Item:
Title
Approve Capital Project Amendment No.27CPA016 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No.27BCC029 Decreasing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $99,750 and Transferring that Funding to the General Fund, as well as Recognizing $173,000 from the North Carolina Land & Water Fund to Support the Purchase and Protection of 15.354 acres at 4370 Garrett Road for a Total Cost of $272,750
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: October 12, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve Capital Project Amendment No.27CPA016 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No.27BCC029 decreasing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $99,750 and transferring that funding to the General Fund, as well as recognizing $173,000 from the North Carolina Land & Water Fund to support the purchase and protection of 15.354 acres at 4370 Garrett Road for a total cost of $272,750.
The Board approved this land protection project in January 2025 after receiving notice that the NC Land & Water Fund would support the effort by covering 69% of the project costs. The transfer of $99,750 to the General Fund will cover Durham County’s 39% share of the purchase price and closing costs.
The site supports two State Natural Heritage Area bottomland forest types and a state-critically imperiled tree species, shellbark hickory (Carya laciniosa). Acquiring and protecting this property preserves significant natural resources in a critical wildlife corridor, including water quality, unique plant and animal habitats, and habitat connectivity.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: The acquisition of land for permanent open space supports Strategic Plan Community Indicator Goal 4 (Environment) by protecting natural resources and promoting community and economic vitality for all Durham County residents, specifically through the Natural Resource and Stewardship Protection Objective.
Resource Persons: Celeste Burns, Open Space and Real Estate Manager; Jill Fusco, Open Space Specialist; Peri Manns, Deputy Director of Engineering and Environmental Services
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve Capital Project Amendment No.27CPA016 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No.27BCC029 decreasing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $99,750 and transferring that funding to the General Fund, as well as recognizing $173,000 from the North Carolina Land & Water Fund to support the purchase and protection of 15.354 acres at 4370 Garrett Road for a total cost of $272,750.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________