Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application to the EGLE Nonpoint Source Program Implementation Grant for Huron River Bluebelt Land Protection and Commit $163,715.00 in Matching Funds
Memorandum
This resolution authorizes a grant application to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program for "Huron River 'Bluebelt' Land Protection" (i.e. purchasing conservation easements) within the City of Ann Arbor Greenbelt's "Bluebelt" and commit $163,715.00 in matching funds to the proposal.
Grant Description
Michigan's NPS Program assists state, federal, and local partners to restore water bodies impaired by polluted runoff and other categories of NPS pollution as well as protecting high quality waters from NPS pollution impacts. Land protection projects via conservation easements are eligible because they prevent NPS pollution due to land use changes that may impact water quality. Applications to the NPS Program Implementation Grant are for funds up to 75 percent of the project total, equivalent to two-thirds of the total grant request.
In April 2026, Greenbelt staff submitted a Notice of Intent to apply to the NPS Program Implementation Grant. On May 8, EGLE invited the City to submit a full application and determined that the proposal would likely fit Tier 1 for funding. The deadline for application is June 30, 2026. It is anticipated that a request for acceptance of this grant, if awarded, will be presented to City Council in September of 2026.
Staff expect to be able to purchase two conservation easements with the grant. This resolution does commit City funds to this project conditioned upon received the grant award. Appraisals will be completed for all properties and, if awarded grant funds, a complete budget along with a purchase agreement approval request will be submitted to Council for approval.
Bluebelt
The specific properties whose protection would be funded by this grant are still being negotiate...
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