A Nose Creek Watershed Partnership model project has received the support of Airdrie City council, allowing the organization to apply for grant funding to proceed with the next phase of the initiative.
According to a report presented at a regular meeting Feb. 18, the tool will allow the municipalities in the partnership to evaluate land and water management options and scenarios at the watershed scale – better enabling the partnership to meet its goal of protecting riparian areas, improving water quality and managing water quantity.
Currently, the project is in Phase I of four projected phases, determining the scope of the model, which is expected to be completed in June. Phase II is scheduled to begin in late 2020, the report said, pending project funding.
“The Partnership identified the Alberta Community Partnership Intermunicipal Collaboration Grant program as a potential partial funding source,” said corporate environmental specialist Clint Goodman, noting the grant can provide up to $200,000 per project. “Eligibility for the grant requires a managing partner and formal council resolutions confirming their project involvement.”
According to Goodman, the Town of Crossfield has committed to provide in-kind contributions by volunteering to be the managing partner, while the other partners – City of Airdrie, City of Calgary, Rocky View County and the Calgary Airport Authority – will be contributing in a phased approach.
“The City of Calgary provided a contribution for Phase I in 2019, and the City of Airdrie has budgeted a contribution for Phase II in the 2020 operating budget,” he said.
