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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO AND, IF OFFERED, ACCEPTANCE OF A $250,000 MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES REGIONAL TRAIL PROGRAM GRANT TO IMPROVE THE DULUTH WINNIPEG PACIFIC TRAIL SYSTEM SARGENT CREEK RAILROAD TRESTLE.
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CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, the city of Duluth supports the grant application for $250,000 made to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Regional Trail Program to restore the Sargent Creek railroad bed for use as a multipurpose trail bridge, and
WHEREAS, the bridge will connect approximately five miles of multipurpose trail on the northeast side of the bridge to multiple trail systems on the southwest side of the bridge, and
WHEREAS, the city of Duluth recognizes is has secured $250,000 in non-state cash matching funds for this project.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the city of Duluth, if awarded, agrees to accept the grant award from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and enter into an agreement with the state of Minnesota for the above referenced project.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city of Duluth will comply with all applicable laws, environmental requirements and regulations as stated in the grant agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as exhibit A, and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city council of the city of Duluth names the fiscal agent for the city of Duluth for this project as:
Wayne Parson
Chief Financial Officer
411 West First Street
Duluth, MN 55802
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city of Duluth hereby assures the restored Sargent Creek bridge will be maintained for a period of no less than 20 years.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes Duluth parks and recreation division to submit an application to the Minnesota DNR Regional Trails grant program for funding to restore the Sargent Creek bridge. Once restored, the bridge will provide a critical link in the DWP multi-use trail and allow trail users to travel from Spirit Mountain to Becks road. If the grant application is accepted, this resolution also approves acceptance of the grant award and entering into an agreement with the state of Minnesota.
The grant application is for $250,000, which will be matched by $250,000, with $100,000 from Tourism & Recreation Projects 452, Finance 030, Half and Half Tourism Tax Projects 5530, HANDHTAX-1528-02 DWP Sargent Creek Bridge; $75,000 from Tourism & Recreation Projects 452, Finance 030, Half and Half Tourism Tax Projects 5530, HANDHTAX-1524 (Equestrian Trail); $75,000 from Tourism & Recreation Projects 452, Finance 030, Half and Half Tourism Tax Projects 5530, HANDHTAX-1550 Contingency.
In the council approved, 2017 St. Louis River Corridor Trails Plan, attached hereto as exhibit B, this section of the DWP rail bed is planned for use by bikers, walkers and equestrians. Snowmobile riders are also included in the Trails Plan pending final planning in the Duluth Traverse Mini-Master Plan.