2021 OAKSTEM Program
To decrease impervious surface area and increase the tree canopy in the George W. Kuhn Drainage District, the Oakland County Department of Economic Development (OCDEC) has developed the 2021 OAKSTEM street tree enhancement matching grant program, which provides a one-to-one match for eligible communities to encourage development or expansion of street tree planting programs.
The department of public services intends to administer a supplemental tree planting program this fall with the OAKSTEM funding. As envisioned, this program would provide for the purchase and planting of 200 right-of-way trees, located in areas within the Kuhn Drainage District, with selected locations prioritized using heat map and tree canopy data. Site selection will consider homeowner interest as well as program criteria.
Based on OCDEC’s funding allocation formula, Royal Oak has a base allocation of $22,790. Reimbursable expenses include the cost of trees and a two-year warranty. Labor costs associated with planting are not eligible. Based on current tree prices, the following table illustrates estimated program costs and reimbursements:
Total Program Costs
| Trees (with a one-year warranty) - Qty 200 @ $222/each | $44,400 |
Labor - $100/tree (not eligible for reimbursement.)
| $20,000
|
Less OCDEC grant match
| ($22,200)
|
| City Cost | $42,200 |
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