HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2004-054INTRODUCTION DATE: 8/10/2004
RESOLUTION NO. 2004 -054
AUTHORIZING WHATCOM COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO PURCHASE
DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS ON HOWARD AND JUDITH HOLZ PROPERTY
WHEREAS, Whatcom County government recognizes agriculture as a major contributor
to the local economy and a high quality of life for Whatcom County citizens; and
WHEREAS, The Growth Management Act and the County Comprehensive Plan support
the retention of agricultural lands of long term commercial significance and encourage
the use of innovative techniques to do so; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance #92 -002 enacted a property tax levy known as the Conservation
Futures Tax as authorized by RC W 84.34.230 to provide a funding source to assist in
acquiring open space, wetlands, farm and agricultural land, and timber land; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance #2002 -054 authorized the creation of a Purchase of
Development Rights program for agricultural land within Whatcom County, and
WHEREAS, Ordinance #2002 -054 established a Purchase of Development Rights
Oversight Committee to provide review and assistance to the PDR Administrator, and
WHEREAS, Resolution # 2002 -040 adopted the PDR Guidelines Document which
includes specific direction for program administration and conservation easement
acquisitions, and
WHEREAS, Resolution # 2003 -025 affirmed the ranking of the applicants from Round 1
and authorized the PDR Administrator to proceed with acquisition process, and
WHEREAS, The Holz property has been appraised and a conservation easement has
been drafted which meets the requirements of both the Whatcom County Agricultural
Purchase of Development Rights Program and the Federal Farm and Ranch Land
Protection Program, and
WHEREAS, Matching federal funds will be provided by the Natural Resource
Conservation Service from the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program to cover 50%
of the purchase, and
WHEREAS, The landowners have agreed to the offer price and conservation easement
conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that
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1. The Executive is authorized to purchase and the development rights for the full
appraisal amount and to expend any additional funds necessary to cover other
purchase related costs.
APPROVEDthis Loth dayof August 12004.
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY. WASHINGTON
Y
Chair
ING
6 090
Frakes, Civil Deputy Prosecutor
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