Title
Granting approval to submit grants for Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment funds through the Parks and Trails program for state fiscal years 2014 and 2015.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul performs significant services for citizens of the Metropolitan area and all Minnesota residents through its ownership and operation of Regional Parks; and
WHEREAS, the City supports and will continue to support the cooperative efforts of the State of Minnesota, Metropolitan Council, and Regional Park Implementing Agencies to provide resources for the betterment of the Regional Parks and Trails system; and
WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Minnesota recommends approximately $16.82 million in FY 2014 and $16.95 million in FY 2015 be appropriated to the Metropolitan Council from the Land and Legacy Amendments Parks and Trails Fund to be granted to regional park implementing agencies to support land acquisition, facility renovation, facility development, visitor service improvements, natural resource restoration, and park/trail master planning for the Metropolitan Regional Park System; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Regional Park System currently open for public use encompasses over 53,000 acres of parkland and includes 38 regional parks, 12 park reserves, 6 special recreation features and 231 miles of regional trails in 33 segments. These park/trail units are owned and operated by ten regional park implementing agencies of which the City of Saint Paul, Parks and Recreation Department is included as the Implementing Agency for St. Paul; and
WHEREAS, the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment to Minnesota's Constitution, dedicates 3/8ths of 1% of the state sales tax to clean water, habitat, arts and culture, and parks and trails of state or regional significance. In accordance with 2008 M.S. Sec. 85.53, Subd. 3, the funds would be disbursed to Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department projects as follows:
Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Projects for 2014 and 2015
Education Coordinator - fund up to $69,000 for an Education Coordinator position to continue the program initiated in 2010 with Legacy funds to develop and implement environmental educational programs focused on both general environmental programs and site specific programs including presentations, tours, lectures, field labs, and nature observations.
Volunteer Coordinator - fund up to $66,000 for a Volunteer Coordinator position to continue the program initiated in 2010 with Legacy funds to recruit, coordinate, and lead Natural Resource Volunteers in land stewardship and wildlife monitoring projects. The position also leads volunteers in performing responsible natural resource and environmental work.
Como Regional Park Shuttle - fund up to $100,000 for the Como Regional Park shuttle operation.
Mississippi River Trail (MRT) - fund up to $860,000 for a MnDOT-identified and supported Mississippi River Trail regional connection from Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul, to the Mississippi River Trail in Dakota County. Design, engineering and construction for a combined City of St. Paul and Dakota County bike trail to extend for 3.6 miles of off-street paved trail with landscaping, signage, and links to other regional trails, including Bruce Vento and Mississippi River Trail, and the National Park Service - Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA).
Como Regional Park Road Reconstruction - fund up to $515,000 for Estabrook Road reconstruction and lighting upgrades at Como Regional Park. Continued implementation of the Master Plan to include completion of Estabrook Road reconstruction and installation of Historic Lantern-style lighting from west end of the Frog Pond to the intersection at Lexington Parkway.
Lilydale Regional Park Road Improvements - fund up to $768,000 for a trail and road connection at Lilydale Regional Park. Continued implementation of master plan elements within the park: construction of approx. 3,000 lineal feet of roadway, trail, and related facilities.
TOTAL GRANT FUNDS $2,378,000.00
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Saint Paul, that support is granted for the Metropolitan Council's request to the Minnesota State Legislature for Saint Paul
Regional Park and Trail Legacy Program projects noted for FY 2014 and FY 2015.