Explanation
Background:
MORPC has received grants to develop balanced growth plans for watersheds in Central Ohio. Among these are the Big Walnut and Scioto river watersheds, both of which cover portions of Columbus. MORPC has formed Watershed Planning Partnerships (WPP) of jurisdictions with planning authority to work collaboratively to develop plans for these watersheds. The balanced growth plans will identify Priority Conservation Areas and Priority Development Areas. The plans will also identify tools and programs through which Priority Conservation Areas can be protected and enhanced while sustainable development can be focused in Priority Development Areas. The balanced growth plans will contain recommendations rather than mandated requirements, however their success will depend on the active participation of the jurisdictions within the watersheds. This resolution is intended to confirm that Columbus will participate in the balanced growth plans for the Big Walnut and Scioto watersheds. No City funds are obligated by this resolution and the project budgets do not contemplate contributions from Columbus or other partner jurisdictions.
Fiscal Impact:
No funds are obligated or implied by this resolution.
Title
A resolution of intention to participate in watershed planning partnerships to develop balanced growth plans for the Big Walnut Creek and Scioto River watersheds.
Body
WHEREAS, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has received grants to develop balanced growth plans for the Big Walnut Creek and Scioto River watersheds, both of which cover portions of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, MORPC has formed Watershed Planning Partnerships (WPP) of jurisdictions with planning authority within the Big Walnut and Scioto watersheds to work collaboratively to seek broad public input and develop balanced growth plans for the watersheds based on that input; and
WHEREAS, the balanced growth plans will identify Priority Conservation Areas within the watersheds to protect important ecological, recreational, agricultural, heritage, public access, and other areas, the preservation of which would enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, the balanced growth plans will also identify Priority Development Areas where growth or redevelopment should be promoted and through which the economy of the region encompassed by the watershed will be enhanced; and
WHEREAS, the balanced growth plans will also include recommended tools and programs through which Priority Conservation Areas can be protected and enhanced while sustainable development can be focused in Priority Development Areas; and
WHEREAS, while the final balanced growth plans will contain recommendations only, and will not impose any mandatory requirements or limitations on Columbus, their effectiveness in influencing future growth and development in the Big Walnut and Scioto watersheds will depend on the active participation of the jurisdictions within the watersheds in the process of developing the plans, and in attempting to implement those recommendations; and
WHEREAS, no City funds are obligated or implied by this resolution and the project budgets do not contemplate contributions from Columbus or other partner jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, Columbus agreed to participate in a similar balanced growth plan process for the Olentangy River Watershed through Resolution 0162X-2009 adopted by Council on November 9, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Columbus desires to participate actively in the process to develop plans for Big Walnut and Scioto watersheds; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That Columbus will participate actively in the Watershed Planning Partnerships to develop balanced growth plans for the Big Walnut Creek and Scioto River watersheds, and will make best faith efforts to implement applicable recommendations of the plans in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio and the wishes of its own citizens.
Section 2. That this resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.