Title
Resolution to Approve Grant Application to the USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) on Properties in Lodi and Scio Townships
Memorandum
The attached Resolution authorizes the City of Ann Arbor to approve grant applications to the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), for the purchase of development rights (PDR) for two properties located in Lodi and Scio Townships.
Applications to the NRCS-ACEP program are for funds up to 50% of the appraised fair market value of the development rights, up 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. ACEP applications may be submitted year-round, but the application deadline for FY 2017 funds is anticipated to be in January 2017. It is anticipated that a request for approval of grants, if awarded, will be presented to City Council in September of 2017.
The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended submission of the grant application for the Lodi Township property at its September 1, 2016 meeting, and submission of the grant application for the Scio Township property at its October 6, 2016 meeting.
The attached resolution also approves Voluntary Agreements for the Sale of Agricultural Land Development Rights for the farms. The Voluntary Agreements for the sale of the development rights (pending offer) are contingent on the following:
a. Establishment of a fair market price for the development rights to be determined by an appraisal and approved by the City and the ACEP Program,
b. Conveyance of good and marketable title to the development rights by Farmland Development Rights Easement,
c. Acceptable environmental site assessment of property, and
d. Acceptance of the Farmland Development Right...
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