Title
Resolution to Approve Grant Application to the USDA Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) on the Drake Farm in Lodi Township
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) application for the purchase of development rights (PDR) for a property located in Lodi Township.
Grant Application:
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. Completed applications must be submitted by January 15, 2016. It is anticipated that a request for approvals of grants, if awarded, will be presented to City Council in the summer of 2016.
The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended submission of the grant applications at its November 5, 2015 meeting.
The attached resolution also approves Voluntary Agreement for the Sale of Agricultural Land Development Rights for the farms.
The Voluntary Agreement for the sale of the development rights (pending offer) is 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 USDA ACEP.
b. Conveyance of good and marketable title to the development rights by Farmland Development Rights Easement.
c. Acceptable environmental site assessment of property.
d. Acceptance of the Farmland Development Rights Easement by Ann Arbor City Council and the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program.
An appraisal will be completed and if awarded grant funds, a complete budget, along with purchase agreement will be submitted to Council for review and action.
Matching grant funds are through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The City's share is from the Open Space and Parkland Preservation Millage proceeds. The ACEP program is voluntary and provides matching fun...
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