AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2020-253R, approving the application for and award of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan Grant from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in the amount of $50,000.00, with an in-kind match from the City of $20,000.000, together with additional in-kind matches from the Edwards Aquifer Authority and Texas State University of $130,000.00, to be applied toward the removal of invasive plant and animal species and the planting of native vegetation along portions of the San Marcos River under the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan; authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute any and all documents as necessary to accept and implement the grant; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: November 17, 2020
Department: Engineering/CIP
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: none
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Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: none
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Sustainability
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Background Information:
The City is coordinating with Texas State University on this grant. The grant consists of a $150,000 in-kind match ($120,000 from the Edwards Aquifer Authority; $10,000 from Texas State University and $20,000 from City of San Marcos) with $50,000 federal cash grant. The grant goals are to remove invasive plant and animal species (aquatic and terrestrial) and plant native vegetation instream and along the riparian corridor from IH-35 to just below the A.E. Wood State Fish Hatchery (see map). Primary benefits include increased habitat availability for endangered species and native biota, and improved water quality.
The project area expands the scope of the work currently conducted by the existing Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) and extends the habitat enhancement work downstream from the EAHCP an extra river mile, and 0.5 miles upstream into Willow Springs.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
Approval of the submission of the 2020 National Fish Habitat Action Plan grant application
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Recommendation:
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