Title
Supporting the request for federal funding to develop a training and jobs program to support the planting and maintenance needs of the overall emerald ash borer management program.
Body
WHEREAS, the Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies are accepting Community Project Funding requests for the Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration-Training and Employment Services account; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is addressing an environmental crisis with more than 11,000 ash trees on public boulevards that are dead/dying due to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation; and
WHEREAS, there is also an identified need in our community for young people who are interested in securing a living wage job after high school; and
WHEREAS, the City is requesting funds to develop a training and jobs program to support the planting and maintenance needs of the overall EAB management program that would create pathways to green industry careers for young people in Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, the City is also requesting funds to provide contracting opportunities for stump removal that would align with the City’s diversity goals and prioritize opportunities for small, women and minority-owned businesses; and
WHEREAS, such a program will benefit all residents and visitors to the Capitol city by removing EAB infested ash trees to provide for a diverse array of newly planted trees for an urban reforestation, and the jobs program will benefit the City by providing for economic opportunities specifically targeted to traditionally underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, there is community support of this program from Urban Roots, Xcel Energy, Tree Trust, the Saint Paul Port Authority, Saint Paul Right Track jobs program, and Ever-Green Energy; now, therefore be it,
RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul supports the City’s proposal for federal funding to develop the above-described program.