Item Description:
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Agmt CON000000001096 with the U.S. DOA to accept grant for the removal and replacement of trees on behalf of residents with lower incomes, 01/01/24-06/01/29, (recv $10,000,000; supp app of $2,000,000 to 2024 Environment and Energy budget)
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to negotiate Agreement CON000000001096 with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service to accept the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Urban and Community Forest grant for the removal and replacement of diseased, infested, or dangerous trees on residential lots of property owners with lower incomes, during the period January 1, 2024 through June 1, 2029, in the receivable amount of $10,000,000; that following review and approval by the County Attorney's Office the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of Hennepin County; and that the Controller be authorized to accept and disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Environment and Energy Department 2024 revenue and expenditure budget be increased by $2,000,000 for grant related activities and 3.0 grant funded, limited duration, full-time employees for the IRA Urban and Community Forestry grant; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the sponsorship and acceptance of grant funding for this program by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued funding commitment by the county for this program when grant funds are no longer available.
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Background:
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has now been infesting trees within Hennepin County since 2010. EAB is expected to kill one million ash trees - approximately 15% of the County's tree canopy - and many of these trees are located on residential property. Ash trees, once infested, decline and die rapidly, creating risks to human health and property. The cost to remove these trees is a significant financial burden for residential property owners with lower income...
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