Title
Approving the application for grants from Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment funds through the Parks and Trails program for state fiscal years 2018 and 2019.
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 Metropolitan Council has estimated an allocation of approximately $16.08 million in FY 2018 and $17.61 million in FY 2019 be appropriated 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 54,600 acres of parkland and includes 54 regional parks and park reserves, 8 special
recreation features, and 340 miles of regional trails. 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 the City of Saint Paul, Department of Parks and Recreation projects as follows:
Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Projects
FY 2018
Trout Brook Regional Trail - fund up to $550,000 for stormwater harvest system to complete the re-introduction of the creek as a stormwater feature and recreational amenity for trail users.
FY 2018 and 2019
Education Coordinator - fund up to $73,000 for an Education Coordinator position to continue the program initiated in 2010 with Legacy funds to develop and implement activities such as classes, citizen science surveys, field labs, hands-on nature study programs, and interpretive tours.
Volunteer Coordinator - fund up to $70,000 for a Volunteer Coordinator position to continue the program initiated in 2010 with Legacy funds to recruit, coordinate, and lead Natural Resource Volunteers in habitat restoration, environmental education and garden maintenance, and for up to 3% to be used for program supplies.
Como Regional Park Shuttle - fund up to $102,000 for the Como Regional Park shuttle operation to provide access and more convenient parking at an off-site parking lot with front door service to over 40,000 park users each year.
Great River Passage Division - fund up to $167,000 for operating budget for the division with a focus on activating the river through an equity lens. Includes implementation and management of the Great River Passage (GRP) Master Plan, which covers 17 miles and over 3,500 acres of Mississippi River lands in St. Paul. Goals include achieving annual visit increases by underserved demographic groups to GRP regional parks. Equity initiatives include innovative public engagement, areas for cultural activities, training for participation in natural resource based activities, programs, and multi-modal access. Management will include protection and restoration of natural areas, bluffs, and slopes.
Harriet Island South St. Paul Regional Trail - fund up to $350,000 (‘18) $550,000 (‘19) to include railroad related engineering, acquisitions, easements, and required safety measures as well as amenities for trail users.
Indian Mounds Regional Park - fund up to $780,000 (‘18) $331,600 (‘19) to continue implementation of adopted master plan to include enhancements to trails and park amenities.
Lilydale Regional Park - fund up to $200,000 (‘18) $410,000 (‘19) to continue implementation of adopted park master plan, including new circulation via park road, trails, and amenities for picnic area and landscaping including signage and site furnishing.
Phalen Regional Park - fund up to $190,690 (‘18) $1,013,890 (‘19) to continue implementation of the adopted regional park master plan, including circulation elements including new vehicular and pedestrian circulation and parking along with associated landscaping and site furnishings and wayfinding signage.
TOTAL GRANT FUNDS $5,200,180.00
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 2018 and FY 2019.