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August 8, 2017 <br /> <br /> <br /> The creation of the Nature Park has transformed what was once a blighted and <br />environmentally challenged area into a natural and educational resource for the citizens <br />of Portsmouth and the region. <br /> <br /> In addition to the creation of the Nature Park, ERP is constructing a new building <br />on the Nature Park property called the “River Academy”. No City General Fund dollars <br />will be expended for construction of the River Academy. ERP will finance the construction <br />of the River Academy solely through its own funds and grant funding. <br /> <br /> ERP currently owns the Paradise Creek Nature Park property. In accordance with <br />the structure previously approved by Council, ERP will convey the Nature Park to the city. <br />After the conveyance, ERP will continue to own and operate the River Academy through <br />a ground lease. ERP will be solely responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the River <br />Academy. <br /> <br />Discussion: <br /> <br /> The River Academy will house offices for City and Elizabeth River Project <br />programming staff and a classroom for teaching children and adults about the <br />environment, wetlands, and the importance of clean waterways. It will also feature <br />environmentally friendly public restrooms with composting toilets. <br /> <br /> To assist in financing the construction of the River Academy, ERP applied for and <br />was awarded an Aid to Local Ports grant from the Port of Virginia in the amount of <br />$25,000. <br /> <br /> Aid to Local Ports grant applications must either be submitted or sponsored by <br />public entities. The City sponsored the ERP application. <br /> <br /> Under the program structure, the grant funds will be disbursed from the Port to the <br />city. The City will then disburse the funds to ERP after ERP’s submittal of appropriate <br />invoices for reimbursement of construction costs. <br /> <br /> Under the terms of the grant, the funds must be encumbered or fully spent by June <br />30, 2018. <br /> <br />Financial Impact: <br /> <br /> <br /> There is a match for this grant and the Elizabeth River Project is meeting this <br />requirement. Therefore, there is not a financial impact to the City. The grant funds will <br />pass through the City to Elizabeth River Project. <br /> <br />Staff Recommends: <br /> <br /> <br /> Adoption of the ordinance. <br /> <br />Next Steps Following Council Action: <br /> <br /> <br /> The Finance Department will make the necessary budgetary adjustments. In <br />addition, the Director of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services or designee will have <br />management oversight of the grant. <br /> <br />Motion by Ms. Psimas, and seconded by Mr. Clark, to adopt the following <br />ordinance, and was adopted by the following vote: <br /> <br />“ORDINANCE ACCEPTING AN AID TO LOCAL PORTS PROGRAM GRANT IN THE <br />AMOUNT OF $25,000 FROM THE PORT OF VIRGINIA AND APPROPRIATING SAID <br />FUNDS IN THE FY 2018 GRANTS FUND FOR DISBURSEMENT BY THE <br />DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION & LEISURE SERVICES IN CONNECTION <br />WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ELIZABETH RIVER PROJECT RIVER <br />ACADEMY AT PARADISE CREEK NATURE PARK.” <br /> <br />Ayes: Cherry, Clark, Moody, Psimas, Whitaker, Rowe <br />Nays: None <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />