DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Submit Solid Waste Infrastructure For Recycling Grant Application And Execute Grant Agreement For Proposed Recycling Zone Plus
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the submission of a Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant application for an amount of up to $5,000,000 to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund a portion of the proposed Dakota and Scott counties regional household hazardous waste and recycling facility called the Recycling Zone Plus. If awarded, authorize the Environmental Resources Department Director to execute the grant agreement.
SUMMARY
The SWIFR grant is available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The SWIFR program provides funding to improve local post-consumer materials management programs, including municipal recycling, and make improvements to local waste management systems.
Counties may apply for activities to manage municipal solid waste including recyclable materials and through source reduction, reuse, recycling composting, industrial uses and feeding animals.
Dakota and Scott counties each operate a household hazardous waste and recycling facility to keep those materials out of landfills and the environment. However, both counties’ existing facilities are either over capacity or not designed to handle the expected population growth. A new regional facility - called the Recycling Zone Plus - will increase participation by offering another convenient location to properly manage waste and recyclables and provide a convenient drop-off location for these materials from residents and businesses.
Currently, Dakota County has requested $8,000,000 of funding from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Capital Assistance Program for the estimated $24,000,000 project cost for the Recycling Zone Plus. Staff is proposing to request SWIFR funding for the recycling operations portion of the Recycling Zone Plus. The project will meet the following grant funding requirements:
• Establish, increase, expand, or optimize collection and improve materials management infrastructure.
• Establish, increase, expand, or optimize capacity for materials management.
• Demonstrate a significant and measurable increase in the diversion, recycling rate, and quality of materials collected for municipal solid waste.
The proposed Recycling Zone Plus aligns with the Dakota County 2018 -- 2038 Solid Waste Management Plan strategies to ensure hazardous materials are properly managed:
• 12.1 to increase opportunities for proper management of problem materials, hazardous waste, and household hazardous waste,
• 12.3 to provide drop-off opportunities for problem material and hazardous waste management, and
• 12.4 to provide consistent and cost-effective household hazardous waste, hazardous waste, and problem management services.
If awarded, the grant will reduce both Dakota and Scott counties’ financial contribution to the cost of the proposed Recycling Zone Plus. For Dakota County, this will reduce reliance on County Environmental Legacy Funds. A funding match is not required.
The application deadline is December 20, 2024. Grant awards are expected in winter of 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the County Board authorize staff to submit a SWIFR grant application for an amount up to $5,000,000 to the EPA to fund a portion of the proposed regional household hazardous waste and recycling facility - called the Recycling Zone Plus - and authorize the Environmental Resources Department Director to execute agreements with the EPA if awarded.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
If the County is awarded the grant, the funding will be included in the Facilities Capital Improvement Program budget and amended accordingly.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to provide funding to improve local post-consumer materials management programs including municipal recycling and make improvements to local waste management systems; and
WHEREAS, staff proposes to apply for the SWIFR grant and use the funds for a portion of the proposed Dakota and Scott counties regional household hazardous waste and recycling facility, called the Recycling Zone Plus; and
WHEREAS, the grant would meet the following funding requirements: establish, increase, expand, or optimize collection and improve materials management infrastructure, establish, increase, expand, or optimize capacity for materials management, and demonstrate a significant and measurable increase in the diversion, recycling rate, and quality of materials collected for municipal solid waste; and
WHEREAS, this grant request helps meet the Dakota County 2018 - 2038 Solid Waste Management Plan strategy 12.1 to increase opportunities for proper management of problem materials, hazardous waste, and household hazardous waste, strategy 12.3 to provide drop-off opportunities for problem materials and hazardous waste management, and strategy 12.4 to provide consistent and cost-effective household hazardous waste, hazardous waste, and problem management services; and
WHEREAS, the grant application deadline is December 20, 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes staff to submit a Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant application to the United States Environmental Protection Agency to fund a portion of the Recycling Zone Plus for an amount up to $5,000,000; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That, if the grant is awarded, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Environmental Resources Department Director to execute a Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form and the funding will be included in the 2025 Facilities Capital Improvement Program budget.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☒ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Nikki Stewart
Author: Nikki Stewart