Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A CONSERVATION PARTNERS LEGACY GRANT PROGRAM METRO GRANT FOR FY2022 FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $250,000.
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
RESOLVED, that the proper city officials are hereby authorized to accept and execute the Conservation Partners Legacy Metro Grant contract agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the acquisition and restoration of property in the St. Louis River Natural Area in an amount not to exceed $250,000, with said funds to be deposited into fund 452-030-4220-01-HANDHTAX-1507 (Tourism and Recreational Projects; Finance; State of Minnesota Capital; Half & Half Tax Projects; Spirit Landing).
FURTHER RESOLVED, the city of Duluth has the legal authority to accept the money and financial, technical, and managerial capacity to ensure proper planning and maintenance of the project. The City will meet the required 10% match with half and half tourism tax funds.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes acceptance of a State of Minnesota Conservation Partners Legacy Metro Grant in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to acquire and restore native vegetation to approximately eight acres of riverfront property currently owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad to be protected as part of the St. Louis River Natural Area and Waabizheshikana (The Marten Trail), previously known as the Western Waterfront Trail. Half and half tourism tax funds will be used to meet the 10% match requirement.
Following acquisition of the property, the City intends to improve the connector trail from the terminus of Riverwest Drive above the railroad tracks to Waabizsheshikana - The Marten Train - below the tracks.
The City will bring forward a separate resolution to authorize purchase of the property.