Agenda - 12-10-2024; 6-b - Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG) – FY 2024-25 Project Selection

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regions.Additionally,we will leverage our connections within the county and collaborate with farmers acrossle state to share insights and best practices, fostering a network of knowledge and innovation. Reviewer Comments:The CFE acknowledges that this family-run farm has been a staple in the community for over 100 years and deserves recognition for its ongoing improvements. However,the proposed pasture restoration project would have a limited impact on Orange County's economic development and the number of people it reaches.The HRC noted that while the project does not directly support disadvantaged populations, it does contribute to carbon sequestration efforts. #17 Ranked Project —Town of Carrboro— Rain Gardens Applicant(Collaborators): N/A Funding Requested: $50,000 Recommended Funding Level: $0 Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 14.7 Project Description:Staff propose the installation of two rain gardens at Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. Park to effectively manage stormwater runoff, support local biodiversity, and provide opportunities for community education and outreach. The funding will be used to acquire native, pollinator-friendly plants, river rocks for energy dissipation, fencing, and other essential materials, as well as create multilingual educational signage. Project Benefits:The rain garden, along with its informational signage, workshops, and volunteer events, will be accessible to all residents of the Town of Carrboro. Additionally, staff plan to develop an internal Operations and Maintenance manual for the rain gardens, which will be made available to the public for their use. Ongoing outreach and programming will also be provided to highlight stormwater mitigation tools and the significance of native species in supporting local ecosystems. Reviewer Comments:The CFE supports the mission of the project but noted that the garden would result in limited emissions reductions and is relatively expensive for a garden.The HRC believed that the Town of Carrboro could provide funding and mentioned concerns about the demographics served, with the project primarily benefiting more affluent neighborhoods. #18 Ranked Project —One Soil Farm— Electric Vehicle Applicant(Collaborators): N/A Funding Requested: $50,000 Recommended Funding Level: $0 Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 14.7 Project Description: One Soil Farm proposes to purchase an electric cargo van to completely eliminate reliance on gasoline for produce delivery, while expanding the ability to serve more individual customers and restaurants with locally grown, sustainably sourced produce. Project Benefits: Our project serves the Jewish community across Orange and Durham counties, while our partnership with Farmer Foodshare enables us to extend our impact to low-income households and historically underserved populations throughout the Triangle region.Through this collaboration,we provide fresh, nutritious, and sustainably grown food to those in need, helping to alleviate food insecurity and promote the overall well-being of our community. Reviewer Comments:The CFE recognizes the farm's strong community connections and outreach efforts; however, the EV van would have limited impact on the local economy and Orange County's GHG reductions.The HRC believes that while the EV charger and vehicle would benefit the business,the project's focus on a Jewish community—an underrepresented group in grant funding—is valuable.The project also engages marginalized groups to address food insecurity.