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

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with upcoming road improvements and the Rice Creek Corridor, which is a Ramsey County initiative. Staff contacted the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to discuss the grant criterion. The DNR was not aware of the added criteria and acknowledged that adding this to the eligibility requirements eliminated significant potential applicants. A legislature subcommittee has been meeting to determine the grant details and there has been lengthy discussions regarding who should be eligible and what percentage of funding should be allotted. Although the criteria and eligibility requirements are listed within the grant manual, the DNR asserts that there is potential for criteria and eligibility requirements to change before grant awards are announced, as these are recommendations at this point. Staff spoke with Forrest Bo of the DNR and he strongly recommended that the City apply for the grant in 2011, even if the application is ultimately determined to be ineligible. In addition, the DNR suggested sending a letter or email to relay the City’s concerns regarding the regionally significance criterion. Staff requested a support letter from Greg Mack of Ramsey County. However, due to the eligibility questions regarding this potential project, the County declined. Considering the conflict that is taking place regarding the Legacy funding, staff feels that the City should apply to indicate to the DNR that projects such as the Old Snelling Pathway are regionally significant and should be eligible; if not this year, then in upcoming solicitations. Financial Implications Funding for the 2011 Parks and Trails Legacy Program has not yet been determined. Approximately $4,192,500 was available for both parks and trails grants in the 2010 solicitation. Grant awards will be announced in July of 2011. The minimum grant request is $20,000 and the maximum award is $500,000. These grants are reimbursed up to 75 percent of the total eligible project costs, and recipients must provide a non-state cash match of at least 25 percent. The grant award and match cannot be used for in-house labor services and/or to meet existing payroll. Only contract services, materials, and supplies are reimbursable. Other state funds or grants, or Metropolitan Council grants cannot match these grants. All projects awarded through this grant round must be completed by June 30, 2013. All facilities that are funded through this program also require a commitment from the applicant that the trail will be in place and maintained for no less than twenty years. The resolution before you tonight is a requirement of the grant application (Attachment B). The amount of the Old Snelling Pathway Regional Connection project is estimated at $975,270.40 for construction and project administration. Both of these costs are eligible for reimbursement. The maximum grant award is $500,000 and therefore, the City match would be $475,270.40. This estimate takes into account the wetland and floodplains that exist in this area. An appealing attribute of the proposed Old Snelling Pathway is its scenic travel way along wetlands and other natural areas. Recognizing the importance of protecting these amenities while integrating them into the experience of using the trail system, the design will reflect minimal environmental impacts, particularly to the wetland areas and a small floodplain area. Adjacent to wetland areas, the trail will be designed to include retaining walls to minimize or 23 Page of 03282011Memo to CC re - Res 2011-016 Regional Trail Legacy Grant.doc