ADOPTED - JULY 25, 2006

Agenda Item No. 28

Introduced by the County Services and Finance Committees of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INGHAM COUNTY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TIMBERLAND RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AREA

RESOLUTION #06-193

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is authorized through the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962 and other authorities to provide technical and financial assistance to local groups that sponsor Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) projects, the USDA also helps those groups to seek funds and services from other federal, state, and local sources; and

WHEREAS, Resource Conservation and Development is a tool that is available for community development, resource conservation, urban and rural development, and projects that are environmentally sound and maintain or enhance economic or resource development in an area; and

WHEREAS, in RC&D projects, the USDA helps numerous interests in an area -- rural, suburban and urban-- to work together; and

WHEREAS, Clinton, Ionia, Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta and Montcalm Counties are presently participating in the Timberland RC&D Area.  Ingham County is currently the only county in the State that has not joined the RC&D network.  The USDA has requested that Ingham County participate in the Timberland RC&D Area because of the significance of the Grand River Watershed in that area; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the Timberland RC&D Area, Ingham County would appoint two representatives to attend the Timberland Board meetings and pay annual dues of $250.00; and

WHEREAS, the Ingham County Board of Commissioners recommends the participation of Ingham County in the Timberland Resource Conservation and Development Area.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Ingham County Board of Commissioners that authorization is hereby granted for Ingham County to participate in the Timberland RC&D Area, paying the annual dues of $250.00.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners will appoint two representatives from the County to act on its behalf and serve on the Timberland Board of Directors. 

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  Schor, De Leon, Holman, Copedge, Severino, Vickers

Nays:  None              Absent:  None              Approved 7/18/06

FINANCE:  Yeas:  Hertel, Grebner, Weatherwax-Grant, Dougan

Nays: None                Absent:  Dedden, Thomas          Approved 7/19/06