AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2018-01R, approving the submission of a grant proposal to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program for funding in the amount of $30,000 to be applied toward projects that will ensure clean water flow from Sessom Creek to the San Marcos River; approving matching funds in the amount of the grant request; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: January 16, 2018
Department: Community Services
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $30,000
Account Number: 12027008-56323
Funds Available: $430,000
Account Name: Misc Grants-State EAA ILA Impervious Cover
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: NA
City Council Goal: [Please select goal from dropdown menu below]
Goal #9 Protect & Preserve San Marcos River and Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone
Comprehensive Plan Element (s): [Please select the Plan element(s) and Goal # from below]
☐ Economic Development Choose an item.
☒ Environment & Resource Protection Choose an item.
☐ Land Use Choose an item.
☐ Neighborhoods & Housing Choose an item.
☐ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities Choose an item.
☐ Transportation Choose an item.
☐ Not Applicable
Master Plan: [Please select the corresponding Master Plan from the dropdown menu below (if applicable)]
Choose an item.
Background Information:
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USDA Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), FedEx and Southern Company are soliciting applications for the 2018 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration program. The Five Star and Urban Waters program will award approximately $2 million in grants nationwide. The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration grant program seeks to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to diverse local partnerships focused on improving water quality, watersheds and the species and habitats they support. Projects include a variety of ecological improvements along with targeted community outreach, education and stewardship. Ecological improvements may include one or more of the following: wetland, riparian, forest and coastal habitat restoration; wildlife conservation, community tree canopy enhancement, water quality monitoring and stormwater management. Projects should also increase access to the benefits of nature, reduce the impact of environmental hazards and engage local communities, particularly underserved communities, in project planning, outreach and implementation.
It is our intent to apply the funding, if awarded, to the Sessom Creek watershed to stabilize stream banks, as well as establish water quality measures and a diverse native plant community that will ensure clean water flow from Sessom Creek to the San Marcos River and enhance the beauty of this watershed for the community
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action: Approval for grant proposal submission
Alternatives:
Recommendation: