Explanation
This resolution supports the Director of Recreation and Parks' submission of a grant application to the Ohio Public Works Commission, District 3 Natural Resource Advisory Committee, for Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, Round 7, grants.
The application is for $1,812,630 to be used for natural area protection of Hellbranch Run Watershed, along Galloway Road and Alkire Road. This project will acquire 263 acres of high quality woods and wetlands and adjacent buffer land which will be restored with wetlands, prairie habitat, and vernal pools. The project will occur adjacent to a future city park site. The grant requires a 25 percent local match ($453,157.50).
The City's matching portion of this grant is to come from capital improvement bond funding.
The Hellbranch Run Watershed is considered one of the critical preservation components of the Darby Accord. The project proposes to protect high quality wetlands, mature forests, and hydric soils within the Hellbranch, a major tributary to Big Darby Creek. The site contains significant Tier 1 and Tier 2 critical resource habitat.
Emergency action is requested so the resolution of support can be included in the grant application package. The application deadline is October 29, 2010.
Fiscal Impact:
A future ordinance will address appropriation of matching funding.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to submit a grant application to the Ohio Public Works Commission, District Three Natural Resource Advisory Committee, for Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, Round Seven ( 7) Grants for natural area protection of the Hellbranch Run Watershed along Galloway and Alkire Roads; and to declare an emergency.
Body
Whereas, the District Three Clean Ohio Natural Resource Advisory Committee is accepting applications for grant funding from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund; and
Whereas, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for said funding for natural area protection of the Hellbranch Run Watershed along Galloway and Alkire Roads; and
Whereas, the City of Columbus recognizes the important value of these regional river corridor protection efforts; and,
Whereas, the City of Columbus will be responsible for future protection of the site; and,
Whereas, the City of Columbus will share in the project costs, an amount to be appropriated in future legislation; and,
Whereas, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that is immediately necessary to apply for said grant for the preservation of public health, peace, property, and safety; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and he is hereby authorized and directed to submit an application for a grant in the amount of $1,812,630.00 to the Ohio Public Works Commission for the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.
Section 2. That this resolution is in support of an application only and is not a commitment to expend City funds. A second ordinance to authorize the grant is required before the City will obligate its funds.
Section 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.