Executive/Council Action Form (ECAF)
ITEM TITLE:
Title
Motion 23-128, authorizing the County Executive to sign Professional Services Agreement SWMCC03-23 with PCC Farmland Trust DBA Washington Farmland Trust for Floodplains by Design to acquire Farmland Conservation Easements in the Snohomish Watershed
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DEPARTMENT: Conservation & Natural Resources
ORIGINATOR: Connie Price/Darcey Hughes
EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDATION: Approved by Lacey Harper 3/28/23
PURPOSE: The purpose of this Agreement is to provide farmland conservation easements along the Lower Skykomish River and the Snohomish River and Estuary. Farmland conservation easements provide long-term agricultural preservation in support of Community Floodplains Solution (CFS).
BACKGROUND: Snohomish County was awarded $8,564,176 in grant funds from the Washington State Department of Ecology to implement the CFS is a project that advances implementation of integrated floodplain management in the Snohomish Watershed, with focus on the Lower Skykomish River. CFS aims to increase ecological function, reduce impact from flooding, and protect and enhance farmland productivity. Actions include property acquisition, farmland conservation, implementation of agricultural viability and floodway projects, and design of large-scale integrated floodplain projects. Surface Water Management (SWM) has determined a need for consultant services to assist with grant related activities such as Landowner and Stakeholder Engagement and Agricultural Resiliency Planning Implementation which includes the purchase of easements, implementation of best management practices, and farmland succession planning. Through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) the SWM solicited the services of a consultant to assist with the CFS. Washington Farmland Trust responded to RFP-22-028SB and was selected through established Federal, State and County Policies and Practices. A Professional Services Agreement between Snohomish County and Washington F...
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