Title
Resolution for an Urban and Community Forestry Grant Application and Memorandum of Agreement - Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (B)
This item involves a request for adoption of a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Urban and Community Forestry Grant Application and Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Gainesville, Florida and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the expansion of the Gainesville Greenway Challenge Program.
Explanation
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services funds an Urban and Community Forest Grant Program. The purpose of the grant program is to provide financial assistance to initiate or enhance local urban and community forestry programs and to improve the urban environment within the State of Florida.
The grant program requires a 50-50 match and provides up to $20,000 to local governments for a variety of urban forestry projects including program development or improvement.
If awarded, the funding would be used to fund necessary components of running the Gainesville Greenway Challenge expanded program including staffing, supplies and materials. The Gainesville Greenway Challenge Program utilizes citizen volunteers to remove invasive non-native plants in the city’s natural areas and forests.
Fiscal Note
The Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program requires a 50% match of the total project cost. The total cost of the project is $26,704. The grant request is for $13,352. The match of $13,352 will be provided through the Wild Spaces Public Places 2018 budget. In the PRCA Vision 2020 Master Plan Prioritization List, funds are allocated for improvements and repairs for both active and nature parks. The Wild Spaces Public Places (WSPP) sales tax was approved by voters for eight years and is expected to generate $46,551,152 in revenue to the City.
Recommendation
The City Commission adopt the Resolution.