Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: CD - Community Development

Directors' Update: Nov. 16, 2022

Business Meeting: Nov. 22, 2022

Summary:

Accept an amendment with Washington State Conservation Commission for the purpose of increased funding to the County for the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP)

Publications: n/a

Cover Letter To: Lee Napier, Graham Gowing, Grace Jimenez, Becky Butler

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, Lewis County opted into the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) on October 31, 2011; and

WHEREAS, VSP provides a unique, grassroots opportunity to establish regulatory certainty for the agricultural operators in Lewis County critical areas; and

WHEREAS, Lewis County previously entered into the current grant contract with the Washington State Conservation Commission, ending June 30, 2023, for the purpose of providing adequate funding to meet the implementation needs of the counties who opted into VSP; and

WHEREAS, Washington State Conservation Commission (Contract K2214) increased the contract budget by $27,500 for on-ground conservation projects, further described in Exhibit A; and

WHEREAS, it appears to be in the best public interest to approve the Director signing the Amendment with a new amount not to exceed $262,500 for the entire 2021-2023 biennium; and

WHEREAS, Lewis County and the Lewis Conservation District intend to cooperate, by means of an interlocal agreement to provide assistance in developing VSP work plans, program implementation, and subsequent reporting.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners accepts an amendment with Washington State Conservation Commission for the purpose of increased funding to the County for the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP).

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 22nd day of November, 2022.