Title
Resolution to Approve Grant Applications to the USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Program for the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) on Properties in Lodi Township
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve grant applications to the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), formerly known as the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP), for the purchase of development rights (PDR) for three properties located in Lodi Township.
The latest Farm Bill, which was passed in February 2014, consolidated several agricultural easement programs into one umbrella program, now called the Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) program. As a result, the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program, which the City has received funding since 2005, now falls under the newly created ACEP program. Applications to the USDA ACEP program are for funds up to 50% of the appraised fair market value of the development rights to a maximum of $5,000 per acre. The ACEP program is voluntary and provides matching funds for local governments to acquire development rights on farmland. The landowners retain the right to use their property for agriculture.
With the Farm Bill recently passed, staff was aware that a grant cycle would be announced soon. Since the window for applications is typically very short, and in order to get through the approval process, the Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended submission of the grant applications at its February 5, 2015 meeting. The protection of these parcels are a priority to the Greenbelt due to the size and quality of the farmland, proximity to other protected properties, and possibility to leverage funds from federal and other local sources of funding.
The City was officially notified that a round of funding is available for 2015. Completed applications must be submitted by March 16, 2015. It is anticipated that a reques...
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