Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a grant agreement with the non-profit Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for the 2026-2027 Water Resources Program. The contract amount being authorized by this ordinance is $60,000.00.
The Program supports regional water resources protection by fostering collaboration among water and wastewater utilities, watershed and other environmental organizations, academia, private sector partners, and agricultural and rural communities. Funding will be provided to MORPC to support the Program’s Central Ohio Water Advisory council, associated working groups, and related activities. Additional tasks will include developing a strategic plan to guide the program’s work, establishing a roadmap with short and mid-term priorities for the Council, and sustaining partnerships focused on source water protection and monitoring.
The Water Resources Program will also support for water resources protection and infrastructure planning by leveraging findings from the Central Ohio Regional Water Study and other relevant existing studies. This work will include identifying and applying relevant climate data, tools, and resources. It will also include providing education and outreach opportunities and establish ongoing communication and engagement efforts with the public, partners, and local government members. MORPC will explore the development of a water efficiency campaign to encourage water conservation during drought conditions. The planning and implementation for two events, Riverfest and the Summit on Sustainability, will also be included in this program.
The term of the program is April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.
Principal Parties:
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
111 Liberty Street, Suite 100
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Contract Compliance Number: 004591
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: 08/01/2026
Fiscal Impact: ...
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