The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has approved its budget for 2016, which includes a levy contribution from municipalities of about $2.9-million.
The levy will cost Windsor-Essex residents around $15.57 per household valued at $200,000, which is an increase of approximately $0.65 from the previous year. The approved 2016 budget totals $8.4-million.
“This continues to demonstrate the excellent value that ERCA provides to our member municipalities and the creativity and innovation that we are able to implement in funding important conservation work for this region,” says ERCA General Manager Richard Wyma in a media release.
One of their major projects included in the budget is the construction of the Cypher Systems Group Greenway between Essex and Amherstburg. The conservation authority says 70 km of the trail has been acquired and funded through donations and corporate support, at no cost to municipal taxpayers.
Other projects for the ERCA include restoring at least 125 acres of land, plant 120,000 trees and 20 acres of prairie habitat. As well, the conservation authority has already begun to create five new acres of wetlands that will help restore hydrology, improve water quality and habitat for wildlife and fish.