FINANCING

A vital and unique aspect of the West Eugene Special Area Study was its proposal for a financing system designed to pay for the Operations and Maintenance Program of the wetland system in the Amazon Creek basin. The financing program is a cornerstone of the wetland program, simply because the Plan's goals cannot be fully realized without sufficient funding. The total cost for the proposed wetland acquisition, mitigation, restoration, enhancement and maintenance is estimated to be $16.4 million over ten years (1993-2003).

Strategies

The Plan's financing effort relies primarily upon: (1) securing state and federal funds; (2) instituting a local, city-wide stormwater utility fee; (3) sale of "credits" in the regional wetland mitigation bank; and (4) private contributions through or to nonprofit organizations or foundations. Other financing mechanisms given strong consideration include designating a portion of the stormwater Systems Development Charge (SDC) to finance capital projects, such as flood control, water quality, and stormwater management portions of the wetland program.

Costs

Outright purchase of wetlands by the public has been demonstrated to be the most effective method to insure resource protection. The Plan proposes a priority schedule for the acquisition of all wetlands designated for protection. As proposed, a total of 1,019 wetland acres within the study area will be acquired over a six year period. The City of Eugene is seeking federal funds to assist in acquiring and exchanging land and establishing conservation easements in the study area. Local funds may be used to supplement the acquisition program. In addition, The Nature Conservancy is purchasing key parcels and has purchased a conservation easement in a similar situation.

Other agencies (Oregon Department of Transportation and Bonneville Power Administration) are purchasing or are considering purchasing land to mitigate for public projects in the region.

In addition to land acquisition, costs will be incurred for the enhancement, restoration and construction in these lands. In conjunction with the priority schedule for acquisition, construction will occur accordingly. Total construction cost is estimated to be $11.9 million. Possible funding sources for these costs include mitigation requirements for obtaining a wetland impact permit, federal and state demonstration projects, system development charges, public grants and stormwater user fees.

Partnerships

Partnerships are the key to funding the program, as each partner brings their own resources to work towards common goals. By combining these resources in a coordinated effort, no one agency has to bear the brunt of implementing and financing the program.

The annual cost of the Comprehensive Monitoring and Maintenance Program is estimated at $250,000. The City Public Works Department is proposed to have lead responsibility for these functions. The level of service will increase as more acreage comes into the program. Financing the annual budget is proposed to be provided through a stormwater user fee which will be charged to all households and businesses within the city limits. BLM is also expected to contribute operating funds in its management of lands purchased through the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program.

Funding sources that may be used to implement the progmm are:

1. Federal funds through BLM's operating and capital project.
2. City general funds (in the short term this is not very realistic due to Oregon's property tax limitation measure).
3. Systems development charges (SDC's) on new development - used for capital projects.
4. Storm sewer user fees for operation and maintenance (a key source related to stormwater conveyance, flood management, water quality, and wetlands-all within the city's public works functions).
5. Donations.
6. Volunteer and in-kind contributions from organizations, schools, groups and individuals.
7. Fees (for programs at the interpretive center or parks and recreation programs).
8. State and federal grants.
9. Private and foundation donations, grants and awards.
10. Programs such as T-shirts, posters, adopt a wetland, and promotional sales.
11. Fees paid to the mitigation bank for wetland credits.
12. Sale of general obligation or revenue bonds.