7A, Resolution 2011-016 Parks and Trail Legacy Program Grant

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MEMORANDUM DATE: March 28, 2011 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members Patrick Klaers, City Administrator FROM: Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution No. 2011-016: Supporting the grant application made to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program Background Staff has been preparing an application for a Trails Legacy Grant Program through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the creation of an off street shared use path on the west side of Old Snelling Avenue from County Road E to County Road E2. A map of the proposed project is included for Council review (Attachment A). The application deadline is Thursday, March 31, 2011. The City applied for this same grant in 2009 for the Canadian Railway Crossing. Regional Trail Legacy Grants are intended to support trails of regional or statewide significance. Funding for this grant program is from the Parks and Trails Fund created by the Minnesota Legislature from the “Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment” passed by the voters in 2008. Priority for trail project funding will be given to projects that provide connectivity, enhanced opportunities for commuters, and enhanced safety. Grant Criteria Eligible projects include acquisition, development, restoration and maintenance of trail facilities that are considered of regional or statewide significance. Staff has determined that a pathway on Old Snelling is the only trail development in the City that meets the Trail Legacy Grant Program eligibility requirements. This pathway is listed high on the Parks Trails and Recreation Committee’s priorities for proposed trails. The criterion for defining a trail of regional significance has expanded since 2009 when the City applied for the Canadian Pacific Railway Crossing. After reviewing the 2011 application information and speaking with Greg Mack, Ramsey County Parks Director, it appeared that the City’s eligibility was questionable. The criterion in question is a requirement that the proposed trail must be consistent with the Metropolitan Council’s Regional Parks Policy Plan. This essentially means that the two eligible trails in the City of Arden Hills would be County Road 96, which is already being programmed 13 Page of 03282011Memo to CC re - Res 2011-016 Regional Trail Legacy Grant.doc