Item:
Title
Approve acquisition of 15.5 acres at 4350 Garrett Road as permanently protected open space within the New Hope Creek Corridor with a County Open Space cost of $118, 450 as part of a Total acquisition cost of $301,953
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: January 13, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve the purchase of 15.5 acres at 4350 Garrett Road, to use existing open space capital project funds to support 39% of project costs, and to authorize the Manager to execute the purchase agreement and grant documents as funding is awarded.
Over the past year Durham County Open Space Program staff have worked with the listing agent of land for sale at 4350 Garrett Road that includes ecologically significant bottomland forests along Sandy and New Hope Creeks. After applying to the NC Land & Water Fund in February for support, Durham County was recently notified of a $183,503 award (61% of project cost) to support the County's acquisition and permanent protection of the land. The County's estimated total costs should not exceed $118,450. The County's open space and farmland capital project account has sufficient funds to pay the County's share, so no additional funding is needed. As grant funds are committed and the project continues, a final budget will be brought to the Board for approval prior to closing.
Acquisition and protection of this property preserves significant natural resources including water quality, unique plant and animal habitats, and wildlife connectivity. The site supports two State Natural Heritage Area bottomland forest types and a state-endangered tree species, shellbark hickory (Carya laciniosa).
Alignment with Strategic Plan: The acquisition of land as permanent open space aligns with DCo Forward 2029 Strategic Plan Focus Area: Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment, Objective SI 3: Preserve and restore the natural and built environment, and SI 3d: Protect and restore natural resources,...
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