Explanation
Background:
The Ohio Public Works Commission awarded $1,256,520.00 as part of the Clean Ohio Grant program. The grant is for the acquisition of property in the Darby Creek watershed to preserve high quality habitat and greenspace, Category 3 wetlands, and significant forested areas. Greenspace for water recharge to maintain base flow in streams, habitat, particularly high-quality wetlands are preserved, and the woodlots are preserved to assist in air filtration and flooding. Clean Ohio Grant program preserves valuable greenspace in communities and aids sustainability, which is a core function of the Recreation and Parks as determined through the department's master plan adopted by City Council and supported by the Columbus community. Preservation of greenspace is also a priority for the Darby Accord, of which Columbus is a member. This parcel is identified for preservation in the Darby Watershed Plan accepted by the OEPA.
Fiscal Impact: Award is for $1,256,520.00. City of Columbus' share is $441,480. Total amount of the grant is $1,698,000 for acquisition of parkland.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for and accept a grant in the amount of $1,256,520.00; to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Public Works Commission for the Clean Ohio Grant program titled Galloway Hellbranch Restoration Project CCFAL; and to declare an emergency. ($1,256,520.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Public Works Commission is accepting applications for the Clean Ohio Grant program; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for a grant for the Galloway Hellbranch Restoration Project CCFAL; and
WHEREAS, future legislation will follow to appropriate and expend grant funds; 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 and accept this grant the preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; 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 and accept a grant with the Ohio Public Works Commission for the Galloway Hellbranch Restoration Project CCFAL.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application for and acceptance of the grant funds, and to contract with the Ohio Public Works Commission only, which is not a commitment to expend City funds.
SECTION 3. That future legislation will follow to authorize appropriation and expenditure of funds.
SECTION 4. 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.