Title
Vote to approve a contract with North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to support the Dry Creek Farm Phase I conservation easement acquisition in the amount of $212,898.16
Abstract
Introduction & Background: The Chatham County Farmland Preservation Program has received a $212,898.16 grant from the N.C. Department of Agriculture to support acquisition of a 45-acre farmland preservation conservation easement. The Chatham BOC has already authorized $211,698.06 in matching county farmland preservation fund in anticipation of this grant award, which is being funded through the $295,000 “Agricultural Growth Zone” grant award it already approved.
Discussion & Analysis: The farmland preservation program has been working toward the permanent conservation of the 80-acre Dry Creek Farm conservation easement program since the program’s inception in 2023. This grant contract will enable us to complete the first, 45-acre phase of this farmland preservation project. This is a subcontract is a subcontract of the NCDA “Agricultural Growth Zone” Contract that was previously approved by the commissioners and signed by County Manager Bryan Thompson on 4/25/25. However, the county finance department has determined that BOC approval is still required.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Preserving rural character was identified as the most important goal of the 2017 Comprehensive Plan process. “Supporting permanent, voluntary protection of agricultural lands” is AGR Policy 5 in the plan. This item pertains to Strategy 5.1 in the agriculture section of the plan: “Implement a county-led farmland protection program.”
Budgetary Impact: The Chatham County BOC has previously approved $211,698.06 in matching county farmland preservation funds for this project. There is no other budgetary impact.
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to approve a contract with North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to support the Dry Creek Farm Phase I conservation easement acquisition in the amount of $212,898.16.