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Shade Tree Commission OKs asking council to consider federal forestry and private grants
Summary
Mount Vernon Shade Tree Commission members agreed to ask city council to consider applying for a U.S. Department of Forestry grant (range: $15,000–$100,000) and a separate International Paper private grant to fund tree work, but members flagged reimbursement risk and asked staff to collect numbers before asking council to commit.
Mount Vernon Shade Tree Commission members voted to ask city council to discuss applying for two separate grants — a U.S. Department of Forestry program and a private grant through International Paper — that could fund tree-removal and planting work in the city.
Commission Chair said, “The grant that was the USDA grant through the infrastructure act ... anywhere from 15 to a hundred thousand dollars. Application has to be in August, I think it is, and it is a reimbursement grant. We have to spend the money and then get reimbursed for the work once it's done.” The commission discussed whether the city should assume fiscal responsibility if reimbursement were denied.
Why it matters: The grants could fund pear-tree removals and other large projects the commission has discussed, including work in the industrial park and a food-forest component. Because the federal award is a reimbursement grant, commissioners emphasized that city council must decide whether the municipality will accept the financial risk of fronting costs.
Commission discussion and next steps: One commissioner raised a central concern: “My only concern is what happens if we spend the money for something and then the grant gets shut down and we don't get reimbursed.” The chair responded that the commission should ask council first, then gather detailed cost figures. After discussion a motion to request council consider the grant application was made, seconded, and approved: “I'm in favor of that.” “Second.” “All in favor? We're all in favor.”
The commission also noted the International Paper award is a private grant separate from the federal program; both would be pursued but treated independently. Members directed staff (Brian) to assemble specific project costs and asked the commission to delay a full council request until figures and timelines are prepared.
The commission did not commit city funds; it voted only to ask council to consider the city taking the next steps and to authorize staff to assemble application materials and cost estimates for council review.
Looking ahead: Staff will prepare cost estimates and a draft council request. The chair said staff member Brian will be the point person for grant-writing when the commission is ready to proceed. Council approval will be required before the city submits reimbursement-based grant applications.
