Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.