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Item 1.G.
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| City Council Regular | |
| Date: | 03/11/2024 |
| Title: | Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forest Grant Acceptance |
| Presented by: | Pigg Michael, Superintendent |
| Department: | Parks/Rec/Public Lands |
| Presentation: | No |
| Legal Review: | Yes |
| Project Number: | N/A |
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the acceptance of the Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forest Grant (IRA Grant).
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
The IRA Grant will provide funding to enhance the tree canopy in underserved areas of Billings. The Forest service provided a map of Billings highlighting the areas where the grant funding could be utilized. The grant provides funding for the planting and care of new trees and the pruning and removal of existing trees all to enhance the Urban Forest of Billings. There is an education component to the grant as well which will educate the citizens of Billings about the importance of a healthy Urban Forest and all the benefits it provides. The education component will also help citizens make better tree choices and how to properly care for ad maintain the trees we have. The grant has a five-year timeline for completion, and does not require any matching funds.
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may:
- Approve; or,
- Not Approve
FISCAL EFFECTS
Acceptance of the grant would provide up to $1,000,000 dollars funding for the Urban Forest of Billings.
SUMMARY
This grant will bring focus to the Urban Forest of Billings. The funding will educate the citizens on the importance and all the benefits of a healthy Urban Forest.