Title
Resolution Approving an Agreement with the State of North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund
Body
Department: Water Resources
Council District: 1
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Steven D. Drew, 373-7893
Contact 2 and Phone: David Phlegar, 373-7207
PURPOSE:
The City of Greensboro Water Resources Department wishes to enter into an agreement with the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) to accept a grant to construct another phase of the South Buffalo Creek Water Quality and Habitat Enhancement Project. Council approval is requested for the agreement, and for a budget amendment to permit the expenditure of funds.
BACKGROUND:
Water pollution degrades surface waters making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other activities. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating sources, including municipal stormwater runoff. The City holds a Stormwater NPDES permit, and is required to create programs and initiatives to improve the impaired water quality of local streams.
The Water Resources Department previously acquired approximately 53 acres of floodplain property to construct a project to further enhance the water quality and aquatic habitat of South Buffalo Creek. The purchase was used as a match for a grant from the CWMTF to fund the design for the project. To create a greater grant to match ratio for the City, construction of the project was broken into three phases. In 2012, the City was awarded a $400,000 grant with a $572,000 match from local Stormwater funds to complete the first phase, which consisted of spoil site preparation and restoration of streams and wetlands on the north side of South Buffalo Creek near the intersection of Randleman Rd. and Meadowview Rd. Construction of Phase One was completed in the fall of 2013.
On January 15, 2013 City Council approved resolution 18-13 authorizing the Department to proceed with a grant application for Phase Two of the project. The City was recently awarded a CWMTF grant in the amount of $375,000 with a $411,127 local match from Stormwater, which includes additional restoration of streams and wetlands needed on the south side of the creek. The remainder of the work is planned during a future phase three of the project.
BUDGET IMPACT:
A cash match in the amount of $411,127 is required. The cash match is budgeted in the Stormwater Capital Projects Fund in account 506-7013-04. A budget adjustment is needed to appropriate funds in the correct line item for transfer. In the absence of additional grant funding Water Resources will be responsible for funding the remaining phases of the project.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
It is recommended by the Water Resources Department Stormwater Division that City Council approve the grant agreement with CWMTF, adopt the ordinance to amend the state, federal and other grants fund budget to establish funding for the S. Buffalo Creek Water Quality and Habitat Enhancement Project, Phase Two, and approve the associated budget adjustment.