Description
Title: Authorize the negotiation and execution of an amendment to the interlocal agreement with Travis County to procure consultant services to update the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan to increase the City’s share from an amount not to exceed $650,000 to a revised amount not to exceed $1,025,000 over the five-year term. Funding: $350,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Summary
The City of Austin is considering an amendment to its interlocal agreement with Travis County to secure consultant services for updating the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP). This amendment proposes to increase the City’s financial contribution from $650,000 to $1,025,000 over five years, with $350,000 already available in the Austin Water Operating Budget. The BCCP is essential for habitat mitigation, facilitating compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act while promoting economic development and protecting endangered species habitats. The updated plan aims to improve existing conservation efforts, which have positively impacted over 17,100 acres and supported more than 300 infrastructure projects since its inception. This amendment ensures that both the City and County can effectively manage and refine the conservation