Laserfiche WebLink
DEPARTMENT OF WATER MANAGEMENT <br /> Memorandum No. 2006-OS <br /> Apri125, 2006 I <br /> TO: Honorable Mayor Osborne and City Council I' <br /> FROM: Steve Garman, City Manager <br /> John A. Smith, Assistant City Manager for Public Services <br /> Keith D. Alexander, Director of Water Management �Q� <br /> SUBJECT: Agricultural Watershed Institute - Research and Education Agreement <br /> SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: <br /> Staff recommends that Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing a Research and <br /> Education Agreement with the Agricultural Watershed Institute (AWI). <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> The AWI is requesting $30,000 in support over the course of one year by the City to be used to <br /> continue and expand work by AWI in their current research focus areas, educational programs, <br /> and in additional areas that may be determined in consultation with City representatives. This <br /> work includes: <br /> Nutrient management: City funding will be used as non-federal match for the current <br /> Upper Sangamon River Targeted Watershed Project and to identify and develop <br /> additional strategies for reducing nutrient loads in the Lake Decatur watershed. In <br /> consultation with the City, AWI will pursue governmental or foundation grants for <br /> research, outreach and implementation of additional nutrient management strategies. <br /> Beneficial use of dredged sediment: City funding will be used to develop ideas for <br /> large-scale beneficial use of dredged sediment and to conduct research, demonstration <br /> projects, economic analysis, and stakeholder outreach related to sediment use. If <br /> requested by the City, AWI will gather information and assist in public participation <br /> activities to identify ways to reduce costs, mitigate adverse impacts, and increase benefits <br /> and public acceptance of alternatives for dredging and water supply. <br /> Biomass energy: City funding will be used to explore ideas for biomass energy that can <br /> improve water and air quality and also create economic development. AWI is currently <br /> heading a learning group with representatives of agriculture, electrical utilities, industry, <br /> conservation agencies and organizations, researchers, and business specialists to assess <br /> the viability of a local market for biomass as a clean, renewable fuel. If it is determined <br /> that such a market is viable, the project will proceed to develop a business model and <br /> plan. Project goals include maximizing the water quality benefits of perennial grasses or <br /> woody biomass grown for energy generation. AWI will hold at least one seminar on <br />