Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-19 MN DNR Ltr to Planner Forwarding Outdoor Recreation Grant Materials • • y � P . *, OF MINA4. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources RI T m w 'O U ‘,. ' o J500 Lafayette Road F P�Q�y St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-40 1 99° � ;�� NATUR 1 March 19, 1996 REc' Mr. Scott Richards City Planning Consultant, City of Oak Park Heights 5775 Wayzata Blvd - Suite 555 St. Louis Park , MN 55416 RE: Local Grants Program Application Dear Mr. Richards : Here is the application material you requested. Please note that the application deadline is May 1, 1996. These are competitive grant programs and the project applications will be evaluated during the summer of 1996. If you have any questions about the grant programs, or need assistance with the application process, please contact: Audrey Mularie at (612) 296 -4705 Enclosed: ® Application and Manual for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program 0 Application for the Natural & Scenic Grant Program DNR Information: 612- 296 -6157, 1 -800- 766 -6000 • TTY: 612- 296 -5484, 1 -800- 657 -3929 An Equal Opportunity Employer lift Printed on Recycled Paper Containing a Who Values Diversity tit Minimum of 1(1% Post - Consumer Waste r i Outdoor Re creation Grant Program Application Decem 1995 Minnes Department of Na tural Resources -Office of Planning OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS The Outdoor Recreation Grant program is competitive and requires a review and ranking period to make funding determinations and awards once each fiscal year. In order to be eligible to compete for funding, an application must address all of the items identified in the Table of Contents. Any application that does not address each of the items will be returned to the project sponsor and considered ineligible for this fiscal year. Please read the application carefully to be sure that you have completed it in accordance with the instructions provided. Applicants may utilize the form provided for each item presented in the application or reproduce it in the same format. Applications that are completed correctly will receive points in the ranking process. For example, maps and building plans must contain all of the information requested in the application to receive ranking points. All applications will be considered final the day of the deadline. No additional information will be accepted after the deadline. If you have any questions or need some additional assistance, please contact your designated Local Grants Staff person: Tom Kranz - 612/297 -3168 Joe Hiller - 612/296 -4891 Audrey Mularie - 612/296 -4705 Fax - 612/296 -6047 Submit one original and one copy of the application to: Local Grants Program Department of Natural Resources Office of Planning, Box 10 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 -4010 ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN MAY 1, 1996. OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION TABLE OF CONTENTS /CHECKLIST Item 1: Application Summary Item 2: Project Narrative Item 3A: Cost Breakdown - Acquisition Item 3B: Cost Breakdown - Development Item 4: Project Timeframe Item 5: Local Match - Commitment and Source Item 6: Local Government Resolution Item 7: Compliances Item 8: Public Hearing Item 9: Projected Operation and Maintenance Costs Item 10: Park and Recreation Organization Item 11: Property Deed or Appraisal(s) Item 12: Statement of Accessibility Item 13: Environmental Intrusions Item 14: Permits to work in public waters Item 15: Agreements Item 16: Geographic Location Map Item 17: ASCS Aerial Photo Item 18: Recreational Site Map Item 19: Building Plans - Floor and Elevation Item 20: Playground Plans ITEM 1 - APPLICATION SUMMARY Where to Submit: Send one original and one copy of the application to: Local Grants Program Department of Natural Resources Office of Planning, Box 10 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 -4010 Local Unit of Government Responsible for Project: Contact Person Title Address Zip County Phone(include area code): Daytime Fax Number(include area code): Project Name Project Location: Congressional District (1 -8) Legislative District (1 -67B) Section/Township /Range / / Proposed Acquisition Acres Facilities to be Developed/Renovated Total Cost $ Grant Request $ ITEM 2 - PROJECT NARRATIVE The Project Narrative should include a general descriptive overview of what the project involves and what will be accomplished by the completion of the project. Please limit your narrative to one page. ITEM 3A - COST BREAKDOWN Acquisition Identify the land to be acquired by the parcel identification number, state the number of acres for each parcel and provide the total estimated cost per parcel. The information should be taken directly from the appraisals which must be submitted as part of the complete application. Parcel Identification Number (PIN) Acres Total Cost Total $ ITEM 3B - COST BREAKDOWN Development Identify each recreational facility being proposed for funding, provide a quantitative description of the facility (linear feet, dimension of structures, number of components, etc.) and the total estimated cost for each. Facility Description Total Estimated Cost Total $ ITEM 4 - PROJECT TIMEFRAME Please identify the completion date for each facility proposed in the development cost breakdown. For those projects involving acquisition, please explain the conditions surrounding the proposed land acquisition such as: current negotiations, willingness of the land owner to sell the property and the expected date of acquisition or any known difficulties involving the acquisition. If necessary, are you willing to enter into condemnation proceedings? As a reminder, the project must being promptly after an agreement has been completed between the state and the applicant since funding for this project is only available through November 1, 1998. All components of the project must be completed by this date. ITEM 5 - LOCAL MATCH Identify all of the local sources and amounts of funds which will be contributed towards the project. A letter of commitment must accompany each donation identified. The local match must equal at least 50% of the total project costs. ITEM 6 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED that act as legal sponsor for the (Applicant) project contained in the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Application to be submitted on and that is hearby (Day, Month, Year) (Title of Authorized Official) authorized to apply to the Department of Natural Resources for funding of this project on behalf of (Applicant) BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that has the legal (Applicant) authority to apply for fmancial assistance, and the institutional, managerial, and financial capability to ensure adequate construction, operation, maintenance and replacement of the proposed project for its design life. