AGENDA DATE: 3/2/2016
AGENDA TITLE: ACE - Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services grant for easement acquisition
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution approving FY16 Intergovernmental Agreement with Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
ITEM TYPE: Consent Agenda
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Walker, Davis, Herrick, Cilimberg, and Goodall
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND:
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' ("VDACS"), Office of Farmland Preservation, has awarded a grant in the amount of $411,890 to the County under a program established by the 2007 General Assembly to provide funds for the preservation of working farms and forest lands.
This is the largest award the County has received under this grant program; the County was awarded grants of $286,883 in 2015, $149,678 in 2014, $160,716 in 2013, $110,952 in 2012, $55,290 in 2011, $93,932 in 2010, $49,900 in 2009 and $403,220 in 2008. The 2015 General Assembly appropriated almost $2,000,000 for this grant program statewide, and Albemarle County is one of six localities to receive a grant this year, and one of only four to receive the full amount requested.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Natural Resources: Thoughtfully protect and manage Albemarle County's ecosystems and natural resources in both the rural and development areas to safeguard the quality of life of current and future generations
Rural Areas: Preserve the character of rural life with thriving farms and forests, traditional crossroad communities, and protected scenic areas, historic sites, and biodiversity.
DISCUSSION:
VDACS has requested that the County enter into a FY16 Intergovernmental Agreement (the "IGA") (Attachment A) as a condition for receiving this grant. While the County has yet to identify the specific easement(s) to which it would apply these funds, it intends to apply them toward the acquisition of t...
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