DEPARTMENT: Public Services and Revenue Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute Agreement With And Accept Grant Funds From Minnesota Historical Society And Execute Subrecipient Agreement With Dakota County Historical Society For Wayfinding And Interpretive Signage For Heroes And Heritage Interpretive Trail Loop And Amend 2026 Public Services And Revenue Budget
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Laws of Minnesota 2026, Chapter 129, Article 1, Section 13 awarded Dakota County $300,000 through a Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) general fund grant to design and construct wayfinding and interpretive signage for the Heroes and Heritage Interpretive Trail Loop; and
WHEREAS, this project is intended to provide self-guided interpretive and wayfinding signage on primarily county-owned right of way and trails within West St. Paul, South St. Paul, and Inver Grove Heights connecting places of local history and significant events which will highlight local history, with the goal of creating a cohesive interpretive narrative that connects trail users with the rich history of the region; and
WHEREAS, a State funding source reduces the burden on local taxpayers for regional improvements; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Historical Society (DCHS) completed the phase one pilot project in 2024 which included research, onsite analysis, community engagement, concept refinement, draft sign content and design final report at a cost of $75,000 which was funded from the 2024-2028 Parks CIP which includes County Program Aid within the planning setaside; and
WHEREAS, DCHS is a sole-source provider for completing phase two and is willing to manage the project to completion; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County Physical Development Division staff is prepared to provide general maintenance around the interpretive signage installed on county-owned property and to be responsible for repairs and replacement of that signage as necessary along the trail under separate maintenance agreements; and
WHEREAS, County staff will be reimbursed for their time associated with the management of the grant funds; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County will act as fiscal agent in the distribution of Minnesota Historical Society grant funds to DCHS, via reimbursement of work completed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the execution of the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) grant agreement and acceptance of the grant funds for the design and construction of wayfinding and interpretive signage for the Heroes and Heritage Interpretive Trail Loop; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Assistant County Manager of the Public Services and Revenue Division to enter into a subrecipient agreement with the Dakota County Historical Society (DCHS) for design and construction of wayfinding and interpretive signage for the Heroes and Heritage Interpretive Trail Loop; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the 2026 Public Services and Revenue Program Budget is hereby amended as follows:
Expense
Reimbursement to DCHS for design and construction of signage: $300,000
Total Expense: $300,000
Revenue
MHS Grant Funding: $300,000
Total Revenue: $300,000
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