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that has not incurred (Applicant) any costs and has not entered into any written agreements to purchase property. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that has not violated any (Applicant) Federal, State, or Local laws pertaining to fraud, bribery, graft, kickbacks, collusion, conflict of interest or other unlawful or corrupt practice. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon approval of its application by the state, may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota (Applicant) for the above - referenced project, and that certifies that it will (Applicant) comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in the contract agreement and described in the Compliances section of the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Application. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that is hearby (Title of Authorized Official) authorized to execute such agreements as are necessary to implement the project on behalf of the applicant. I CERTIFY THAT the above resolution was adopted by the (City Council, County Board, etc.) of on (Applicant) (Date) SIGNED: WITNESSED: (Signature) (signature) (Title) (Date) (Title) (Date) ITEM 7 - COMPLIANCES All project must comply with applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations that apply to the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program including but not limited to: 1. OMB Circular A -128 - Implements the Single Audit Act of 1984 (P.L. 98 -502), which establishes audit requirements for State and Local governments receiving federal funds. 2. OMB Circular A -87 - Establishes "Principles for Determining Costs Applicable to Grants and Contracts with State, Local and Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments." 3. Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and MN Laws, Chapter 363 Minnesota Human Rights Act - Require that all public facilities and programs be designed and constructed to be accessible to the physically handicapped. 4. Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (P.L. 90 -480) - Ensures that certain buildings fmanced with Federal funds are designed and constructed to be accessible to the physically handicapped. 5. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) P.L. 101 -336, 104 Stat. 327, July 30, (1990) - Ensures the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. 6. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88 -352) and subsequent regulations - Ensures access to facilities or programs regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. 7. Executive Order 11246, as amended by Executive Orders 11375 and 12086 and subsequent regulations - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. 8. Title II of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 as amended and subsequent regulations - Identifies procedures for the acquisition of property and relocation of persons and businesses. 9. Executive Orders 11988 and 12148, Floodplain Management - Requires action to minimize the impact of floods on assisted projects. 10. Clean Water Act and Executive Order 11288 - Requires protection of surface and ground water resources. 11. Executive Order 12549, Debarment and suspension (43 CFR, Part 12, Section 12.510) - Requires a certification regarding Federal Debarment, suspension and other responsibility matters. 12. Restrictions on Lobbying with Appropriated Funds (P.L. 101 -121 Section 319)(31 USC Section 1352) - Requires a certification that no Federal funds be utilized to lobby or gain undue influence in connection with a Federal grant or loan. 13. Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act of 1962 (40 USC, Section 327 -333), State Laws - Requires payment of wages, at hourly rates, as established by the Department of Labor. 14. The Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93 -291, 16 USC, Section 469 et. seq.), Minnesota Statutes 138 - Requires a review by the Historical Society to determine if there are any known or suspected historic or cultural properties within the proposed project area. An archeological survey of the site could be required before the project receives approval for construction. 15. The National Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (Pl. 88 -655, 16 USC Section 470 et. seq.) - Requires a review to determine if the site is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. 16. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC, Section 4321 et. seq.) and other related acts to the environment - Requires an analysis of the project's environmental impact and a description of efforts to mitigate the impact. 17. State Executive Order 91 -3, Wetlands; Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands, - Requires a review of the proposed project to determine if any wetlands would be adversely affected and if any alterations are approved to apply the principles of no- net -loss of wetlands during the conduct of their project. 18. Emergency Wetlands Resource Act of 1986 (P.L. 99 -645). 19. The Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments (Federal Register March 11, 1988, Volume 53, Number 48) - Establishes requirements for procurement and fmancial management. 