DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Submit Grant Application To Metropolitan Council Community Tree Planting Program
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize submittal of grant application to the Metropolitan Council for Community Tree Planting funding.
SUMMARY
The Metropolitan Council will be offering Community Tree Planting Grants for fiscal years 2025-2027. Cities, townships, counties, and regional park implementing agencies are all eligible applicants. This grant program’s purpose is to plant shade trees on public lands, replace lost trees, and establish a more diverse tree species community. For the 2025 round of applications, $2.5 million is available, with awards up to $500,000. No match is required. Applications are due April 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Potential greenways identified by staff for this grant funding include but are not limited to, the Mississippi River Greenway, Lebanon Hills Greenway, and River to River Greenway.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends Dakota County submit a request for $350,000 in Community Tree Planting Grant funding for Dakota County Greenways.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None at this time. If the application is successful, Dakota County will be awarded $350,000 in Community Tree Planting Grant funds to apply to eligible greenway projects.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council will be accepting Community Tree Grant applications; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council will be allocating $2.5 million in total funding for fiscal years 2025 through 2027; and
WHEREAS, the application deadline for the grant funding request is April 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County is an eligible grant applicant.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby supports and authorizes the Parks director to submit a $350,000 grant request to the Metropolitan Council Community Tree Planting Grant Program.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Niki Geisler
Author: Michael Honer