Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application to the USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for Purchase of a Conservation Easement on Property in Salem Township
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) for the purchase of a conservation easement on the property located in Salem Township. The purpose of the conservation easement would be for open space and agricultural land preservation.
Applications to the ACEP program are for funds up to 50% of the appraised fair market value of the conservation easement, up to a maximum of $5,000 per acre. The ACEP program is voluntary and provides matching funds for local governments to acquire conservation easements on farmland. The landowners retain the right to use their property for agriculture. It is anticipated that a request for acceptance of this grant, if awarded, will be presented to City Council in September of 2020.
The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended submission of this grant application at its September 5, 2019 meeting.
This resolution also approves a Pending Offer Agreement for purchase of an agricultural conservation easement on the property, which is required for the ACEP application. The agreement provides that the purchase is contingent on the following:
a. Receipt of the federal grant;
b. Acceptance by all parties of a fair market price for the conservation easement to be determined by an appraisal;
c. Due diligence satisfactory to all parties;
d. Acceptance of the conservation easement by all parties.
An appraisal will be completed for the property and, if awarded grant funds, a complete budget along with a purchase agreement will be submitted to Council for approval. This resolution does not commit any City funds to this purchase.
Matching grant funds are available through the USDA-NRCS ACEP program. The ...
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