Title
Vote to approve a grant application by Chatham Soil & Water Conservation District for up to $500,000 from NC DEQ Division of Water Resources’ Water Resources Development Grant Program for Flood Resiliency which will supplement a project to restore Pokeberry Creek and wetlands within Briar Chapel Community through a partnership with Piedmont Conservation Council, Chatham County’s Resource Conservation and Development representative
Abstract
Introduction & Background: This grant application is through NC DEQ Division of Water Resources’ Water Resources Development Grant Program for Flood Resiliency. Chatham Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) will be the local government applicant and sponsor for these funds, up to $500,000. Piedmont Conservation Council, our local Resource Conservation & Development non-profit partner, will administer the grant on behalf of Chatham SWCD. Resource Institute will be administering matching funds from NC Land & Water Fund Program (if awarded) for the project. The overall project is $929,000 and will restore Pokeberry Creek and wetlands within Briar Chapel Community, providing future flood resiliency. No matching funds are being requested from Chatham County or Chatham SWCD.
Discussion & Analysis: The project will restore approximately 2,300 feet of Pokeberry Creek with 11 acres of associated riparian wetlands in the Briar Chapel Community. The project will protect an additional 8 acres of existing beaver pond wetlands upstream from degradation and loss by eliminating channel incision that is migrating towards these upstream wetlands. The project will protect utility lines that have been exposed and threatened due to channel incision. The project will also provide flood resiliency benefits by restoring a functional bottomland wetland system that will slow floodwaters and promote improved water quality.
Established partnerships for the project include:
• Piedmont Conservation Council - NC Water Resources Development Grant Administrator
• Resource Institute - NC Land & Water Fund Grant Administrator
• Ecological Planning and Restoration - Engineering & Construction Consultants for Briar Chapel
• Briar Chapel Community Association - Landowner
By restoring the stream and wetland system as proposed the following benefits will be achieved:
• long-term protection from future incision and degradation,
• water quality benefits primarily from reduced sedimentation by stabilizing the stream system and promoting sediment deposition in restored wetland areas,
• flood resiliency benefits by restoring functional floodplain wetlands,
• improved stream, wetland, and riparian habitat functions,
• increased wildlife viewing and environmental education opportunities, and
• protection of utility infrastructure.
After completion, partners have committed to one year of post-construction monitoring. A goal is to monitor at the site, long-term, as a flood resiliency demonstration project using nature-based solutions. Increasing flood resiliency benefits the entire watershed, reducing risk of damage and costs from future flooding events.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: This project aligns with the Chatham County Comprehensive Plan by:
• Provide infrastructure to support desired environmental objectives,
• Becoming more resilient by mitigating, responding, and adapting to emerging threats,
• Fostering a healthy community, and
• Provide recreational opportunities and access to open space.
Budgetary Impact: No budgetary impact is anticipated if the grant application is awarded. Any potential matching resources provided by Chatham County will consist of minor in-kind contributions, such as the Chatham Soil & Water Conservation District’s staff time.
Recommendation/Motion: Approve the grant application to the NC DEQ Division of Water Resources’ Water Resources Development Grant Program for Flood Resiliency, by Chatham Soil & Water Conservation District, for the restoration of Pokeberry Creek and wetlands within Briar Chapel Community.