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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—March 28, 2011 7 B. Resolution 2011-016: Supporting the Grant Application Made to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Parks and Trails Legacy Program Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson stated 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. The application deadline is Thursday, March 31, 2011. 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. 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. 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 with upcoming road improvements, and the Rice Creek Corridor, which is a Ramsey County initiative. 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. Staff feels that the City should apply and indicate to the DNR that projects such as the Old Snelling Pathway are regionally significant and should be eligible. 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. Mayor Grant asked if the grant would be approved entirely or if there would be a chance that the City would only receive a portion of what they applied for. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated there was a chance they could choose to partially fund the project. If this happens then the City would have the option to reconsider the project because this could be a significant change. Public Woks Director Maurer stated he did not have direct experience with this grant process but it is not common to award less than what is being asked for.