Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application to USDA-NRCS ACEP for the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the Fishbeck III Property
Memorandum
This resolution authorizes a grant application to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), to support the purchase of a conservation easement on the Fishbeck III property in Superior Township.
ACEP is the Greenbelt's primary source of grant funding for its work: 25 of City-held conservation easements were funded in part by ACEP or its predecessor program. Applications to ACEP are for funds up to 50% of the appraised fair market value of the development rights The deadline for FY 2024 ACEP grant applications has been set for November 13, 2023.
The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended submission of a grant application for the Fishbeck III property at its August 3, 2023 meeting. This property was reviewed and recommended by City Council in February 2022 (R-22-037) for application to a different grant program, but technical challenges associated with that grant program have necessitated that staff seek alternative funding opportunities.
This resolution also approves a preliminary agreement for purchase of the conservation easement on the property, which is required for the grant application. This preliminary agreement provides that the purchase is contingent on the following:
1. Establishment of a fair market value for the conservation easement to be determined by an appraisal and approved by the City and ACEP,
2. Conveyance of good and marketable title of the conservation easement;
3. Acceptable environmental site assessment of the property, and
4. Acceptance of the conservation easement terms by Ann Arbor City Council and ACEP.
This resolution does not commit City funds. An appraisal will be completed for the property and, if awarded grant funds, a complete budget along with a purchase agreement will be...
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