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ARF- 1792

Consent Agenda Item 4. G.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	04/16/2013
Submitted For:	Tommie Martin
Submitted By:	Janice Cook, Administrative Services Manager, Deputy County Manager
Department:	Board of Supervisors-District 1
Fiscal Year:	12/13	Budgeted?:	Yes
Contract Dates Begin & End:	7/1/12 - 6/30/13	Grant?:	Yes
Matching Requirement?:	No	Fund?:	Renewal

Information

Request/Subject

Agreement between Gila County and the Arizona State Forestry Division for FY 2012-2013 for Environmental Program Assistance.

Background Information

In 1999, the counties of Apache, Gila, Graham, Greenlee and Navajo agreed by vote of their Board of Supervisors to expend State-appropriated monies to implement environmental programs that would impact economic development through the Environmental Economic Communities Organization (EECO). The counties then submitted a joint plan to the Arizona State Forester describing projects in the five counties which demonstrated the feasibility and necessity of multiple use of natural resources and renewable energy.

In FY 2012/2013, the State budget included a $75,000 appropriation for EECO, the disbursement for which is contingent upon (1) the State Forester's approval of EECO's proposed projects and (2) the execution of an Agreement by each member county's Board of Supervisors.

Evaluation

The State Forester has verbally approved EECO's three proposed environmental projects which will positively impact economic development in Apache, Gila, Graham, Greenlee and Navajo counties. An Agreement is required by each member county's Board of Supervisors in order for the State to disburse a total of $75,000, payable to the counties in the amount of $15,000 each.

Navajo County administers the EECO, so upon Gila County receiving $15,000, it will be forwarded to Navajo County.

Conclusion

Administration believes that execution of the proposed Agreement with the Arizona Division of Forestry is in the best interest of Gila County in order for projects (common to Apache, Gila, Graham, Greenlee and Navajo counties) which impact economic development can proceed with the State funding.

Recommendation

Administration recommends approval of the Agreement with the State Forestry Division in order to facilitate disbursement of $15,000 in State funding to Gila County for environmental projects that will affect economic development.

Suggested Motion

Approval of an Agreement between Gila County and the Arizona Division of Forestry whereby Gila County will receive $15,000 of a total appropriation of $75,000 for three environmental projects affecting economic development in the five counties of Apache, Gila, Graham, Greenlee and Navajo which were identified by the Environmental Economic Communities Organization on behalf of the counties and submitted to the State Forester who has approved them.

Attachments
2013 Forestry Agreement
2013 EECO Projects
Legal Explanation