AGENDA DATE: 3/1/2017
TITLE:
Title
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Grant
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services grant for easement acquisition
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Walker, Kamptner, Herrick, Gast-Bray, and Goodall
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Douglas C. Walker
BACKGROUND: The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ("VDACS") Office of Farmland Preservation has offered a $86,950 grant to the County under a program first established by the 2007 General Assembly to provide funds for the preservation of working farms and forest lands.
Because the 2016 General Assembly appropriated only $500,000 statewide for this year's grant program, the County's award is its smallest since 2011. The County previously has been awarded grants of $411,890 in 2016, $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. Albemarle County is one of only six localities to receive a grant this year, and one of only five 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 furnsihed a FY17 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 to apply these funds, they most likely will be applied to the highest-ranking easements from the most recent applicant pool, received on October 31, 2016. However, this grant will re...
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