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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 27, 2023 9 <br /> design which is $4.1 million. A couple items to note that are reasons for the significant increase <br /> found through the design process is the boardwalk and retaining wall costs. <br /> Mike McGarvey, SRF, further discussed the proposed Old Highway 10 trail improvements. The <br /> project goals were discussed along with the public survey results. It was noted this trail would be <br /> eight to ten feet wide and would run along the west/south side of Old Highway 10 extending from <br /> the existing trail just south of Highway 96 to the existing trail at Lake Valentine Road. The project <br /> timeline was discussed with the Council. The details involving the boardwalk were discussed in <br /> further detail. He reviewed the cost estimates for the project and commented on the funding and <br /> grant opportunities that would be available to assist with offsetting costs for the City. He <br /> explained if the City were to receive grants from each of the funding sources, the City's obligation <br /> would be approximately $1.2 million. He ended his presentation by discussing the next steps for <br /> this project, which included applying for the various funding sources and finalizing the trail plans <br /> by March of 2024. <br /> Mayor Grant discussed the three different funding sources noting each grant opportunity would <br /> cost the City$7,000 to apply for. He recommended the shovel ready date remain firm at March of <br /> 2024. <br /> Councilmember Fabel asked what the optimism level was from SRF to receive the three funding <br /> sources. <br /> Mr. McGarvey explained he has been very successful over the years in receiving funding for <br /> various different clients. He believed the City had more than a 50150 shot at each funding source. <br /> He anticipated the federal requests would come in fully funding, if approved. He commented on <br /> how the merits of this project make a strong case, which will assist with funding success. <br /> Councilmember Holden stated she understood there were a lot of unfunded Safe Routes to <br /> Schools surrounding elementary schools. She asked if it was reasonable to believe Arden Hills <br /> would receive $1 million for this project when the total budget allocated for Safe Routes to <br /> School was $10.2 million. <br /> Mr. McGarvey stated he believed this project would be a good case. <br /> Councilmember Holden requested further information on how the federal funding can be used. <br /> Mr. McGarvey explained federal dollars can only be used for construction expenses, which was <br /> $3 million of the project costs, including construction of the trail. <br /> Councilmember Holden supported the City pursuing these grants but asked how much this <br /> would cost the City in consultant fees. <br /> Mr. McGarvey reported the federal money solicitation costs $8,000, the State application would <br /> cost the City$5,000, and the DNR grant would be $5,000 or less. <br />