DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute $6,066,000 State Outdoor Heritage Fund Grant Agreement For Natural Resource Protection And Restoration And Amend 2022 Environmental Resources Capital Improvement Program And Environmental Legacy Fund Budgets
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, in 2008, Minnesota residents approved the Minnesota constitutional amendment to increase the State sales and use tax rate and to dedicate this revenue to protecting, improving, and enhancing natural land and water resources, providing increased hunting and fishing opportunities, improving park and trail opportunities and facilities, and benefiting arts and preserving cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, the 2009 Minnesota Legislature provided direction on the administration and dispersal of the dedicated revenue through various agencies and grant programs, including the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC); and
WHEREAS, the County has previously submitted funding proposals to the LSOHC and a total of $13.57 million of Outdoor Heritage (OH) funds have been appropriated by the Minnesota Legislature (ML) to the County for acquisition and restoration between 2009 and 2021; and
WHEREAS, protection, restoration, and enhancement of environmentally sensitive and priority natural areas owned by the County, other public entities, and private landowners provide multiple public benefits and are a priority for the Dakota County Board of Commissioners, as demonstrated in the approved County Park and Greenway Master Plans and associated Natural Resource Management Plans, and the Land Conservation (LC) Plan for Dakota County; and
WHEREAS, the LSOHC requested OH funding proposals for State fiscal year 2023 for 2022 Minnesota Legislature (ML22) review and approval; and
WHEREAS, staff developed an $8.1 million ML22 OH funding request matched by $1,570,000 of County funds that emphasized: 1) restoration of County-owned lands, other ...
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