Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program. The Clean Ohio Conservation Fund is accepting applications for funding to preserve natural areas and greenway corridors. If awarded, the funding will be used to acquire properties for preservation of the City’s natural resources.
OPWC administers statewide grant funding to preserve natural areas and greenway corridors and this ordinance authorizes an application for 2024 Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program grant funds only. OPWC requires that a resolution, ordinance, or other written documentation to obligate funds for the project as part of the application. This ordinance is a commitment to provide the necessary match funds at a later date to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the grant. If the grant funding is awarded, future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of City funds.
This grant application is intended to secure funding towards fee simple acquisition of various sites in Columbus, including 6.4 acres of woodlands in North Linden and 42 acres in the City’s Greater Hilltop Community.
Cooke Woods Preservation Project - North Linden:
This project will acquire 6.4 acres of mature woodlands in the North Linden community. The parcels are directly adjacent to the acquisition of five acres of Cooke Woods purchased by the Recreation and Parks Department in 2022. If the grant is approved and a successful transaction is completed, the entire 11 acres of forest canopy will be preserved, which protects the largest remaining undisturbed woods in North Linden.
Whitethorne Woods - Greater Hilltop:
This project will acquire 42 acres of natural area on the southeast edge of the Greater Hilltop area. These parcels are a...
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