DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Accept Environment And Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant And Execute Grant Agreement For Lebanon Hills Regional Park Natural Resources Restoration And Sustainable Trails Improvements Project
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the acceptance of grant funds from the Environment and Natural Resource Trust Fund and the execution of a grant agreement for the Lebanon Hills Regional Park Natural Resources Restoration and Sustainable Trails Improvement project.
SUMMARY
State voters approved a 1988 constitutional amendment establishing the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), in part, “for the public purpose of protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.” The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) makes ENRTF funding recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature for special environmental and natural resource projects.
In 2024, state voters overwhelmingly approved reauthorizing the use of lottery-generated proceeds for the ENRTF until 2050. The 2026 LCCMR Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued on January 8, 2025, with approximately $103 million of ENRTF available from the lottery-generated proceeds for projects beginning July 1, 2026.
Following County Board approval by Resolution No. 25-107 (February 18, 2025), a proposal was submitted for the Lebanon Hills Regional Park Natural Resources Restoration and Sustainable Trails Improvements.
The LCCMR recommended the project to be awarded $2,126,000 through legislative approval.
On 05/15/2026, the Minnesota Legislature approved approximately $103 million of ENRTF be awarded to various 2026 LCCMR projects. The Lebanon Hills Regional Park Natural Resources Restoration and Sustainable Trails Improvements project from Dakota County’s proposal was awarded. This funding will be allocated to conduct ecological restoration on approximately 200 acres at Lebanon Hills Regional Park and support implementation of the Sustainable Trails project.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the acceptance of the $2,126,000 grant awarded under the ENRTF to support the Lebanon Hills West Trailhead Natural Resources Restoration Project and Sustainable Trails Improvements, and authorization to execute a grant agreement.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
This grant includes a $725,000 County cost share utilizing previously approved project funding. Authorization is requested to amend the 2026 project budget by $2,126,000 to reflect the revenues and expenses associated with the grant agreement are now secured.
2000235 Lebanon Hills Regional Park - Sustainable Trails Improvements (Phase 1)
|
Funding Source |
Total Approved Budget |
Available Budget |
|
Transportation Advance Account |
$741,278 |
$675,050 |
|
Allocated - ELF |
$252,778 |
$137,278 |
|
Allocated- Park Fund |
$675,051 |
$675,051 |
|
Allocated- Parks CPA |
$34,500 |
$0 |
|
Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund |
$2,126,000 |
$2,126,000 |
|
ML22 Outdoor Heritage Fund |
$300,000 |
$300,000 |
|
Total |
$4,016,431 |
$3,776,101 |
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, the state Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) was established following voter approval of a 1988 constitutional amendment “for the public purpose of protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources”; and
WHEREAS, the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) was established to make funding recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature for special projects that help maintain and enhance Minnesota’s environment and natural resources, primarily from the ENRTF; and
WHEREAS, the Legislative‐Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) selected 109 proposals totaling approximately $103 million to recommend to the 2026 Minnesota Legislature for funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF); and
WHEREAS, the amount available for appropriation from the ENRTF through the LCCMR process for FY 2027 is $103,326,000; and
WHEREAS, The Lebanon Hills Regional Park Natural Resources Restoration and Sustainable Trails Improvements was recommended for $2,126,000 of funding and approved by the Legislature.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby supports the above-referenced project and authorizes the submittal of a proposal for funding on behalf of Dakota County to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources in response to the Minnesota Legislature 2026 Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund Request for Proposal; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners agrees to accept the award and may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for Lebanon Hills Regional Park: West Trailhead Natural Resources Restoration Project and Sustainable Trails Improvements Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Dakota County will comply with all applicable laws, environmental requirements, and regulations and any additional conditions stated in the grant agreement and the approved Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources work plan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Dakota County understands that grants utilizing the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund are generally paid out on a reimbursement basis, and the County has the financial capability to pay for project expenses prior to seeking reimbursement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Dakota County certifies none of the current principals of the County have been convicted of a felony financial crime in the last 10 years. (for this purpose, a principal is defined as a public official, a board member, or staff that would have the authority to access or determine the use of Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund funds, if awarded); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Assistant County Manager: Physical Development Division is hereby authorized to execute such agreements and work plans as necessary and the Parks Director is authorized to implement the project on behalf of Dakota County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorizes the Assistant County Manager: Physical Development Division to provide the 25 percent match, utilizing previously secured funds in the Parks Capital Improvement Program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Dakota County has the financial capability to ensure adequate operation and maintenance of the project once completed.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
25-107; 02/18/25
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: Max Samuelson