20. Executive Order 12432, Minority Business Enterprise Development - Encourages recipients to award construction, supply and professional service contracts to minority and women's business enterprises. 21. Land and Water Conservation Fund Program of Assistance to States: Post- Completion Compliance Responsibilities (36 CFR Part 59). 22. Other applicable statutes, executive orders and regulations as may be promulgated from time to time. The applicant certifies that it will comply with the above - referenced list and when necessary, complete any action required to meet these compliances prior to project approval, within a set time frame. The time frame will be determined by the State depending on the required action. SIGNED: (Authorized Official) (Title) (Date) ITEM 8 - PUBLIC HEARING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PROCESS - PUBLIC HEARING REQUIREMENT All applicants are required to provide for citizen notification and involvement for their proposed project through one or more public hearings and other informational efforts. The following is intended to provide direction and guidance in meeting the public participation requirement. A minimum of one public hearing must be held to obtain citizen input on this proposed Outdoor Recrreation Grant Application. A regular park board, city council, town board or county board meeting is not considered a public hearing unless the meeting, or a portion of the meeting, was specifically noticed and identified as a public hearing. * The hearing must be held prior to the submission of the application at a time that is convenient to all community residents, particularly those that will be affected by the implementation of the project. Extensive notice of the public hearing needs to be made at least two weeks prior to the hearing through the normal public hearing notice requirements for your local community. * The location of the public hearing must be accessible. * Detailed information regarding the proposed project should be communicated at the public hearing, including, but not limited to: -The project scope and the type of activities involved - Implementation schedule -The overall cost and the proposed financing for the project - Project costs to be assessed to community residents -Other associated project costs such as maintenance expenses, etc. A copy of the public notice and the minutes from the hearing must be submitted with your application. ITEM 9 - PROJECTED OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS In preparing an application for an Outdoor Recreation Grant, it is important that the applicant demonstrate a commitment not only to the acquisition and/or development of the park area, but also to the ongoing maintenance and operations. The applicant must develop an estimate of projected maintenance and operations costs for the proposed facility for the time periods outlined below. In developing these estimates it is important to consider not only the routine costs (such as labor, materials, utility costs and equipment costs), but also periodic major repairs or preventive maintenance (such as seal coating or replacement of plumbing, lighting, aglime, turf, etc.). By getting a good handle an these costs up front there will be fewer surprises and an opportunity to develop long -term funding options. Each applicant should assess the particular needs of their specific project. It is not sufficient to simply reference the overall park and recreation budget and suggest that the operations and maintenance costs for the proposed project are somehow covered within that budget. We want to see that a careful effort has been made to assess the specific cost impact of the proposed project. Cost estimates may be explained in a narrative or table format. However, actual dollar figures must be included for each identified cost. I. Time Period: The time period needs to be long enough to reflect the ongoing operation and maintenance costs, future repairs and preventive maintenance measures for the proposed project. The time periods are as follows: - Annually - Every 3 -5 years - Every 10 years - Every 20 years II. Cost Factors: Depending on the type of project proposed, estimates may be made for: - Utility costs - Repair and replacements - Groundskeeping - Vandalism - Waste management - Vehicle costs - Services - Others ( ?) III. Inflation: Factor in reasonable inflation rates into the estimate. ITEM 10 - PARK AND RECREATION ORGANIZATION Provide documentation of the existence of an active park and recreation board, committee or • similar organization formally established by the applicant to address park and recreation issues. Appropriate documentation must include a copy of the local resolution creating the park and recreation organization, a current committee roster and meeting schedule for the organization. ITEM 11 - PROPERTY DEED OR APPRAISAL(S) All applications must include a property deed if the property is owned by the applicant and/or an appraisal(s) if the applicant acquiring property with this application. 1. All development projects must include the property deed(s) describing the entire park property. 2. All projects involving acquisition, must include a current original appraisal for each parcel to be acquired as part of their application. Appraisals must be performed by a licensed appraiser and meet the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition. Guidelines for preparing appraisals for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program are included with your application materials. Appraisals will be reviewed, by the state, to ensure that they meet applicable standards. If the appraisal is not accepted, the applicant will be contacted for additional clarification or modification. NOTE: It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the appraiser of the requirements for preparing an appraisal for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. Also, the appraiser should be informed that the appraisal will be reviewed by the state and may require changes. A copy of the appraisal guidelines should be given to the appraiser to minimize the need for