DEPARTMENT: Parks, Facilities, and Fleet Management
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Submit Grant Applications To Legislative-Citizen Commission On Minnesota Resources Program
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize submission of grant applications to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) program for multiple projects identified in County plans, and authorize the County Manager, or their designee, to accept the grant(s) if awarded and execute the grant agreement.
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 LCCMR makes ENRTF funding recommendations to the Minnesota (MN) Legislature for special environment and natural resource projects. The 2025 LCCMR Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued on January 3, 2024, with approximately $90 million of ENRTF available from the lottery-generated proceeds through this RFP for projects beginning July 1, 2025. The application deadline is March 31, 2024. The following four projects have been identified and recommended for grant submissions:
• Thompson County Park: Natural Resources Restoration and Accessibility Improvements, including a pollinator promenade, stream restoration, and lake access.
• Lake Byllesby Regional Park: West Lake Byllesby Improvements, including Byllesby Bluff, Cannon River Cascades, trailheads, natural surface trails, and natural resources restoration.
• Spring Lake Park Reserve: Programming, Schematics, and Design Development of Bison Prairie Interpretive Center and two bison viewing platforms.
• Mill Towns State Trail/Future County Park Conservation Area: Waterford Bridge restoration, parking, river access, spur trail, interpretation, conservation easements, and natural area restoration.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends a resolution authorizing submission of the four 2025 funding requests for up to $6,050,000 and authorize the Physical Development Division Director to use the Parks Capital Improvement Program to provide a 25 percent match.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The grant proposals will request $6,050,000 in ENRTF funds. Although matching funds are not required, the very competitive selection process has demonstrated the importance of providing leveraged resources. Staff is recommending that 25 percent of the project costs be funded by the Parks Capital Improvement Program. Funds will be available on July 1, 2025.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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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, Dakota County has received previous ENRTF funding for developing the Farmland and Natural Areas Program, the Vermillion River Corridor Plan, acquisition and restoration of high-priority natural areas and shoreland projects, and the bison reintroduction project; and
WHEREAS, the LCCMR issued a 2025 Request for Proposals, which includes “Water Resources,” “Environmental Education,” “Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy,” “Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species,” “Methods to Protect or Restore Land, Water, and Habitat,” and “Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation” as priority funding categories; and
WHEREAS, approximately $90 million from the ENRTF is projected to be available for LCCMR-recommended projects implemented between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County seeks $6,050,000 for the following projects:
• Thompson County Park: Natural Resources Restoration and Accessibility Improvements including a pollinator promenade, stream restoration, and lake access.
• Lake Byllesby Regional Park: West Lake Byllesby Improvements, including Byllesby Bluff, Cannon River Cascades, trailheads, natural surface trails, and natural resources restoration.
• Spring Lake Park Reserve: Programming, Schematics and Design Development of Bison Prairie Interpretive Center, and two bison viewing platforms.
• Mill Towns State Trail/Future County Park Conservation Area: Waterford Bridge restoration, parking, river access, spur trail, interpretation, conservation easements, and natural area restoration.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners supports the above-referenced projects and authorizes the submittal of a proposal for funding of these projects on behalf of Dakota County to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) in response to the 2025 Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Request for Proposal; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That, if funding is awarded, Dakota County agrees to accept the awards and may enter into an agreement with the state of Minnesota for the above-referenced projects.
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 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 the Physical Development Division Director is hereby authorized to execute such agreements and work plans as necessary and is authorized to implement the project on behalf of Dakota County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Dakota County has the financial capability to meet the match requirements and ensure adequate construction, operation, and maintenance of the projects once completed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorizes the Physical Development Division Director to use the Parks Capital Improvement Program to provide a 25 percent match to provide a competitive application; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Dakota County certifies none of the current principals of Dakota County have been convicted of a felony financial crime in the last ten 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.
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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: Taud Hoopingarner
Author: Niki Geisler