Title
Grant Application - North Carolina Land and Water Fund - Restoration Program
Action
ACTION:
1) Authorize the County Manager to apply for NC Land and Water Fund (NC LWF) Restoration Program grant funding of up to $1,000,000 to be used for the restoration of Four Mile Creek from Rea Road to the confluence with McAlpine Creek at Johnston Road.
2) Authorize the County Manager to execute contract(s) with the NC Land and Water Fund.
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 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) began restoring Mecklenburg County creeks and floodplains to improve water quality in 1997. The program is funded with revenue from Storm Water fees. In 2021, Storm Water began implementing a 15-year CIP consistent with goals in the Environmental Leadership Action Plan (ELAP). By 2036, 69 additional miles of major creeks will be stable and partially supporting of diverse aquatic life. These natural infrastructure investments have many other benefits to greenway systems, increasing native plants/trees, open space, aesthetic improvements, and corridors for wildlife.
Staff seeks to pursue a grant from the NC Land & Water Fund (NC LWF previously known as the Clean Water Management Trust Fund) for 8,550 feet of stream restoration in Four Mile Creek from Rea Road to the confluence with McAlpine Creek in the amount of $1,000,000. The grant application is due March 1, 2026. Staff will submit the application on time; however, the application will be withdrawn if not approved by the Board. Since 1997, the NC LWF has provided more than $23,000,000 in funding for projects in Mecklenburg County.
Storm Water Services is working in partnership with Park and Recreation to redesign, restore and re-construct both the greenway and stream projects in the corridor. Storm Water Services is coordinating with Park and Recreation to ensure the stream project is designed and constructed in support of the greenway. In addition to traditional stream restoration techniques, Storm Water Services will construct freshwater mussel habitat and relocate individuals to the project area in an effort to reintroduce mussels to this section of Four Mile Creek.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
Solid Waste Grant Fund (G705) increase of up to $1,000,000 in state revenue and associated expenses.