Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for grant funds, of up to $175,000, from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Trails grant programs, to support winter grooming and snowmaking improvements at City owned parks.
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation would like to apply to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Equipment grant program, which provides funding to support trail maintenance, winter recreation infrastructure, and equipment that improves public access to outdoor recreation; and
WHEREAS, this grant funding would support winter grooming and snowmaking projects at Como Regional Park, Phalen Regional Park, and Highland Park Chalet, all of which serve existing cross-country ski trails and winter recreation facilities; and
WHEREAS, these projects are intended to improve snow reliability, trail safety, and overall access to winter recreation while supporting free and low cost programming, including BIPOC focused ski lessons and free or scholarship supported equipment rentals; and
WHEREAS, the grant amounts would total $175,000 with a grant term of 01/01/2027-12/31/2028, and the funding source for this grant is state funding administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; and
WHEREAS, any required matching funds will be provided through the Department of Parks and Recreation Special Services Winter Ski General Fund; and
WHEREAS, the Grants Division of the Office of Financial Services has reviewed and approved the Intent to Apply request; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails grant programs.