Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 9/6/2022
Item Status: Addendum
From: Matthew Brown, Planning and Zoning Director
Submitted by: Ashley Campbell, Natural Resource Planner
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Request from Mobile Bay National Estuary Program - Letter of Support for NOAA Grant Proposal - Catalyzing a Multi-Communal Approach for Transformative Restoration of the Perdido Watershed
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize the Chairman to sign a letter of support to the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) for its NOAA Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grant Proposal - Catalyzing a Multi-Communal Approach for Transformative Restoration of the Perdido Watershed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
Background: The MBNEP requests a letter of support from the Baldwin County Commission for NOAA Grant Proposal - Catalyzing a Multi-Communal Approach for Transformative Restoration of the Perdido Watershed. The proposal includes the development of a comprehensive watershed plan for the Perdido Watershed and will provide site-specific management recommendations to help property owners, municipalities, and communities better protect critical habitats to increase overall community and environmental resilience.
Additionally, streambank erosion and downstream sedimentation have been significant challenges facing coastal communities throughout Baldwin County. This project will provide a comprehensive strategy to restore degraded streams and riparian corridors specifically within Wolf Bay Watershed that have been negatively impacted by stormwater, invasive species, and a changing climate. This effort will also result in increased coordination among local governments managing stormwater in areas challenged by over five feet of hard rain annually, erodible soils, and significant urban development.
Coastal Alabama residents, the State, Baldwin County, and the City of Foley depend on stable shorelines, beautiful waters, and the productive fisheries that come from healthy coastal habitats including intertidal marsh and sea grass. These are the intended outcomes the of the holistic watershed restoration this project proposes. The MBNEP has a consistent record of sound stewardship of environmental restoration and protection funding and, if funded, staff is confident in the organization’s ability to succeed in what it sets out to accomplish.
Baldwin County along with the City of Foley and others will be listed as project partners. The County’s Natural Resource Planner will work with the MBNEP and the City of Foley in project implementation. The proposal does not commit the County to any financial obligations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: September 6, 2022, by 4:00PM
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: N/A
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Provide copy of the Commission’s letter of support to: ashley.campbell@baldwincountyal.gov
Additional instructions/notes: N/A