R2009-72 AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH AGRICULTURAL WATERSHED INSTITUTE

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Mr. Keith Alexander, City of Decatur—May 12, 2009—Page 2 WORK TO BE PERFORMED WITH CITY FINANCIAL 5UPPORT 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 may be determined in consultation with City representatives. Nutrient managemenf: The proposed City funding will be used as non-federal match for the current Upper Sangamon River Targeted Watershed Project and to identify and develop additional strategies for reducing nutrient loads in the Lake Decatur watershed. The Targeted Watershed Project is scheduled to be completed during the 2009 calendar year. In consultation with the City and the University of Illinois, AWI will pursue governmental or foundation grants to continue research, outreach, and implementation of nutrient management strategies 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. If 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: During the term of this agreement, AWT will cooperate with the City, Macon County SWCD, and other stakeholders to re-establish an active Upper Sangamon River Watershed Committee and convene at least two meetings of the Committee. AWI will participate in the Drought Ready Communities Project and, as requested by the City, other collaborative efforts related to Decatur water resources. As requested, AWI will assist the City to identify and evaluate water resource concepts and alternatives and potential funding sources for research, development, and implementation of innovative strategies. 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 AWI's Local Bioenergy Initiative through a separate agreement dated January 8, 2009. That 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 beyond the scope of the Local Bioenergy agreement including, for example, establishment of perennial energy grasses on City-owned property and purchase of equipment to process or utilize biomass for renewable energy. 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 objectives are (1) to explore ideas for economically and environmentally sound resource management and (2) to foster improved mutual understanding and cooperation among urban and rural watershed stakeholders.