Agenda Item # 3
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
08/24/2010
Agenda Report # 544
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Memorandum of Understanding with Uptown Columbus on River
Restoration Project
INITIATED BY: David Arrington, Deputy City Manager
Recommendation: Approval is requested to enter into a Memorandum of
Understanding with Uptown Columbus, Inc., for development and construction of
the River Restoration Project and to apply for grant funding as identified for
the project provided the grant does not require City matching funds exceeding
the amount previously allocated by the City to the project.
Background: The River Restoration Project will bring the Chattahoochee River
back to its natural flow by breaching 2 dams in this 2.5 mile stretch of the
river. This project will restore the Chattahoochee River to the economic engine
that it was in our past and provide environmental benefit. The project will
serve as a catalyst for restoration of properties within this National Historic
Landmark District. This restoration will allow the river to regain its
historic, environmental, educational, recreational and economic function to
these communities. Restoring this 2.5-mile stretch of river channel will reveal
magnificent shoals and river rapids and will restore the fall line habitat for
rare and endangered species like the shoal bass, mussels and shoal spider
lilies.
Analysis: Based upon a Columbus State University economic impact study, when
the project is completed the Valley region stands to receive a significant
economic benefit. The project is expected to draw approximately 188,000
participants a year, have an annual economic impact of $42 million and
generate approximately 700 new jobs. Council has agreed to enter into a
public/private partnership to facilitate this project by committing $5 million
to be paid in three installments with the first contribution consisting of a
$1.67 million allocation in Fiscal Year 2011 budget. The attached Memorandum
of Understanding outlines the administration of these funds and the City's role
in implementation of the project. Upon completion of the project, ownership of
the property, to be known as the Chattahoochee River Park, will be transferred
to the City. The City will negotiate and bring to Council for approval a lease
of the property back to Uptown for operation and maintenance of the park. The
lease will define the roles and responsibilities of both parties pertaining to
the operation of the park.
Financial Considerations: Council has allocated $1.67 million in Fiscal Year
2011 budget. The Memorandum of Understanding outlines the administration of
these funds and provides for the application of available grant funding as
identified for the project to supplement funding for the project.
Legal Considerations: The City Attorney has approved the document as to form.
Recommendations/ Actions: Authorize the City Manager to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding with Uptown Columbus, Inc., for the development and
construction of the River Restoration Project and to apply for grant funding as
identified for the project provided the grant does not require City matching
funds exceeding the amount previously allocated by the City to the project.
A RESOLUTION
NO. _____
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING WITH UPTOWN COLUMBUS, INC. FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION
OF THE RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT AND TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDING AS IDENTIFIED
FOR THE PROJECT.
WHEREAS, the River Restoration Project will bring the Chattahoochee River back
to its natural flow by breaching 2 dams in this 2.5 mile stretch of the river.
This project will restore the Chattahoochee River to the economic engine that
it was in our past and provide environmental benefit; and,
WHEREAS, based upon a Columbus State University economic impact study, when the
project is completed, the Valley region stands to receive a significant
economic benefit. The project is expected to draw approximately 188,000
participants a year, have an annual economic impact of $42 million and
generate approximately 700 new jobs; and,
WHEREAS, Council has agreed to enter into a public/private partnership with the
developer, Uptown Columbus, Inc., to facilitate this project by committing $5
million to this project to be paid in three installments with the first
contribution consisting of a $1.67 million allocation in Fiscal Year 2011
budget; and,
WHEREAS, upon completion of the project, ownership of the property, to be known
as the Chattahoochee River Park, will be transferred to the City. The City
will negotiate and bring to Council for approval a lease of the property back
to Uptown for operation and maintenance of the park; and,
WHEREAS, the Memorandum of Understanding with Uptown Columbus, Inc., will
outlines the administration of these funds and provides for the application of
available grant funding as identified for the project to supplement funding for
the project.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY
RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the City Manager is hereby authorized to enter into a Memorandum
of Understanding with Uptown Columbus, Inc., for the development and
construction of the River Restoration Project and to apply for grant funding as
identified for the project provided the grant does not require City matching
funds exceeding the amount previously allocated by the City to the project.
___________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia,
held the _________day of _____________, 2010 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of _____________members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting __________.
Councilor Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Hunter voting __________.
Councilor McDaniel voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
___________________________________ _____________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council , Mayor
Attachments