Title
Grant Application - Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program(Strap)- Restoration Program
Action
ACTION:
1) Affirm submission of a NC Department of Agriculture Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) grant application for funding of up to $225,000 to be used for the cleanup and restoration on the banks of the Catawba River at Riverhaven Drive.
2) Authorize the County Manager to execute contract(s) with the NC Department of Agriculture.
3) If awarded, adopt the respective Grant Ordinance and recognize, receive, and appropriate the awarded amount to the Solid Water Grant Fund (G705) for the duration of the grant award.
Staff Contact: Jason Klingler, LUESA - Storm Water Services
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
The County’s Storm Water Services Program (SWS) began repairing and restoring Mecklenburg County creeks and floodplains to improve water quality in 1997. The program is funded with revenue from Storm Water fees. These repairs to natural waterway infrastructure have many benefits such as, increasing native plants/trees, reduction in pollutants added to our surface waters, open space, aesthetic improvements, and overall improved water quality.
The North Carolina Division of Soil & Water Conservation, under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, has created a new grant for the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) in counties affected by Hurricane Helene. This allocation of funding has $38 million available for projects to repair streams damaged by Hurricane Helene. The $38 Million is allocated by County based on Helene impacts, with Mecklenburg County being allocated a combined total of $300,000 to share among grant winners which can be composed of local governments and private agencies.
Staff seeks to pursue a NC StRAP grant from the North Carolina Division of Soil & Water Conservation for approximately 350 feet of debris clean-up and bank repair along the Catawba River at the Northern portion of Riverhaven Drive, in the amount of $225,000. The grant application was due February 6, 2026, so staff submitted the application on time; however, the application will be withdrawn if not approved by the Board.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
Solid Waste Grant Fund (G705) increase of up to $225,000 in state revenue and associated expenses.