Explanation
Background: The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) received a grant from the Ohio Lake Erie Commission in late 2009 to develop a balanced growth plan for the Olentangy River Watershed, a portion of which lies within Columbus. During 2010 and 2011, MORPC convened a Watershed Planning Partnership of jurisdictions within the area to undertake the effort. Columbus representatives attended project meetings and provided input on map and text portions of the document. The resulting plan identifies priority areas for agriculture, conservation, and development (see attached plan overview). The plan also identifies tools and programs to protect and enhance Priority Agriculture and Conservation Areas while focusing sustainable development in Priority Development Areas. The plan contains recommendations rather than mandated requirements. However, its success will depend in part on the active participation of the jurisdictions within the watershed. Similar plans are underway for the Upper Scioto and Big Walnut watersheds. This resolution is intended to express support for the completed Olentangy plan. No City funds are obligated by this resolution and the project budget does not contemplate contributions from Columbus or other partner jurisdictions.
Fiscal Impact: No funds are obligated or implied by this resolution.
Title
A Resolution of Support for the Olentangy Balanced Growth Plan.
Body
WHEREAS, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) received a grant from the Ohio Lake Erie Commission to develop a balanced growth plan for the Olentangy River Watershed, a portion of which lies within Columbus; and
WHEREAS, MORPC formed a Watershed Planning Partnership of jurisdictions within the watershed to work collaboratively on the effort, which included opportunities for public input; and
WHEREAS, the balanced growth plan identifies Priority Conservation Areas to protect important ecological, recreational, agricultural, heritage...
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