Community Improvement Grants

The Bill Shaw Rescue Equipment and Training Grant Program

In 2018, Yuba Water Agency Launched a unique grant for first responder agencies and fire districts, based on a suggestion from a severely-injured employee who wanted to help those who helped him. 

The Bill Shaw grants are designed for first responder agencies in Yuba County and will cover the one-time costs of up to $10,000 per applicant annually, associated with the purchase of a piece of rescue equipment or specialized personnel training. 

Agencies will be able to apply for the funding as long as the expenditure is for equipment or training that is within Yuba Water Agency’s authorized missions.  Prior to submitting a grant request, please ensure your project is in alignment with our mission, vision, and values.  

Submit your Bill Shaw Grant request via this form.

Bill Shaw's story

The Bill Shaw grants were the idea of an employee, Bill Shaw, who was involved in an accident while operating a construction vehicle near one of Yuba Water Agency's more remote facilities. His injuries were so severe, he was unable to return to work for several weeks. A fire chief in the foothills himself, while Bill was still in recovery, he suggested that Yuba Water Agency create a grant to support the first responders and fire districts that the agency relies upon during incidents. 

Many different public agencies within Yuba County provide first-responder rescue and safety services for employees at Yuba Water Agency's Colgate Powerhouse and New Bullards Bar Dam, and for people recreating at New Bullards Bar Reservoir, the surrounding areas and associated agency facilities.  

“These grants will ensure the first responders can purchase and train on the specialized equipment that we might need in an incident,” said Yuba Water Agency General Manager Curt Aikens in a press release announcing the grant program. “And, this way, they are available for others in the community who may need them, too.”