Agenda - 03-19-2002 - 9c - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 The anticipated timetable for the project would be to a) identify high-priority parcels [March/April 2002], b) contact landowners to discuss landowner interests and conservation options [March/April], c) develop potential conservation strategies for interested landowners [April/May], and d) submit the grant application [June 1]. If the state proceeds with the grant cycle, the awarding of grant would be in October 2002. ERCD staff proposes submitting an application despite the uncertainty of state funding availability to the grant program. Governor Easley recently froze more than $20 million of the CWMTF's $40 million budget to help cover the state's projected $900 million budget shortfall. Thirty-nine grants approved by the CWMTF board in November, 2001 may now be at risk because of the freeze. On February 18, the CWMTF board of trustees announced that grant applications would be accepted for its next funding cycle. The deadline for applications for that cycle is June 1, 2002. The CWMTF board also stipulated that potential grant applicants be made aware that future approvals will be based on availability of funds. As shown on the attached concept proposal, staff and ERA propose a grant submittal for $1 million — using some portion of the Lands Legacy Fund as a match (please see below). It is worth noting that CWMTF grant funds and County matching funds toward this project could serve a dual purpose—acquiring conservation easements on farmland in the watershed, as well as protecting riparian buffers. If grant funds are not awarded for this project, a secondary approach may be to evaluate acquisitions/easements for the highest-priority lands using funds from the County's Lands Legacy Fund (including proposed alternative financing for conservation easements). Acquisition of high-priority lands in the Upper Eno Watershed is identified in the 2001- 2002 Lands Legacy Annual Action Plan. The ERA Board of Directors will meet on March 14 to consider whether ERA would like to proceed with a joint grant application. The ERA's Land and Stewardship Committee is expected to recommend that they support this proposal. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed grant application is expected to be in the range of $1,000,000. The specific dollar amount will depend on the number of landowners express their interest (by June 11) in pursuing a possible conservation agreement on their property. Although no funding match is required, the likelihood of grant approval is greater if significant matching funds are offered. Matching funds for this project in the amount of $300,000 could be available from Orange County Lands Legacy Fund (current pay-as- you-go funds and proposed alternative financing for conservation easements), and potentially augmented by the 2001 County parks and open space bond funds for Lands Legacy. The total project cost would be, therefore, around $1,300,000. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board authorize the joint submittal of a grant application to the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund prior to the June 1, 2002 deadline.