To authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a grant agreement with Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission for the 2026-2027 Water Resources Program project; and to authorize the expenditure of $60,000.00 split between the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Operating Funds. ($60,000.00)

This item authorizes the Director of Public Utilities to accept a grant agreement with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for the 2026-2027 Water Resources Program. The total grant amount is $60,000.00, which will be allocated across the Electricity, Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater operating funds. The program, running from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, involves various tasks aimed at improving water resource management in the region. Key activities include:

• Ongoing Communication: Monthly meetings with Columbus Water & Power staff and quarterly meetings with sustainability staff to align on priorities and review project progress.
• Central Ohio Water Advisory Council: Coordinating quarterly meetings with stakeholders to refine the COWAC vision, plan for board meetings, review project progress, and build partnerships. This includes specific focus on agricultural and rural communities and exploring a water efficiency campaign.
• Events and Planning: Hosting a water forum/webinar by the end of Q3 2026 to discuss water infrastructure needs and regional priorities, and coordinating a Blueprint tour for COWAC members by the end of Q2 2026.
• Riverfest: Planning and hosting Riverfest 2026 activities in Q1 2026, including a communication plan to educate the public on water value and community participation through water recreation. Planning for Riverfest 2027 will begin in Q4 2026.
• Summit on Sustainability: Planning and hosting a "Water Resources" break-out session during Q2-Q3 2026 and providing an exhibit table in Q3 2026.

The budget narrative details personnel costs of $23,441.00 and fringe benefits of $14,534.00, totaling $37,975.00 in direct costs. Indirect costs amount to $22,025.00, bringing the total funding to $60,000.00.