Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for a Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) grant in the amount of $750,000 to provide additional funding for the Robert Piram Regional Trail project.
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation is proposing to submit the Robert Piram Regional Trail project application for possible Federal Highway Administration funding for the 2018 funding cycle; and
WHEREAS, the grant is available to public agencies to provide access or improvements to access to Federal Lands, in this case, the National Park Service’s National River Recreation Area (NRRA); and
WHEREAS, the project is within the NPS NRRA boundary, is in the NPS’ Alternative Transportation Plan 5 Year Plan, and the application will be sponsored and supported by the NPS; and
WHEREAS, the grant’s required 20% funding match will be met by Legacy and Surface Transportation Program funds already dedicated to the project and no additional matching funds will be needed; and
WHEREAS, the City has determined that providing an off road bicycle and pedestrian trail is of high priority and will provide a distinct and significant transportation and recreation benefit to all trail users; and
WHEREAS, if awarded, the grant funds will supplement the existing Robert Piram Regional Trail project funding and enable trail construction, interpretive signage, wayfinding signage, stormwater treatment, and landscaping; and
WHEREAS, the project meets the conditions and requirements specified for eligibility of federal funding; and
WHEREAS, if the grant is awarded, the agreements may contain a request for indemnification, and if so construction of these amenities has a public purpose in providing additional outdoor recreation to the citizens of Saint Paul; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Saint Paul, to authorize submission of the application for possible award of federal funds through the FHWA, Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) grant program andif project funds are awarded, the proper City officials are hereby authorized to execute agreements to accept and implement said project using granted funds.