SR 05:171 - Laserfiche WebLink

threat to adjacent improvements; the natural condition would be allowed to remain in the open space area without remediation. A GHAD is a political subdivision of the State and is not an agency or instrumentality of a local agency. A GHAD may acquire, construct, operate, manage or maintain improvements on public or private lands and may exercise the power of eminent domain. A GHAD may include lands in more than one local agency (city or county) and the lands may be publicly or privately owned. The lands comprising the GHAD need not be contiguous so long as all are specifically benefited by the proposed construction to be undertaken by the GHAD. In addition, land may be annexed to an existing GHAD. A GHAD is authorized to finance improvements through the Improvemem Act of 1911, the Municipal Improvement Act of 1913, and the Improvement Bond Act of 1915. A GHAD may also accept financial or other assistance from any public or private source and may borrow funds from a local agency, and the state and federal governments. A GHAD may assess landowners for operation and maintenance of improvements acquired or constructed under the GHAD law. These assessments, which attach as liens on property, may be collected at the same time and in the same manner as general taxes on real property. Advantages of Forming a GHAD GHADs are public agencies that operate locally for the sole and specific purpose of addressing geologic concerns. As such, they offer several distinct advantages. 1. Focus on Prevention. Through the development and implementation of a Plan of Control, a GHAD acts to prevent damage resulting from earth movement by identifying and monitoring potential geologic hazards and undertaking improvements as appropriate. 2. Ability to Respond to Unforeseen Events. When unforeseen hazards arise, GHADs, as existing agencies, are in place with the technical and organizational resources and funding capability needed to respond quickly and effectively. SR:05:171 Page 3 of 9