Agenda Item Name:
Title
Support for Alachua Conservation Trust’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grant Application to obtain Funds for Land Conservation in eastern Alachua County.
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Presenter:
Charlie Houder / (352) 264-6804
Description:
Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) is applying for North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) that, if awarded, will provide funding for the acquisition of conservation land to protect wetlands within eastern Alachua County. Staff requests the Board to authorize the County Manager to submit the attached Partner Contribution Statement to ACT for use in ACT’s NAWCA grant application.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Authorize the Chair to sign the attached Partner Contribution Statement for Alachua Conservation Trust’s NAWCA grant application.
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Prior Board Motions:
On March 23, 2021, the Board:
1. Approved and authorized the Chair to execute the Contract to purchase the Lochloosa Slough - Fox Pen Connector Tract;
2. Approved the acquisition subject to the following title exception numbers as per the attached title commitment: 8, 16, 20, 24, 29, 30, 31 & 32; and delegate to the County Manager the authority to accept or reject any additional environmental, title, survey or permitted exceptions;
3. Authorized staff to execute additional documents as necessary to close the transaction; and
4. Approved the attached budget amendment authorizing the expenditure of funds for due diligence and associated closing costs.
5. Authorized staff to use WSPP - Land Acquisition funds for the land management cost associated with this property over time.
WSPP: Fund 021.41.4160.537.XX.XX - Project#6194101
On June 22, 2021, the Board authorized the Chair to sign Partner Contribution Statement for Alachua Conservation Trust’s July 2021 NAWCA grant application.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
The attached Partner Contribution Statement under NAWCA states that the County will contribute $8,748,352 for the fee simple purchase of the Fox Pen Connector and also provide $297,678 towards appraisals and other acquisition costs as match. These expenditures have already been authorized by the Board.
The grants could be used to leverage additional funding sources for the Alachua County Forever program’s land conservation acquisitions and save funding resources.
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Background:
Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) is revising its latest application for a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant which awards funds through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to protect wetland habitat. ACT’s NAWCA application includes identified wetland areas in eastern Alachua County, specifically, the 4,000-acre Fox Pen Connector project, to be used as match. If approved, the grant would reimburse the County for up to $2 million in acquisition costs for the project.
This application requires evidence that ACT is supported by a partner entity that is already committed to conservation of land and water resources within the NAWCA grant region and that the grant awards will complement those existing conservation efforts in the same region. The Alachua County Forever Program’s (ACF) Lochloosa Slough acquisition project would satisfy this requirement.
The revised Partner Contribution Statement has three main edits.
1. Since funding is relatively good this year, ACT is now asking for $2 million to help with the acquisition instead of $1 million.
2. The total number for match is increased to match the final cost estimate for the Fox Pen Connector acquisition.
3. ACT could not submit another matching contribution plan (i.e. spread this funding over multiple future projects) within the timeframe available.
Comp Plan Reference:
Alachua County Comprehensive Plan (2019-2040):
• Conservation and Open Space Element: 6.0 LAND CONSERVATION PROGRAM; Objective 6.4 “Other Acquisition Programs,” states:
“Coordinate with other programs for the acquisition and management of natural areas and open space for recreational, open space and conservation purposes.”
Policy 6.4.1 states:
“The County shall seek to maximize the effectiveness of local revenue sources by using them to leverage funds available from federal, state, municipal, private non-profit, and Water Management District programs, such as Florida Forever, Florida Communities Trust (FCT), Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL), and Save-Our-Rivers (SOR).”
Policy 6.4.2 states:
“The County shall provide support, in the form of information, coordination, assistance in obtaining grants, and other support activities to organizations and agencies that acquire and protect natural areas and open space for conservation, open space, and recreational purposes.”