DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Accept Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 3M PFAS Settlement Priority 2 Grants, Execute Grant Agreements With Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources For Spring Lake Park Reserve Restoration Project And Mississippi River Water Access Improvements In South Saint Paul, And Amend 2026 Parks Capital Improvement Program
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the funding for the 3M PFAS Settlement Priority 2 Grant Program stems from the 2018 settlement with the 3M Company, which provided compensation to the State of Minnesota for harm done to natural resources and lost natural resource services from the release of PFAS into the environment; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County was eligible to apply for these grant funds for projects that align with the settlement goals and take place within the Priority 2 Project Area; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Board authorized staff to submit two grant applications within the Priority 2 Project Area; and
WHEREAS, the two projects are located along the Mississippi River Greenway at Spring Lake Park Reserve and at Kaposia Landing in South Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency have reviewed the applications and have notified Dakota County that both applications have been awarded grant dollars.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the County Manager or delegate, to accept two grants from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 3M PFAS Settlement Priority 2 Grant Program: Spring Lake Park Reserve Restoration for $1,228,694 and Mississippi River Water Access Improvements in South Saint Paul for $310,000, execute grant agreements, and amend the 2026 Parks Capital Improvement Program as follows:
Expense
Upper Spring Lake 3M PFAS Restoration Project (2000707): $1,288,694
Mississippi River Greenway (2000232): $310,000
Total Expense: $1,598,694
Revenue
3M PFAS Settlement Priority 2 Grants: $1,598,694
Total Revenue: $1,598,694
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BACKGROUND
In February 2018, the State of Minnesota and the 3M Company (3M) announced an agreement to settle the State’s natural resources damage lawsuit for environmental harm and losses due to PFAS contamination in the East Metropolitan Area. The settlement agreement’s second priority is to fund projects that restore and enhance aquatic resources, wildlife, habitat, fishing, resource improvement, and outdoor recreational opportunities in the East Metropolitan Area and in downstream areas of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers.
Following County Board approval by Resolution No. 25-399 (August 26, 2025), two grant applications were submitted.
On June 26, 2026, staff were informed that both applications were selected to be awarded funding.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Authorize the County Manager or delegate to accept two grants from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 3M PFAS Settlement Priority 2 Grant Program: Spring Lake Park Reserve Restoration for $1,228,694 and Mississippi River Water Access Improvements in South Saint Paul for $310,000, execute grant agreements, and amend the 2026 Parks Capital Improvement Program.
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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
2000707 Upper Spring Lake 3M PFAS Restoration - New Project
Proposed Budget
|
Funding Source |
Total Budget |
Available Budget |
|
3M PFAS Settlement Priority 2 Grant |
$1,288,694 |
$1,288,694 |
|
Total |
$1,288,694 |
$1,288,694 |
2000232 Mississippi River Greenway - Wayfinding, Landscaping, Interpretation
Current Budget
|
Funding Source |
Total Budget |
Available Budget |
|
Parks County Funds |
$372,786 |
$325,358 |
|
*Environmental Legacy Fund |
$360,000 |
$0 |
|
USDOT - RAISE Grant |
$1,800,000 |
$1,800,000 |
|
MNDOT - IIJA Grant |
$561,088 |
$561,088 |
|
MN DNR ENRTF Grant |
$368,000 |
$368,000 |
|
NPS Grant |
$168,000 |
$168,000 |
|
Total |
$3,629,874 |
$3,222,446 |
2000232 Mississippi River Greenway - Wayfinding, Landscaping, Interpretation
Proposed Budget
|
Funding Source |
Total Budget |
Available Budget |
|
3M PFAS Settlement Priority 2 Grant |
$310,000 |
$310,000 |
|
Parks County Funds |
$62,786 |
$15,358 |
|
*Environmental Legacy Fund |
$0 |
$0 |
|
*Sales & Use Tax |
$468,460 |
$108,460 |
|
USDOT - RAISE Grant |
$1,800,000 |
$1,800,000 |
|
MNDOT - IIJA Grant |
$561,088 |
$561,088 |
|
MN DNR ENRTF Grant |
$368,000 |
$368,000 |
|
NPS Grant |
$168,000 |
$168,000 |
|
Total |
$3,738,334 |
$3,330,906 |
*Another RBA (DC-5761) is pending to adjust ELF/SUT funds on this project. The proposed budget above includes the changes proposed in DC-5761.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
25-399: 08/26/25
ATTACHMENTS
None.
CONTACT
Department Director: Georg Fischer
Author: Niki Geisler