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File #: 3185-2023    Version: 1
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed
File created: 11/7/2023 In control: Recreation & Parks Committee
On agenda: 12/4/2023 Final action: 12/7/2023
Title: To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) H2Ohio Program and to accept a grant in the amount of $850,000.00, which will be used to restore wetlands at Three Creeks Park; to authorize the appropriation of $850,000.00 in the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($850,000.00)
Attachments: 1. Legislation - H2Ohio Grant Acceptance - FINAL - ATTACHMENT, 2. Three Creeks_ CPR H2Ohio Award Letter
Explanation

Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resource (ODNR) for the H2Ohio Grant Acceptance Project. This ordinance will also authorize the appropriation of the grant. The grant amount is $850,000.00.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) accepted the Recreation and Parks application in August for the H2Ohio grant program. The H2Ohio grant is a reimbursable grant that supports projects for natural-infrastructure that focus on nutrient reduction and water quality within the Ohio River Basin.

This grant application is to develop a wetland at Three Creeks Park. In July 2023, the Recreation and Parks Commission reviewed and approved the request to apply for the H2Ohio grant. Three Creeks Park is a 1,097 acre park in the Far South Community and is joint-managed by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and Franklin County Metro Parks. This project will create a 12-acre wetland and 20-acres of restored project area. On October 26, 2023, the grant application was awarded.

Three Creeks Park was historically farmed but wetlands have been developing over the past decade as the land has naturally converted from agricultural use. It is important to restore the wetlands at Three Creeks Park, as 90 percent of all wetlands in Ohio have been lost. Wetlands improve water quality and provide flood control. Wetlands serve as critical habitat for a variety of wildlife and capture carbon dioxide. Additionally, this grant allows for the planting of additional trees to help support the Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) and the low canopy within the far south of the City.

ODNR awarded the wetland project for $850,000.00, included in the application is the commitment to use $200,000.00 of Capital Improvement Project funds to improve recreational amenities and $125,000.00 donation for tree plantings within the project area, for a projec...

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