Title
Resolution to Approve Participation in a Proposal to the USDA-NRCS FY 2024 RCPP for up to $3,000,000 in Grants for Conservation Easements
Memorandum
This Resolution authorizes the City of Ann Arbor to partner with Legacy Land Conservancy, the primary RCPP applicant, in their submission of a proposal to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) FY 2024 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This proposal is in partnership with multiple other governments to secure funding for the purchase of USDA-NRCS RCPP conservation easements in Washtenaw, Jackson, Livingston, Wayne, and Lenawee Counties.
This RCPP proposal provides an opportunity for the City of Ann Arbor to expand upon the success of two prior RCPPs in the Southeast Michigan region: the $1.8M "Huron River Initiative" RCPP (FY 2017, R-16-358, $1M City commitment) and the $1M "Ann Arbor Greenbelt: Saving Michigan Farms" RCPP (FY 2018, R-18-200, $326K City commitment). Combined with City, local partner and NRCS RCPP funds, those RCPPs represent over $5.6M deployed for conservation in under 5 years. With the success of those prior RCPPs surpassing target deliverables and with continued interest from landowners eager to participate, this proposal represents the continuation of the land preservation partners' critical work of protecting agricultural and natural resources.
If Legacy Land Conservancy's proposal is successful, the City would receive up to $3,000,0000.00 in NRCS funding and the City would contribute up to $3,000,000.00 of Open Space and Parkland Preservation (Greenbelt) funds for acquisition of conservation easements over the 5 years. The City of Ann Arbor would commit contributing funds in the amount of $85,000.00 for due diligence activities (appraisal, survey, title work, environmental assessments, closing costs, etc.), and $15,000.00 for administration and staff time over the five-year RCPP period. These values would cover ...
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