Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IN AN AMOUNT OF $465,830 FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING COORDINATION AND OVERSIGHT OF COMMUNITY LIAISON WORKFORCE RECRUITMENT AND ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE BLATNIK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2031.
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
RESOLVED, that proper city officials are hereby authorized to enter into an agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A, with the Minnesota department of transportation and to accept funds in the amount not to exceed $465,830, to support community liaison workforce recruitment and engagement activities for the Blatnik Bridge replacement project for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031. Monies received under this agreement will be deposited into and paid from fund 268 (workforce development), agency 031 (grants division), organization 6228 (miscellaneous).
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes proper city officials to enter into an agreement with and accept funds in the amount not to exceed $465,830, from the Minnesota department of transportation to provide coordination and oversight of a network of cultural community liaisons within the Duluth-Superior area. Community liaisons will conduct outreach to youth and adults, particularly those not traditionally engaged in the construction industry, to identify individuals with aptitude for trade work and connect them to careers and employment opportunities associated with the Blatnik Bridge replacement project. MNDOT’s goals through this agreement are to ensure strong representation of Minnesota and Wisconsin workers on the Blatnik Bridge replacement and other regional projects, expand training construction pathways, engage communities, and help people understand and access careers in highway heavy construction. This request is budgeted through Workforce Development grant funds and is operational in nature.