DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Submit Grant Application To Metropolitan Council's Regional Parks System Fishing Piers Grant Program, To Accept Grant If Awarded, And To Execute Grant Agreement
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize submission of a grant application to Metropolitan Council's Regional Parks System Fishing Piers Grant Program for a master plan-approved Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) fishing dock and viewing platform at Lake Byllesby Regional Park's Echo Point, authorize the Physical Development Director or their designee, to accept the grant if awarded and execute the grant agreement, and authorize an amendment to the Parks Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget.
SUMMARY
Dakota County is eligible to submit a grant application in the amount of $125,000 to Metropolitan Council for the one-time legislatively directed Regional Parks System Fishing Piers Grant Program.
Background and Purpose
The 2024 legislative session appropriated $500,000 for grants to Regional Park Implementing Agencies for new fishing piers to increase fishing opportunities on lakes in the metropolitan parks system. Metropolitan Council is tasked with soliciting proposals from the implementing agencies. These funds expire on June 30, 2026.
Eligible Applicants
By state statute, applicants must be a regional park implementing agency, defined as the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington, the cities of Saint Paul and Bloomington, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and the Three Rivers Park District.
Available Funds and Award Limits for 2024
* $500,000 in State funds is available for new fishing piers.
* Agencies are allowed to submit one application each for $125,000.
* A lottery will be held at a Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission (MPOSC) meeting to select four awards from the pool of eligible applications.
* The Council reserves the right to award less than the available funding...
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