Title
Resolution Authorizing Match Grant Application for the Connect NC Bond (CNCB) Grant Program for the Access Lake Higgins Project
Body
Department: Parks and Recreation
Council District: 3
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Wade Walcutt, Director, Parks and Recreation, 373-2964
Contact 2 and Phone: Vonda Martin, Planner, Parks and Recreation, 373-7710
PURPOSE:
The Parks and Recreation Department seeks to apply for a $151,860 Connect NC Bond (CNCB) Grant for the Access Lake Higgins Project. The CNCB grant requires a 20% match ($37,965), which has been secured through the Duke Energy Water Resources Fund, for a total project budget of $189,825. City Council approval is required for this matching grant, which has an application deadline date of December 1, 2016. If the grant is awarded, the funding would be utilized to install an accessible canoe/kayak launch at Lake Higgins, along with accessible supporting facilities such as accessible routes from the parking area and lake office.
BACKGROUND:
The Connect NC Bond package, approved in March 2016, included one-time funding of $3 million for parks and recreation grants to benefit children and/or veterans with disabilities. North Carolina local governments, including some public authorities, are eligible to apply for the matching grants. The program is administered through the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation and the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.
The matching grants can be used to build special facilities or adapt existing facilities that meet the unique needs of children and/or veterans with physical and developmental disabilities. Local governments can request a maximum of $500,000 with each application and must match the grant with at least one dollar of local funds for every four dollars in grant funds.
The Parks and Recreation Department seeks to apply for the Connect NC Bond Grant to improve accessibility at Lake Higgins through the installation of an accessible canoe/kayak launch and other supporting facilities and the creation of accessible routes from the parking area and lake office. The total project budget is $189, 825, of which the required 20% match ($37,965) has been secured through the Duke Energy Water Resources Fund.
BUDGET IMPACT: Parks and Recreation has secured the required 20% match funding for the grant ($37,965) through the Duke Energy Water Resources Fund. If the grant is awarded, this match will be added to the $151,860 for a total project budget of $189,825.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
The Parks and Recreation Department requests City Council approval and adoption of a resolution authorizing the Connect NC Bond (CNCB) Grant in the amount of $189,825.