Item B: Stream Corridor Acquisition Program

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acquisition of approximately 170 acres of priority stream corridors over a seven-year period, with a total estimated cost to the stormwater fund of $5,180,000 and assuming an estimated $778,000 contribution (or 10% of the total cost) from donations/grants/incentives. The approved funding strategy included authorization to: 1) use existing stormwater fund balance to acquire sites considered most at risk to development, and 2) increase stormwater user fees by $0.50 per month (for medium density residential users, and a commensurate increase for other user fee categories) to help fund the enhanced program. The fee increase authorization included a three-year sunset provision. The first annual report on the progress of the stream corridor acquisition program was provided at the November 20, 2002, City Council worksession. The council update included a projection that the acquisition-related stormwater user fee increase would go into effect on July 1, 2003. Between February 2003 and August 2004, the City Council held a series of four work sessions on the stormwater program as part of an overall review of the program by staff, due to an approximate $2 million gap between projected revenues and expenditures in FY05. At the July 16, 2003, work session, an updated progress report on the stream corridor acquisition was provided. The council reviewed the proposed acquisition-related user fee increase in light of the broader discussion of the entire stormwater program and rescinded the previous City Council direction to proceed with an increase in stormwater user fees to fund an enhanced acquisition program. At the October 10, 2005, worksession, the council authorized budget for additional specific program adjustments to ensure that the City remains in compliance with its new National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permit. The council also directed staff to bring back the enhanced Stream Corridor Acquisition Program for reconsideration. On November 14, 2005, the council adopted Goal 5 ordinances protecting significant natural resource riparian and wetland sites. Selection of Acquisition Corridors/Sites The twelve priority acquisition stream corridors identified in the October 2001 Stream Corridor Acquisition Study represent those waterway segments that were ranked relatively high when measured against the study’s selection identification criteria including: Steep slopes and highly erodible soils; ? Connectivity with riverine system; ? Significant natural resources – riparian, wetland, forest; ? High proportion of corridor undeveloped; ? Potential for water quality benefits through corridor protection efforts; ? Potential for additional benefits such as public trail connectivity; and ? Potential for leveraging financial resources. ? Within the priority stream corridors, nine priority acquisition sites were identified. The priority acquisition sites are those parcels that were most at-risk to development (with active land use applications) or identified as high-opportunity sites due to direct partnering, leveraged funding opportunities, restoration potential, or other opportunities. A copy of the October 2001 Stream Corridor Acquisition Study is available in the Council Office and on the City’s web site: www.eugene-or.gov (follow links to Public Works > PW Services > Stormwater > Stream Corridors). L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060123\S060123B.doc