Title
Resolution to Approve a Memorandum of Understanding with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Local Conservation Partners; and Accept a Grant of up to $1,040,000.00 (and an Additional $1,000,000.00 if available) Under a Regional Conservation Partnership Program for the Acquisition of Conservation Easements
Memorandum
This resolution approves a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Ann Arbor and the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, Legacy Land Conservancy, Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, Ann Arbor Township, Scio Township, Augusta Township, and The Conservation Fund, and acceptance of grant funds of up to $1,040,000.00 over five years for the Ann Arbor Greenbelt: Saving Michigan Farms Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
On April 17, 2017, City Council approved a pre-proposal application to the USDA-NRCS FY 2018 RCPP in partnership with Washtenaw County, Legacy Land Conservancy, Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, Ann Arbor Township, Scio Township, Augusta Township, and The Conservation Fund, for funding for the acquisition of Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Agricultural Land Easements in Washtenaw County.
The pre-proposal application for these funds was successful, and on August 21, 2017 City Council approved a full proposal application to the USDA-NRCS FY 2018 RCPP. The application requested up to $3,913,52000, with the City proposing to contribute $1,000,000.00 of matching funds, and $70,000.00 in additional funds ($40,000.00 in staff time and $30,000.00 for due diligence over five years) toward the purchase of conservation easements; and.
In December 2017, the USDA-NRCS awarded $1,040,000.00, which must be matched 1:1 by the local partners. Given that the amount awarded is less ...
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