Title
Vote on a request to approve Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) grant award contract and authorize the County Manager to execute the agreement.
Abstract
Action Requested: Vote on a request to approve Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) grant award contract and authorize the County Manager to execute the agreement.
Introduction & Background: A total of $38 million is now available for a new program in North Carolina that aims to reduce flooding across the state's waterways. The NC General Assembly approved the money in the budget appropriations bill for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 fiscal years, creating the StRAP. It allocates money for projects that protect and restore the integrity of drainage infrastructure.
In establishing StRAP, lawmakers gave authority to supervise and administer the program to the state's Soil and Water Conservation Commission, working closely with the Division of Soil and Water Conservation within the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
"This is a monumental step to help us prevent future flooding," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "While we have previously secured federal and state money to clear debris from waterways after flooding events such as hurricanes, those efforts were reactive approaches that were part of disaster recovery funds. StRAP now allows us to be proactive in clearing waterways so we can hopefully reduce flooding and protect people's property before the next big flood event happens."
Chatham Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) applied for funding through this program on March 10, 2022 and has been awarded $256,689. The Chatham SWCD Board of Supervisors fully supports the project.
Projects include clearing debris that has blocked streams and drainage ways.
As the applicant, Chatham SWCD will be required to do the following:
• Oversee project
• Provide site inspections
• Provide report to include pre & post pictures
• Secure contractor as needed
• Secure permits
• Secure access & rights-of-way
• Manage removal material
• Sign off for request for payment
Up to 15% of the awarded funds may go towards grant administration.
Discussion & Analysis: The objective of StRAP is to protect and restore the integrity of drainage infrastructure and aims to reduce flooding across the state's waterways.
Stream segments with debris blockages have been identified and ranked by priority. One impacted stream segment is located in an urban environment and two others are in a rural setting. The blockages prevent the movement of water, potentially increasing flood area and the duration of flooding events.
A contractor will be secured to obtain access, obtain appropriate permits and remove blockages from the waterways and the floodplain. Chatham SWCD staff will oversee, document progress and completion, reporting quarterly to the Division of Soil & Water Conservation. Requests for certification and payment will be submitted to the Division of Soil & Water Conservation upon completion of each stream segment.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Conserve natural resources.
Budgetary Impact: The Chatham SWCD has been allocated $256,689. No cash match is required.
Recommendation: Motion to approve Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) grant award contract and authorize the County Manager to execute the agreement.