Title
Approval of Interlocal Agreement with Thurston Conservation District’s South Sound GREEN Watershed Education Program
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the proposed intergovernmental agreement with the Thurston Conservation District for the 2016-2020 South Sound GREEN program.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the proposed intergovernmental agreement with the Thurston Conservation District for the 2016-2020 South Sound GREEN program.
Staff Contact:
Jeremy Graham, Associate Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8097
Presenter(s):
None - Consent calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia’s Storm and Surface Water Utility has provided support to South Sound GREEN since its inception in 1992.
South Sound GREEN provides environmental education for grade school, middle, and high school students. They study local watershed issues, perform water quality monitoring and host the annual Student GREEN Congress. Every year over 1,200 students participate in South Sound GREEN.
The South Sound GREEN program relies on outside funding (both public and private) and is a great example of leveraging funds from many different sources. The current South Sound GREEN intergovernmental contract between Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Thurston County, and Thurston Conservation District expires on December 31, 2015.
Continuing the provided services requires a new agreement.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
South Sound GREEN is highly regarded by the community and Olympia schools.
Options:
1. Approve the proposed intergovernmental agreement with the Thurston Conservation District for the 2016-2020 South Sound GREEN program.
Implications:
a) The City of Olympia’s Storm and Surface Water Utility will provide funding at the requested level ($14,400/annually).
b) City of Olympia students continue to participate in water quality monitoring and watershed education as provided by South Sound GREEN.
c) City staff continues to participate on the South Sound GREEN Advisory Committee.
2. Fund South Sound GREEN at a reduced level.
Implications:
a) Program service level in Olympia would decrease.
b) Regional cohesiveness and support for the program may be disrupted.
3. Discontinue all funding.
Financial Impact:
The Thurston County Conservation District requests $14,400/year from the City of Olympia’s Storm and Surface Water Utility. This is an increase from the current agreement of $12,000/year. The Storm and Surface Water Utility has budgeted the necessary funding.
Attachment:
Interlocal Agreement