Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $560,000 FOR DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF WAABIZHESHIKANA: THE MARTEN TRAIL SEGMENT 7.
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, resolution 19-0784R approved and authorized the implementation of the Waabizheshikana: The Marten Trail Mini Master Plan, to be carried out as funding becomes available;
WHEREAS, resolution 21-0180R approved and authorized implementation of Waabizheshikana: The Marten Trail Interpretive Master Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper City officials are hereby authorized to accept the grant, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and to draw down the appropriated funds in an amount not to exceed $560,000, with said funds to be deposited into account 205-130-1220-4209-01-CM205-WENJUS-25EPA (Parks Fund, Community Resources, Parks Capital, Direct Federal Grants Capital, Capital Maintenance Fund 205, West End Environmental Justice, 2025 EPA).
FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Duluth has the legal authority to accept these funds and the financial, technical, and managerial capacity to ensure proper planning and maintenance of the project. There is no local match required for this grant.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Duluth City Council names the fiscal agent for this project as Josh Bailey, City of Duluth Interim Finance Director, 411 West First Street, Duluth, MN 55802.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes the acceptance of a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the amount of $560,000 for the design and implementation of 0.6 miles of Waabizheshikana: The Marten Trail (Segment 7).
This noncompetitive grant opportunity emerged through the St. Louis River Area of Concern (AOC) management actions- an ongoing collaboration among State, Federal, Tribal, and local agencies working to address legacy contamination in the river corridor. As part of this initiative, the EPA has allocated dedicated funding to advance equity, access, and environmental just activities within the St. Louis River Estuary.
Projects supported by this grant will enhance community access to the St. Louis River, creating safer and more inclusive recreational opportunities. Specifically, the funding will support the following:
• Design and construction of access improvements for both pedestrian and water-based recreation near newly restored habitat areas within the St. Louis River Estuary.
• The project will be completed in two phases:
o Phase I will develop a design for the 0.6-mile trail segment along the Estuary side of Highway 23.
o Phase II will implement the approved trail design.
• Phase I deliverables include preliminary and final engineered plan sets.
• Phase II deliverables include full trail construction with contractor oversight.
This project supports the goals of the Waabizheshikana: The Marten Trail Mini Master Plan and Interpretive Master Plan, promoting connectivity, habitat restoration, cultural interpretation, and equitable access to the riverfront.