Agenda - 01-18-2000 - 9b - Laserfiche WebLink

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Note: The interpretive trails and boardwalk might be eligible for the N.C. Trails Program grant which is described later in this memorandum. Option #2 - Little River Regional Natural Park (in joint application with Durham Count') This grant would be a joint application with Durham County to offset land acquisition costs for the proposed 390-acre Little River Natural Area and Park. As long as some type of trails and/or low-impact recreation is part of the proposal, a grant may be submitted for this project. As in the joint Clean Water Management Trust Fund application for the same property, Durham and Orange County would split the grant revenues 67%-33% (based on the acreage/cost proportions). If a $250,000 grant were received, it would lower the County's cost for purchase of the 135 acres in Orange County by $87,500. If the Clean Water Management Trust Fund grant is also approved, the County's total cost for acquisition would be lowered to $141,400 (assuming a purchase price of $3,000/acre). Note: If Orange County does not submit this joint application, Durham County plans to submit an application on its own for the Durham County portion of the property. Option #3 - Eno RiverWalk (joint application with Town. of Hillsborough) The original schematic drawing of this park site identified a lengthy trail and walk system to include three (3) bridges, a small gazebo, and a large entertainment pavilion. Most of the identified walks are to be handicap accessible. The estimated cost of construction of these amenities was $250,000. The major performance pavilion was $75,000 and it was anticipated that these funds would be donated but this was not successful. If application for PARTF funds were requested the Town and County could apply jointly for $125,000 and fund a match of $125,000 (half of the estimated cost). However, engineering and technical construction drawings have not been completed to date. The Town of Hillsborough has some funds available that could be used for design fees, the cost of which could be $10,000 - $20,000. In addition, the Orange Soil and Water District (with the assistance of the regional RC & D) are completing a stream mitigation plan for the creek behind the Government Services Building that runs to Eno River. They are seeking a grant that would provide funds to restore the creek at little or no cost to the County. Since the trails and walks are identified throughout the park plan, this project may be eligible for the N.C. Trails Program. The funds that the Town of Hillsborough may have available could be applied toward the 20% required match. Alternate Source - N. C. Trails Pr ram Grant Options #1 and #3 are likely also to be eligible for the N.C. Trails Program grant. These grants range between $5,000 and $50,000. Applicants must provide 20% of the total project cost as a match. Eligible projects are those involving trails and trail facilities which are open to the public (development of urban trail linkages; construction of new trails on state, county, municipal lands, or conveyed easements across private lands where a recreational need for such construction is shown; design and engineering costs (up to 10% of the grant); acquisition of easements for trails; and acquisition of fee simple title to property from a willing seller (when acquisition by easement fails). Copies: Rich Shaw, Land Conservation Manager