Columbus, Georgia

Agenda Item # 2



Columbus Consolidated Government

Council Meeting



February 11, 2001



Agenda Report # 018



TO: Mayor and Council



SUBJECT: Georgia Greenspace Program



INITIATED BY: Department of Community/Economic Development



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Recommendation: Approve the revised greenspace submittal for the City of

Columbus to participate in the Georgia Greenspace Program.



Background: The Georgia General Assembly passed the Georgia Greenspace Program

into law in April 2000. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources was

designated to oversee the program and, along with the appointed Georgia

Greenspace Commission, to set its requirements.



For the past two years the Columbus Greenspace Program has identified priority

greenspace areas within our community, acquired and/or purchased available land

and preserved this undeveloped land as permanently protected greenspace. The

permanent protection of greenspace will offer valuable incentives for the

livelihood of our community by providing excellent recreational opportunities,

containing urban sprawl, protecting various environmental concerns, connecting

greenways and improving the economic viability of the City of Columbus.



Analysis: As a requirement to continue participating in the greenspace

program, the Columbus Consolidated Government must submit a new program

document that defines what activities the local government will undertake for

the next two years. The program report will be reviewed by the Department of

Natural Resources and upon approval will be considered for future funding

opportunities.



Financial Considerations: The State of Georgia will allocate a grant to the

Columbus Consolidated Government for greenspace opportunities.



Legal: The City Attorney has no objections to this action.



Recommendation/Action: Approve the attached resolution declaring participation

in the Georgia Greenspace Program.