R2010-127 AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH AGRICULTURAL WATERSHED INSTITUTE

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, Mr. Keith Alexander, Ci of Decatur—Ma 10,2010—Pa e 2 II�' tY Y g WORK TO BE PERFORMED WITH CITY FINANCIAL SUPPORT I The financial support to be provided by the City will be used to continue and expand work by �!, AWI in our current research focus areas, in our educational program, and in additional areas that I may be determined in consultation with City representatives. '� Nutrient management: Data collection and other field work for the Upper Sangamon I'� River Tazgeted Watershed Project have been completed and final project reports are currently being prepared. During the period covered by this agreement, AWI will identify and develop II strategies for reducing nutrient loads in the Lake Decatur watershed. In consultation with the City and the University of Illinois, AWI will continue to participate in research, outreach, and implementation of nutrient management strategies for crop production in tile-drained landscapes including,but not limited to, drainage water management and subsurface bioreactors. Beneficial use of dredged sediment: The proposed City funding will be used to develop ideas for large-scale beneficial use of dredged sediment and to conduct research, demonstration � projects, economic analysis, and stakeholder outreach related to sediment use. As requested by the City,AWI will gather information and assist in public participation activities to identify ways to reduce costs, mitigate adverse impacts, and increase benefits and public acceptance of alternatives for dredging and water supply. Water resources planning and management: AWI will promote city-farm-industry dialogue and cooperation for water resource management, especially Lake Decatur source water protection. AWI may convene and facilitate meetings of an Upper Sangamon River Watershed Committee or other stakeholder group. AWI will continue to participate in the Drought Ready Communities Project and local river/lake clean-up days. AWI Executive Director Steve John will serve on the Loca1 Sustainability Team formed by the City to develop and implement a Decatur Sustainability Plan. As requested, AWI will assist the City to identify and evaluate innovative water resource management concepts and alternatives, and potential funding sources far research, development, and implementation. Biomass energy: Perennial energy grasses planted in targeted locations and used for renewable energy can provide numerous benefits. The City provides project-specific financial support for AWPs Local Bioenergy Initiative through a separate agreement dated January 8, 2009. The Initiative is designed to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, enhance water quality, and achieve other environmental and economic objectives in the Lake Decatur watershed. A portion of the general support provided through this proposed agreement may be used for bioenergy-related expenses. With City approval, and under such conditions as the City may require, AWI may establish and manage perennial energy grasses on City-owned property including a strip of land along the north side of the Oakley Township sediment basin site. Shared Learning Program: The proposed City funding will be used to support AWI's seminars, workshops and other educational events including an annual Sangamon Watershed Celebration. These events are designed to bring together researchers; government policy makers and program managers; agricultural producers, managers and landowners; environmental professionals and advocates; and other watershed stakeholders to share ideas and seek win-win solutions. Program obj ectives are (1) to explore ideas for economically and environmentally