Title
Authorization to Apply for Washington Department of Ecology Grant in the amount of $35,000
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to authorize staff to submit a grant application.
Report
Issue:
Whether to authorize staff to submit a $35,000 Terry Husseman Grant application to the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) to establish a riparian forest buffer along the edge of the Black Lake Ditch.
Staff Contact:
Joe Roush, Planning Supervisor, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8563
Andy Haub, Interim Water Resources Director, 360.753.8475
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Item
Background and Analysis:
The deadline to apply for a Terry Husseman grant through the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is February 28, 2014.
The grants from this program support local projects to restore or enhance the natural environment. Typical projects address water quality issues and protection of fish and wildlife habitat.
The City's proposed project is intended to establish a riparian forest edge along the Black Lake Ditch adjacent to the City of Olympia-owned Black Lake Meadows Stormwater Facility. The Black Lake Ditch is a 303(d) listed water body (federal list of water bodies that don't meet minimum water quality standards), and is a study area in the Deschutes, Capitol Lake, Budd lnlet Total Maximum Daily Limit (TMDL) Water Quality Study. The TMDL study found that the temperature in Black Lake Ditch exceeded water quality standards.
By establishing a healthy riparian forest buffer along the ditch we will improve the water quality by shading the ditch and lowering the water temperature. (see attached project map)
The grant does not require a local financial match. As proposed, the funding request is for $35,000. The funds will cover labor and material costs to implement this restoration project.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The proposal is consistent with neighborhood and community environmental interests.
Options:
Approve the request to submit the grant application.
This allows staff to address an identified need with grant funding.
Decline the request to submit the grant application.
Staff will be unable to address this need in 2014 but will continue to seek further funding sources.
Financial Impact:
None. The grant will cover necessary expenses.