DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Submit Grant Applications To Legislative-Citizen Commission On Minnesota Resources Program, Accept Grants If Awarded, And Execute Grant Agreements
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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.
Dakota County has received previous ENRTF funding for developing the Farmland and Natural Areas Program, the Vermillion River Corridor Plan, the bison reintroduction project, acquisition of two natural area conservation easements, and has recommended funding for Thompson County Park and Lake Byllesby Regional Park improvements and the Cannon River, Access Acquisition and Restoration Project to the 2025 MN Legislature for approval.
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 through this RFP for projects beginning July 1, 2026. The application deadline is March 19, 2025. The following projects/programs have been identified and recommended for possible grant submissions:
* Lake Byllesby Campground Building - Accessibility and Climate Resiliency Improvements- $4....
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