TITLE
Title
APPROVE REVISED RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE ROCK CREEK STREAMBANK STABILIZATION PROJECT AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE NC WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT GRANT
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
J. Leslie Bell (Millie Langley)
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BACKGROUND
Background
At the Board of Commissioners' (Board) December 5, 2019 Regular Meeting, the Board approved a Resolution in Support of the Rock Creek Streambank Stabilization Project and Financial Assistance Through the NC Water Resources Development Grant. At that time, a Guilford Soil and Water District (District) Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) funding application was in pending status. Subsequent to approval by the Board (which was requested to meet the Water Resources Development Grant deadline), the District was informed that the CCAP application for the Stoney Creek Streambank Restoration project was not selected for funding. The Division of Water Resources has requested changes to the Resolution (attached and below) to ensure that the Resolution reflects the budget (Guilford County still is not required to provide any direct financial funding for this project).
The project involves the Stoney Creek Homeowners Association (HOA) nature trail as approximately fifty (50) linear feet of the right bank of Rock Creek has failed, possibly as a result of the removal of streambank vegetation during routine maintenance of the City of Greensboro sanitary sewer easement/line. In an effort to mitigate and repair the damaged portion of the streambank, the Piedmont Conservation Council, via a partnership with the Stoney Creek HOA and the City of Greensboro would like to submit a NC Water Resources Development Grant application to the NC Department of Environmental Quality to secure cost-share grant funding for the repair (conceptual design previously provided on Dec. 5, 2019). Although the District's CCAP application did not receive funding, the District's involvement may continue as a member of the Piedmont Conservation Council. At its June 5, 2019 Regular Meeting, the Guilford Soil and Water District endorsed the project and indicated no conflict of interest (previously provided on December 5, 2019). A copy of the application, vicinity map, and project concept sketch also was provided on December 5, 2019. The Piedmont Conservation Council will manage the grant proposal and overall administration of the grant. The City of Greensboro tentatively has committed to both in-kind services and/or donated materials/services (previously provided on December 5, 2019), as needed, based on project scope.
Action items include the following:
- Restoring the right streambank back to its original location with clean fill material;
- Armouring the restored right streambank with a technique known as toe wood which also provides good in-stream fish habitat;
- Building a J-Hook boulder structure just upstream of the meander bend to help reduce near-bank stress by redirecting higher velocity flows towards the center of the channel; and
- Removing bank material from the channel.
The Stoney Creek HOA is committing to securing private funds.
At this time, the Rock Creek Streambank Stabilization Project is estimated to cost approx. $56,489 (attached). The cash portion is intended to be met by the Stoney Creek HOA donation of private funds. Based on the estimated project budget, the Stoney Creek HOA has provided its $500 check (copy of check #4804 previously provided on Dec. 5, 2019). Additionally, the Stoney Creek HOA previously provided both a letter of committment and associated documentation that should the CCAP funding not be approved or be less than the amount budgeted, the final project budget exceeds the estimated project costs, and/or other grant sources are not awarded/available to make up the difference, the Stoney Creek HOA has the necessary funding in the form of a Certificate of Deposit up to approximately an additional $50,000 to fully support the HOA's obligations (previously provided on Dec. 5, 2019).
Approval of this request also establishes a project budget for anticipated revenue from funding sources.
Staff recommends approval of the attached revised resolution in support of the State of NC to provide financial assistance to Guilford County for the Rock Creek Streambank Stabilization project. A Revised Resolution to the December 5, 2019 Board Resolution approved by the Board in support of the Rock Creek Streambank Stabilization Project is attached.
BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY FUNDS REQUIRED
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RESOLUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS, the County of Guilford desires to sponsor, Rock Creek Streambank Stabilization Project, a 50-foot long section of vertical eroded banks within the Stoney Creek Homeowners Association nature trail and City of Greensboro sanitary sewer right-a-way will have various bioengineering techniques constructed in order to redirect flows to prevent further streambank and water quality degradation in this corridor and to maintain safe pedestrian access.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1) The Board of Commissioners request the State of North Carolina to provide financial assistance to County of Guilford for Rock Creek Streambank Stabilization Project in the amount of $56,489.20 (includes both cash and in-kind contributions) or 50 percent of project construction cost, whichever is the lesser amount;
2) The Board of Commissioners assume full obligation for payment of the balance of project costs;
3) The Board of Commissioners will obtain all necessary State and Federal permits;
4) The Board of Commissioners will comply with all applicable laws governing the award of contracts and the expenditure of public funds by local governments.
5) The Board of Commissioners will supervise construction of the project to assure compliance with permit conditions and to assure safe and proper construction according to approved plans and specifications;
6) The Board of Commissioners will obtain suitable spoil disposal areas as needed and all other easements or rights-of-way that may be necessary for the construction and operation of the project without cost or obligation to the State;
7) The Board of Commissioners will assure that the project is open for use by the public on an equal basis with no restrictions;
8) The Board of Commissioners will hold the State harmless from any damages that may result from the construction, operation and maintenance of the project;
9) The Board of Commissioners accepts responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the completed project.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve the attached revised resolution in support of the State of NC to provide financial assistance to Guilford County for the Rock Creek Streambank Stabilization.
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