Title
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute the Memorandum of Agreement between the Fountain Creek Watershed, Flood Control and Greenway District and the City of Colorado Springs for Grant Matching Funds to fund the preparation of a Watershed Restoration Master Plan for Upper Fountain Creek and Cheyenne Creek
Body
From:
Dave Lethbridge, Interim Public Works Director
Tim Mitros, EDR Manager
Summary:
City Council approval of the attached resolution is required to authorize the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City and the Fountain Creek Watershed, Flood Control and Greenway District (District) to share the cost to match grant funds for watershed master planning in Upper Fountain Creek and Cheyenne Creek.
A grant in the amount of $175,000 from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCD) is being matched in the amount of $175,000 collectively by the District ($25,000), City of Colorado Springs ($100,000), Colorado Springs Utilities ($25,000), and El Paso County ($25,000).
Previous Council Action:
On December 18, 2013, City Council approved Ordinance No. 13-77 (2014 Appropriation Ordinance). The City's $100,000 match commitment for this grant is appropriated in City Engineering's CIP budget for the Stormwater Design for High Priority Projects.
Background:
The District, in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Utilities, and El Paso County, submitted an application (see attached Exhibit A) for a special release of funds from the Colorado Watershed Restoration Program. The CWCD accepted applications from counties affected by the September 2013 floods. Applications were accepted for watershed and stream master planning in flood affected watersheds. Master plans should guide communities towards prioritization and implementation of stream rehabilitation and restoration projects that protect life and property from flood hazards. The affected counties eligible for funding included El Paso County. The CWCB recommended that the applicant provide 50% match of the project's total cost.
In March 2014, the District received a CWCB contract for a grant in the amount of $175,000 to be matched in an equal amount of $175,000, which will be split by the District ($25,000), the City ($100,000), Colorado Springs Utilities ($25,000), and El Paso County ($25,000).
The grant will provide watershed and stream master planning in Upper Fountain Creek and Cheyenne Creek, two watersheds that were affected by flooding in September 2013. Master plans will guide the impacted communities towards prioritization and implementation of stream rehabilitation and restoration projects to protect life and property from flood hazards.
Financial Implications:
The City's $100,000 match commitment for this grant is appropriated in the 2014 Budget in City Engineering's CIP budget for the Stormwater Design for High Priority.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
It is anticipated that the District Board of Directors will approve the MOA at their next scheduled meeting following approval by City Council.
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to Execute the Memorandum of Agreement between the Fountain Creek Watershed, Flood Control and Greenway District and the City of Colorado Springs for Grant Matching Funds to fund the preparation of a Watershed Restoration Master Plan for Upper Fountain Creek and Cheyenne Creek
Ordinance Language
N/A