Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Public Utilities has entered into a grant agreement through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) for the development of a Green Infrastructure Workforce Development Program as authorized by Ordinance 1247-2015.
The City is developing a Green Infrastructure Workforce Development Program that has the potential to address poverty and unemployment within the community and promote the development of small, minority and female-owned businesses through creation of green-collared jobs. The Program has developed a training curriculum structured around livable wage jobs that will be created as a result of the City's implementation of green infrastructure. Graduates of the Program will receive a training certificate that will be recognized by the City and will be offered intense placement assistance in securing a green infrastructure maintenance job, be it with the City or a private entity contracted with the City.
The total cost of the project is: $439,938.00. This total includes the original contract amount of $390,000.00 between the City of Columbus and T&M Associates to provide professional services for the design and execution of the Columbus Blueprint Workforce Development Training Program, and the grant amount of $49,938.00 from Ohio EPA’s Environmental Education Fund. This anticipated modification is to add the additional $49,938.00 from the grant to the original contract to complete additional field training and equipment and give trainees valuable experience applying classroom knowledge which will prepare them for a local job in green infrastructure maintenance.
The grant funds and the City's required match equal a total project amount of $439,938.00.
EMERGENCY:
The grant monies have been awarded to the Department of Public Utilities and a grant agreement has been executed. The Department of Public Utilities is requesting City Council to deem this legislation an eme...
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