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ITEM: RESOLUTION NO. R2024-09 (FOR USDA FOREST SERVICE URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY INFLATION REDUCTION ACT PROGRAM GRANT FOR THE WELLINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVE EXPANSION PROJECT)
A RESOLUTION OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL RATIFYING THE DEPUTY VILLAGE MANAGER’S EXECUTION OF A SUB-AWARD AGREEMENT WITH THE NATIONAL ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING A GRANT UNDER PROVISIONS OF THE USDA FOREST SERVICE URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM FOR THE WELLINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVE EXPANSION PROJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
B. RESOLUTION NO. R2024-10 (BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR THE USDA FOREST SERVICE URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM GRANT FOR THE WELLINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVE EXPANSION PROJECT)
A RESOLUTION OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 GOVERNMENTAL CAPITAL FUND BUDGET FOR THE USDA FOREST SERVICE URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM GRANT AWARDED FOR THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVE EXPANSION PROJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
REQUEST: Approval of Resolution No. R2024-09 ratifying the Deputy Village Manager’s execution of a sub-award agreement with the National Arbor Day Foundation for the purpose of receiving a grant under provisions of the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Program Grant Fund, and Resolution No. R2024-10 Budget Amendment for $747,500 in grant monies amending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Fund for the Wellington Environmental Preserve Expansion project revenue and expenditures.
EXPLANATION: The National Arbor Day Foundation will administer this grant award from the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Program. The USDA has awarded $747,500 in grant funding for the Wellington Environmental Preserve Expansion Project.
The grant funds will be used to restore the urban forest on the 45-acre Moncada property that is being incorporated into the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Habitat at the Wellington Environmental Preserve. This is a significant resilient landscaping and stormwater quality/management project that involves removal of the extensive non-native species from the site. The Village is in the design and permitting phase and will work to plant approximately 350 native trees throughout the property. The project will address exotic invasive species that adversely impact urban forests, as well as protect, enhance, and increase access to watersheds in urban and developing areas with a focus on managing forest patches and green stormwater infrastructure.
Through funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Forest Service is making historic investments in boosting the nation’s tree cover in urban, suburban and rural communities nationwide. The agency has selected 385 grant proposals out of 842 applications from entities that are working to increase access to trees and green spaces, and the many benefits they provide. The Urban and Community Forestry Program is the only program in the federal government dedicated to enhancing and expanding the nation's urban forest resources. This is the largest single USDA Inflation Reduction Act investment to date in urban and community forests.
Approval of Resolution No. R2024-09 ratifies the Deputy Village Manager’s execution of the sub-award agreement with the National Arbor Day Foundation for the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program grant and Resolution No. R2024-10 amends the Capital Funds Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 for the grant award of $747,500. The match requirement is waived because the project location benefits disadvantaged communities and improves water quality.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: YES
PUBLIC HEARING: NO QUASI-JUDICIAL:
FIRST READING: SECOND READING:
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
FISCAL IMPACT: Approval of the budget amendment will allocate grant proceeds of $747,500 to revenues and expenditures for the project.
WELLINGTON FUNDAMENTAL: Protecting our Investment
RECOMMENDATION: Approval of Resolution No. R2024-09 ratifying the Deputy Village Manager’s execution of a sub-award agreement with the National Arbor Day Foundation for purpose of receiving a grant under provisions of the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Program Grant Fund, and Resolution No. R2024-10 Budget Amendment for $747,500 in grant monies amending the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Fund for the Wellington Environmental Preserve Expansion project revenue and expenditures.