Title
Resolution to Authorize a Grant Application to the USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for the Purchase of a Conservation Easement on the Kennedy Property in Northfield Township
Memorandum
This resolution authorizes a grant application to the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) through the Huron River Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for the purchase of a conservation easement on the Kennedy property located in Northfield Township.
Applications to the NRCS-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. The application deadline for FY 2019-2020 funds for ACEP applications submitted through the Huron River RCPP has been set for March 6, 2020. It is anticipated that a request for approval of grants, if awarded, will be presented to City Council in September of 2020.
The Greenbelt Advisory Commission recommended submission of the grant application for the Kennedy property at its November 7, 2019 meeting.
This resolution also approves a Pending Offer Agreement for purchase of an agricultural conservation easement on the farm, which is required for the ACEP application. The agreement provides that the purchase is contingent on the following:
a. Establishment of a fair market price for the conservation easement to be determined by an appraisal and approved by the City and the ACEP Program;
b. Conveyance of good and marketable title via conservation easement;
c. Acceptable environmental site assessment of property; and
d. Acceptance of the conservation easement by City Council and ACEP.
An appraisal will be completed for each property and, if awarded grant funds, a com...
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