R2008-78 AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH AGRICULTURAL WATERSHED INSTITUTE

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• ' r � � � Mr. Keith Alexander, City of Decatur—May 7, 2008—Page 2 WORK TO BE PERFORMED WITH CITY FINANCIAL SUPPORT 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 management: 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. In consultation with the City, AWI will pwsue governmental or foundation grants for research, outreach and implementation of additional nutrient management strategies. 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. Analysis of water supply and dredging options: As requested, AWI will assist the City in evaluating specific alternatives for dredging and water supply including,but not limited to,the "accelerated dredging proposal"currently under consideration. Biomass energy: The proposed City funding will be used to explore and implement ideas for biomass energy that can improve water and air quality and also create economic development. In 2007, AWI completed and released a report titled "Establishing a Grass Energy Crop Market in the Decahu Area", including a roadmap for grass energy crops. The roadmap addresses innovative concepts to maximize the water quality benefits related to introduction of energy crops. Project goals include ma�cimizing the water quality benefits of perennial grasses or woody biomass grown for energy generation. During the period of this agreement, AWI will play a lead role in implemen�ing the recommended action steps. In addition to water quality benefits, we anticipate that development of markets for perennial energy grasses and related ecosystem services may present opportunities for economic development in the Decatur area. 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. Additional activities: In consultation with the City,AWI will identify and explore ways to enhance water quality and meet water supply needs. As requested, AWI will assist the City to gather information about potential strategies for water management and potential funding sources for research, development and implementation of such strategies.