Title
Authorization to Apply for, Accept, Disburse Funds and Enter into Agreements for 2020 Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Grant Fund (Ordinance S-46075)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for and, if awarded, accept and enter into agreements for the 2020 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) Heritage Fund Grant in an amount up to $30,000. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and for the City Controller to disburse, any grant monies awarded.
Report
Summary
Staff is seeking City Council authorization to submit an application for the 2020 Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) Heritage Fund Grant.
The AZGFD Heritage Fund Grant Awards, funded by a voter initiative established in 1990 through Arizona Lottery ticket sales, can provide funding up to $30,000. A match is suggested, though not required. The Fall AZGFD Heritage Fund Grant application cycle generally opens in October. Staff is exploring potential partnerships for this grant application, which could include Sierra Club Water Sentinels, Audubon Arizona, Phoenix Herpetological Society, Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group and Arizona Center for Nature Conservation.
If successful, staff's intent is to use the grant funds at Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area to mitigate invasive turtle species, specifically red-eared sliders, along with soft shell and other invasives. Management of invasive turtle species can provide both short and long-term tangible benefits towards improving the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area’s environmental health. Invasive turtle species compete with native turtles for food and nesting sites. Additionally, native turtles have no immunity to the parasites and diseases carried by invasive species. Because red-eared sliders and other invasives can live upwards of 20 years, they pose a challenge to the native species for a long period of time.
Financial Impact
The amount of the grant application is $30,000, with a 10 percent match equaling $3,000 to be satisfied by applying administrative and field staff hours, along with volunteer hours. No additional City general funds will be required.
Location
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, 641 W. Lower Buckeye Road
Council District: 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Acting Deputy City Manager Toni Maccarone and the Parks and Recreation Department.