AGENDA DATE: 3/7/2018
TITLE:
Title
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Grant for Easement Acquisition
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Approve Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services grant for easement acquisition
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Herrick, Gast-Bray, Goodall
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' ("VDACS"), Office of Farmland Preservation, has awarded a $61,615.23 farmland preservation grant to the County. Albemarle County is one of only five localities in the state to receive the full matching grant requested this year.
Through the years, the County has received numerous grants under this program:
* $86,950 in 2017
* $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
* $403,220 in 2008.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Natural Resources Stewardship: 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 Area Character: 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 an 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 the next qualifying easement(s), most likely from the most recent applicant pool that was received on October 31, 2017. This grant will remain available to (partially) reimburse any qualifying purchase for up to two years from the ...
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