Title
Granting approval to submit grants for Statewide Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment Park funds administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
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 State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources annually solicits grant applications for its state wide Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program - Park Legacy Grants, of which there was over $4 million dollars available in state FY 2011 (2012 amount yet to be determined); 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 parks and trails of state or regional significance.
WHEREAS, the Grants provide up to 75% matching funds to 25% funds provided by local agencies; and
WHEREAS, such MN DNR Statewide Parks Legacy can be used for only facilities of statewide or regional significance, and include development and redevelopment of such amenities as trails, playgrounds, overlooks, and support items; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department will adminis...
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