Title
Resolution to Amend the Fiscal Year 2026 Council Approved Budget to Appropriate $7,000.00 from the Wetlands Encroachment Restricted Fund Balance Account to the Community Development Department Operating Account for the Purpose of Dispersing to the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District to Fund the City's Participation in the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
In September 2025, the City of Hampton (the “City”) confirmed its desire to extend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) for a third additional one-year extension (the “Third Renewal Term”). The Third Renewal Term commenced July 1, 2025 and continues until the close of the Fiscal Year June 30, 2026. The Parties agreed that total payment from the City to CSWCD for the Third Renewal Term was $7,000 and the Parties acknowledged that one additional one-year extension is available under the MOU.
Discussion:
This action enables uninterrupted support for living shoreline projects by Hampton property owners, allowing continued collaboration with the CSWCD under the terms of the existing MOU.
Impact:
Fiscal impact of $7,000
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve the Resolution
Body
WHEREAS, the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) is a statewide, urban cost-share program administered by regional Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) that provides financial incentives, as well as technical and educational assistance to property owners installing eligible best management practices, including living shorelines;
WHEREAS, the City of Hampton (the "City") is not located within a SWCD service area and previously entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Colonial SWCD for Hampton property owners to be eligible to participate in VCAP;
WHEREAS, under the terms and conditions of the MOU Renewal, the City agreed to provide up to $7,000 to the Colonial SWCD for Fiscal Year 2026 to support the City's participation in VCAP, specific to living shorelines;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Hampton City Code§ 41 .1-22(c) mitigation fees and civil charges collected by the City's Wetlands Board (the "Wetlands Fees") are placed into a special revenue account to be used, as approved by the City Manager and subject to the review and recommendation of the Wetlands Board, for the creation, enhancement or restoration of tidal wetlands;
WHEREAS, at its January 27, 2026 meeting, the City’s Wetlands Board recommended that the City Manager approve and City Council appropriate up to $7,000 of the Wetlands Fees to support the City’s participation in VCAP, specific to living shorelines; and
WHEREAS, City Council has determined that the Wetlands Fees should be appropriated for this purpose;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia hereby amends the Fiscal Year 2026 Council Approved Budget to appropriate $7,000 from the Wetlands Encroachment Restricted Fund Balance Account to the Community Development Department Operating Account for the purpose of dispersing to the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District to fund the City's participation in the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program, in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to take any and all actions necessary to implement the prescribed action.