses
4. Flood control levees and dams, retention basins, and drainage channels
5. Child care facilities 
6. Libraries
7. Parks, recreational facilities, and open space
8. Facilities for the transfer and disposal of solid waste, including transfer stations and vehicles
9. Brownfield restoration and other environmental mitigation
10. The acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of housing for persons of very low, low, and moderate income, as defined in Sections 50105 and 50093 of the Health and Safety Code, for rent or purchase
11. Projects that enable communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change, including, but not limited to, higher average temperatures, decreased air and water quality, the spread of infectious and vector-borne diseases, other public health impacts, extreme weather events, sea level rise, flooding, heat waves, wildfires, and drought
12. Acquisition, construction, or repair of industrial structures for private use.
13. The acquisition, construction, or improvement of broadband Internet access service. 
14. Acquisition, construction, or repair of commercial structures by the small business occupant of such structures, if such acquisition, construction, or repair is for purposes of fostering economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and of ensuring the long-term economic sustainability of small businesses.
15. Facilities in which nonprofit community organizations provide health, youth, homeless, and social services.

5. Is the EIFD conducting an Environmental Impact Report?

Per California law projects which utilize public funding are subject to CEQA and require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The Samoa Peninsula EIFD does not currently have any proposed projects, but EIR's will be required for each individual projects that eventually are funded by the EIFD. These requirements, along with an EIFD's ability to fund environmental mitigation, can help ensure that the health and beauty of the Peninsula is retained.

6. How is an EIFD different from traditional Infrastructure Financing Districts?

Below you can find a link to a list of differences between and traditional Infrastructure Financing Districts (IFDs) and EIFDs. 

EIFDs Vs. IFDs and RDAs Guide Sheet

7. How long will the EIFD last?

The EIFD will expire 45 years after the first issuance of bonds or the set maximum amount to be allocated to the district is met (Currently set at $200 million), whichever comes first.

8. What are the Boundaries of the Samoa Peninsula EIFD?

The Samoa Peninsula EIFD encompasses all the land and parcels South of the 255 Bridge. A comprehensive District Boundary Map was included in the District's Infrastructure Financing Plan, but a simpler map can also be found below.

9. Can projects outside the EIFD boundaries be funded?

Yes. As long as there is clear connection between the project and a benefit to the District.

10. What is the Public Financing Authority?

The Public Financing Authority, or PFA, is the governing body if the EIFD. The PFA oversees revisions to the Infrastructure Financing Plan, eventual debt issuances, approval of financed projects, and other governing activities. The Samoa Peninsula EIFD PFA is composed of 3 members of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and two members of the public. To learn more about the PFA board members, upcoming meetings, and current initiatives, please visit our Samoa Peninsula EIFD Meetings and Governance Page. 

11. What is the Infrastructure Financing Plan?

The Infrastructure Financing Plan, or IFP, is the governing document of the EIFD. The document includes; a description of the District, description of proposed facilities and development, finding of communitywide significance, financing section, the goals of the district, anticipate fund revenue, and a Fiscal Impact and Incremental Revenue Analysis. The Infrastructure Financing Plan and other documentation can be found at the bottom of our Samoa Peninsula EIFD Homepage.

12. Who were the stakeholders involved in early EIFD discussion?

The County decided on an EIFD as the solution to infrastructure deficiencies on the Peninsula, thanks to input from the Samoa Peninsula Infrastructure Workgroup. This Workgroup was comprised of members of the community who has vested interest in seeing the redevelopment of the Peninsula, and included representatives from;

The City of Eureka

The City of Arcata

The Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District

The Samoa Peninsula Fire District

The Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District

Humboldt State University

13. How were property owners engaged about the EIFD prior to creation?

Prior to the formation of the Samoa Peninsula EIFD the California Center for Rural Policy (CCRP) conducted interviews and surveys on the Peninsula as to better understand the needs and wants of the public. Through this effort, CCRP learned that public was concerned about infrastructure deficiencies, and specified the need for a program which focused on the following;

• Infrastructure which encourages investment, such as advanced permitting and the placement of easements.
• Water infrastructure upgrades
• Green energy opportunities and climate change mitigation strategies
• Green energy projects which align with local and state goals for energy resiliency, innovation, and independence
• Community and recreational infrastructure

14. How can I become involved or learn more?

As of now, the Samoa Peninsula EIFD is still in the formation stage, and so the best way to engage in the process and learn more is to attend meetings of the Public Financing Authority (PFA). EIFD Law requires 3 public hearings to be held before final adoption of the Infrastructure Financing Plan. These hearings are a chance for Staff and Members of the PFA to hear input from the public and make changes to the Infrastructure Financing Plan if necessary. You can find out more about these meetings and how to attend them by visiting the Samoa Peninsula EIFD Meetings and Governance Page.

If you have other questions please fill free to contact us:

Phone: 707-445-7745
Fax: 707-445-7219
Email: GoHumCo@co.humboldt.ca.us