Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION TO THE GREATER MINNESOTA REGIONAL PARKS AND TRAILS COMMISSION CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THE OUTDOORS PROGRAM FOR $229,882 TO EXPAND ACCESS TO THE DULUTH TRAVERSE, A DESIGNATED REGIONAL TRAIL.
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CITY PROPOSAL:
BE IT RESOLVED, that City of Duluth as applicant, has the authority to act as legal public sponsor for the application described in the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission Connecting People to the Outdoors Program attached hereas Exhibit A and B.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Duluth is fully aware of the information provided in the application and associated responsibilities, including long-term commitments as defined in the application and related master plan and supporting information as submitted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, should the application be awarded, the City of Duluth has the legal authority to enter into formal funding agreements with the Commission for the referenced trail.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Duluth will comply with all applicable laws and regulations associated with grant funding for their respective portions of any project.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes application to the State of Minnesota Connecting People to the Outdoors program for a $229,882 grant to introduce disadvantaged Duluth youth to mountain biking so that they may enjoy and benefit from Duluth’s citywide trail system. The five-year-long program will be conducted in partnership with youth-serving nonprofit organizations including Valley Youth Center, the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and Courage Kenny. There will be no charge for participation.
The grant program is funded by the State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment and administered by the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission. The purpose of the grant program is to increase access to state-designated regionally significant parks and trails for disadvantaged youth. Duluth has three such parks and trails: Spirit Mountain Recreation Area, the Duluth Traverse, and Hartley Park. Programming must take place primarily on these parks and trails.
Programming will take place during summer and after school. City staff will meet youth serving agencies by appointment at an agreed upon trailhead. A qualified instructor will teach basic bike skills, trail etiquette, and safety rules as well as more advanced skills as youth progress. Lessons and equipment will be age appropriate.
Grant funds will pay for purchase, maintenance, replacement, and transportation of a fleet of mountain bikes and other program costs. The City of Duluth will provide a matching contribution by proceeding with the previously approved purchase of a Parks and Recreation programming vehicle that is included in the current Capital Equipment Program budget.