Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept Parks and Trails Legacy Funds, enter into grant agreements, which include an indemnification clause, and amend the financing and spending plan in the amount of $2,596,039.
Body
WHEREAS, the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment to Minnesota's Constitution dedicates three eighths of one percent in state sales tax to clean water, habitat, arts and culture, and parks and trails of state or regional significance; and
WHEREAS, a portion of the Parks and Trails Fund is appropriated to the regional parks implementing agencies for the Metropolitan Regional Parks System; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is designated as a regional parks implementing agency by Minn. Stat. 473.351, subd. 1; and
WHEREAS, the appropriation from Parks and Trails Legacy funds to Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is $2,596,039 for State Fiscal Year 2026; and
WHEREAS, projects and programs that have been identified as eligible to receive Parks and Trails Legacy funds are as follows:
Hidden Falls-Crosby Farm RP Long-Range Plan Implementation Phase V - $801,039
Imniìžaska Long-Range Plan and Implementation - $300,000
Phalen RP Picnic Area Construction - $970,000
Long-term Vegetation Maintenance - $25,000
Great River Passage - $170,000
Volunteer & Education Coordinators - $210,000
Como Shuttle - $120,000; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation wishes to accept said grant funds and establish a financing and spending plan for said Metropolitan Council grants; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor, pursuant to Section 10.07.1 of the Charter of the City of Saint Paul, does certify that there are available for appropriation funds of $2,596,039 in excess of those estimated in the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that there is a public purpose in providing environmental education and in the betterment of our park facilities and trails; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Laws 2025, ...
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