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 2023 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 a 14.5 acre greenspace along Alum Creek, near Agler Road and Sunbury Road in the City’s Northeast Community and an eight acre greenspace on McNaughten Road in the City’s Far East Community.
Alum Creek Preservation - Agler and Sunbury Road:
This project will acquire three properties in the central area of Alum Creek, near Sunbury Road and Agler Road. For the past 20 years, the Recreation and Parks Department has been acquiring parcels along the 22 mile Alum Creek Corridor, and Clean Ohio Conservation grants have helped fund these efforts. The acquisitions will protect over 1,100 feet of the Alum Creek Riparian Corridor. This corridor is nearly 200 feet wide and includes 12 acres of mature floodplain forest, several...
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