Title
Alberta Wetland Replacement Program Funding
Proposed Motions
1. That Council approve an additional operating expense and grant revenue be added to the 2020 ALUS program budget in the amount of $38,000.
2. That Council approve up to $472,000 in operating project expenses in the 2021 Community Sustainability budget, funded by the Wetland Replacement Program.
3. That Council direct administration to pursue additional projects eligible under the Wetland Replacement Program, to be approved by council in 2021.
Body
Administration Recommendations
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
To support the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) for wetland replacement projects and allow for projects to be budgeted and for funding to be spent.
Summary
In August of 2020 an MOU was signed with AEP to support wetland replacement projects through the Wetland Replacement Program (WRP). The MOU took effect in October and allows for Parkland County to access funding collected from development projects; to support wetland construction or restoration through the municipal drainage, construction or ALUS programs. The MOU was presented to Committee of the Whole for information in July, 2020 prior to document execution, where general support was shown. Administration is now working on executing the first restoration project and has three additional projects planned for 2021. Budgeting of project expenses and revenue, based on initial costs estimates, is now required in order to complete project deliverables. All project costs will be fully recovered from the WRP fund.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Council's Strategic Plan: Guiding Principle 3.1
Integrated Community Sustainability Plan Objective: Quality water supplies supported by healthy and resilient watersheds.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $510,000
Source of Funding: Alberta Wetland Replacement Program