Explanation
Background:
The applications are for grant funds to be used for natural area protection of southern Big Walnut Creek near the confluence of the Scioto River and for a stream restoration project along Dry Run on the city's west side. These projects will acquire over 90 acres along Big Walnut Creek of mature forests and stream corridor habitat, providing over two miles of protected waterway corridor. The Dry Run Stream Restoration Project will restore a natural channel to over 1650-ft. of a heavily impacted stream near Westmoor Park, Westmoor Elementary School, and Hague Avenue. The grants require a 25 percent local match.
Big Walnut Creek is one Central Ohio's most high quality waterways. The southern segment of the river, near it's confluence with the Scioto River, is listed as exceptional water quality, and protecting the floodplain and wooded corridor is a significant ecological benefit for the city. The Dry Run Stream Restoration Project will take almost 1/3-mile of culverted stream and create a natural open creek. The project is the first stream restoration project in the city's west side neighborhoods, and provides substantial water quality, education, and safety benefits. The project zone will become an outdoor land lab for the students of Westmoor Middle and Elementary Schools, as well as new passive connectivity for residents accessing Westmoor Park and the Camp Chase Rail Trail.
Fiscal Impact:
This ordinance requires $0.00 City of Columbus funds. If awarded the grant, future legislation will accept and appropriate the grant funds as well as identify a city match not to exceed 25 percent.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to submit grant applications to the Ohio Public Works Commission - District 3 Natural Resource Advisory Committee for Clean Ohio Conservation Fund round nine grants for natural area protection and stream restoration projects; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Public Works Commission - District 3 Natural Resource Advisory Committee is accepting applications for conservation projects; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for grants related to natural area protection of Big Walnut Creek and the Dry Run Stream Restoration projects; and
WHEREAS, future legislation would accept and appropriate the grant funds as well as identify a city match not to exceed 25 percent; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to apply for said grant to meet application deadlines; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED 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 apply for grants with the Ohio Public Works Commission - District 3 Natural Resource Advisory Committee in the amount of $385,000.00 for for natural area protection and stream restoration projects.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application for the grant funds only, and is not a commitment to expend city funds.
SECTION 3. That future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation and expenditure of funds.
SECTION 4. That the City of Columbus does agree to obligate the funds required to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the Clean Ohio Trails Fund Program.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance 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.