Chatham County, NC - File #: 24-5725

• File #: 24-5725
• Version: 1
• Type: Agenda Item
• Status: Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
• File created: 12/12/2024
• In control: Soil and Water Conservation
• On agenda: 1/21/2025
• Title: Vote to approve an application for FY25 North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Grant
• Indexes: Comp Plan Goal 1: Preserve the rural character and lifestyle of Chatham County, Comp Plan Goal 2: Preserve, protect, and enable agriculture and forestry., Comp Plan Goal 3: Promote a compact growth pattern by developing in and near existing towns, communities, and in designated, well planned, walkable, mixed use centers., Comp Plan Goal 5: Conserve natural resources.

Title
Vote to approve an application for FY25 North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Grant

Abstract
Introduction & Background: The North Carolina Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund is the state's major source of farmland preservation.

Discussion & Analysis: The Farmland Preservation Program of the Soil & Water Conservation District is seeking approval from the Board of Commissioners to apply for one North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation grant for the upcoming grant cycle:

Project X Conservation Easement Acquisition: The Farmland Preservation Program is seeking approval from the Chatham Board of Commissioners to submit an application to the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for $515,580.90 to acquire a working farmland conservation easement on a 221-acre farm in northwest Chatham County. A project budget for this grant application is attached. Matching funds for this grant application will be approximately $12,000 from the Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund (a part of the $325,000 in farmland preservation funding the Board of Commissioners already awarded for FY25) as well as an approximately $159,000 bargain sale component from the landowner. If awarded the Farmland Preservation Program will be responsible for administration and execution of the grant contract, with Triangle Land Conservancy will hold and steward the conservation easement. We are collaborating closely with Triangle Land Conservancy on this conservation easement project.

How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Plan Chatham "envisions a future where a network of agricultural fields, pasture, timberlands, rural homesteads, and natural areas still dominate the County." Several portions of the plan support farmland preservation. Objective 1 of the plan is "Preserve the rural character and lifestyle of...