Title
Grant Application - North Carolina Department of Justice - Environmental Enhancement Grant Program
Action
ACTION:
1) Authorize the County Manager to apply for NC Department of Justice Environmental Enhancement Grant (EEG) Program grant funding of up to $290,000 to be used for the construction of freshwater mussel habitat in Reedy Creek and the re-colonization of freshwater mussels into Reedy Creek and other existing restored streams.
2) If awarded, recognize, receive and appropriate the award amount to the (G705) state funds.
3) Adopt a grant project ordinance for the North Carolina Department of Justice - Environmental Enhancement Grant Program Grant in the (G705) state funds.
4) Authorize the County Manager to execute contract(s) with the NC Department of Justice.
Staff Contact: Tim Trautman, 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. These natural infrastructure investments have many other benefits to greenway systems, increasing native plants/trees, open space, aesthetic improvements, and corridors for wildlife. The projects have resulted in documented improvements to fish and aquatic insect populations. In 2022, Storm Water Services (STW) in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFW) and Park and Recreation (P&R) conducted a pilot effort to reintroduce freshwater mussels into the Stevens Creek CIP project area in Mint Hill, NC. The effort was highly successful and STW seeks to recreate the success in additional CIP project areas in the County.
Staff seeks to pursue a grant from the NC Department of Justice (NC DOJ) for the design and construction of six freshwater mussel specific habitat features in the upcoming Reedy Creek Stream Restoration project (project grant previously approved by the Mecklenburg Board of Commissioners on February 7, 2023). Additionally, requested grant funds would be used for the reintroduction of mussels into the features constructed in the Reedy Project area as well as the selection and re-colonization of up to 12 additional sites in previously restored streams. Sites located in US EPA Disadvantaged Communities areas will be prioritized for re-colonization. Mussels will be species common to the area and will be sourced from nearby streams with abundant populations. Re-colonized areas will be monitored and assessed for mussel survival and suitability in specific conditions. STW will be the lead agency and will partner with USFW, Johnson C. Smith University faculty and students, the City of Charlotte, and P&R to complete the effort. STW is requesting funding in the amount of $290,000 and the grant application is due April 4, 2024.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
Increase in revenue and associated expenses up to $290,000 in the Grant Fund (G705)