Title
Resolution to Execute a Commitment Letter for up to $587,500.00 for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Application for Purchase of Conservation Easements
Memorandum
This resolution authorizes the City to partner with a group of conservation entities in a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant application for conservation easement acquisitions in Superior Township. Superior Township is the grant applicant and has submitted a portfolio of conservation easement projects to MNRTF for consideration (see attached Superior Greenway Sites).
As part of the grant process, MNRTF requires matching fund commitment letters from Superior Township's grant partners. The City is being requested to execute a letter stating the City's willingness to contribute up to $587,500.00 in matching funds toward the purchase of conservation easements under the grant application, subject to future Council approval of each purchase. This amount would be matched by up to $2,823,200?.00? in additional funds from non-City sources as follows:
Estimated funding:
MNRTF Grant $ 2,285,000
City of Ann Arbor $ 587,500
Southeast MI Land Conservancy $ 354,000
Superior Twp & Others $ 164,200
Superior Land Preservation $ 20,000
Society
TOTAL PROJECT $ 3,410,700
The letter would not obligate the City to expend any funds or enter into any agreements at this stage of the process. If Superior Township's MNRTF application is successful, conservation easement projects under the grant would be presented on a project by project basis to City Council for approval in accordance with established City procedures.
Funds for the City's match would come from the Open Space & Parkland Preservation millage. Passage of the attached resolution and participation in Superior Township's MNRTF grant application is recommended by the Greenbelt Advisory Commi...
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