future corrections. RELOCATION: If the property to be acquired involves the relocation of persons, the applicant must comply with the "Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 ". The law requires that relocation costs be provided for residential, commercial, and industrial occupants of the lands that are being purchased for public use. ITEM 12 - STATEMENT OF ACCESSIBILITY Describe what efforts will be made to ensure that the proposed park will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Please be specific and address how each proposed facility will be accessible. Are you incorporating any special design features into the project that would expand the use of the park for persons with disabilities? If renovating and/or redeveloping an existing park, please evaluate the entire park area to ensure that it is accessible to persons with disabilities. All projects receiving grant monies to redevelop or expand an existing park must incorporate accessibility into the entire park plan. All critical components of the park must be made accessible even if they are not part of this application proposal. Critical components include, but not limited to: parking, restrooms and primary access routes to major facilities. If the proposed redevelopment facility is identified in your ADA transition plan, please attach that portion of your plan. • ITEM 13 - ENVIRONMENTAL INTRUSIONS Identify all environmental intrusions within or adjacent to the park boundary and describe how the proposed park design will minimize the impact of these intrusions. Examples of environmental intrusions would include overhead powerlines, lift stations or other utility structures, easements, roadways or noise intrusions such as, airplane traffic. ITEM 14 - PERMITS TO WORK IN PUBLIC WATERS Projects which propose the development or alteration of shoreline adjacent to rivers, streams, • lakes, and other public water bodies may require a written permit issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and/or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The following list provides some examples of the types of projects which may require a permit: - swimming beach development or enrichment - boat or canoe launch ramps - seasonal or permanent docks/piers - riprap or bank stabilization - vegetation removal - dredging or filling - wetland drainage or impoundment The only way to determine whether or not a waters permits is required is to contact both the DNR and Corps directly. This should be done as early as possible after receiving the application materials. The applicant should provide enough information to the DNR and Corps about the proposed project to allow them to decide whether a permit would be required and request them to send you a letter stating their permit determination. A copy of their letter must be submitted with the application. For information on the Corps permit program, contact: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Functions 190 5th Street East St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 (612) 290 -5376 For information on the DNR permit program, contact the appropriate regional hydrologist from the following list: Department of Natural Resources Regional Offices Region 1 2115 Birchmont Beach Road N.E. Region 2 1201 East Highway 2 Bemidji, MN 56601 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 218/755 -3973 218/327 -4416 Region 3 1601 Minnesota Drive Region 4 Box 756, Highway 15 South Brainerd, MN 56401 New Ulm, MN 56073 218/828 -2225 507/359 -6050 Region 5 P.O. Box 6247 Region 6 1200 Warner Road Rochester, MN 55903 St. Paul, MN 55106 507/285 -7430 612/772 -7910 ITEM 15 - AGREEMENTS Please submit a copy of any agreements or contracts that have been executed in connection with the acquisition, development, operation, or maintenance of the proposed project. Some examples would include a joint powers agreement for the development, operation or maintenance of the park facility or an agreement with a local organization to provide the operation or maintenance of the proposed facility. ITEM 16 - GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION MAP Provide a geographic location map which illustrates the location of the proposed project site. The map must include the following: -The title "Geographic Location Map" and the project name - Identification of the site, main roads and secondary roads leading to the site. - Existing land use of all adjacent properties -North direction arrow and graphic bar scale GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION MAP ASPEN FALLS PARK r city limits N tt 01 co aspen lake 0 RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL ' ASPEN I FALLS I COMMERCIAL PARK { co hwy 5 COMMERCIAL /LIGHT INDUSTRIAL 0 0) ct 1 `D rt SCALE o o s o 00 2000 4 MAY 93 ITEM 17 - ASCS AERIAL PHOTO A ASCS (Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service) photo is required for all projects. The photos are available at the county ASCS office for a minimal charge. Please highlight the proposed park boundaries on the map. • ITEM 18 - RECREATIONAL SITE MAP A site plan is required for all development, acquisition, or combination projects (see enclosed example). The primary purpose of the site plan is to clearly identify the acquisition and/or development proposed for the project. All maps must include the following: -The title "Recreation Site Map" and the project name -The entire park property and all adjacent land uses - Legend including a north direction arrow, graphic bar scale, county and date - Identification of all city names and corporate limits - Identification of all lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands - Acreage of the park and/or each parcel to be acquired Linear Trails Maps for linear trails must include all of the above information. In addition, a map showing the cross section of the trail needs to be submitted. Color Coding Red - Highlight all existing park boundaries and existing facilities. Yellow - Highlight all proposed acquisition and proposed facilities. Blue - Highlight any future acquisition and future facilities. A color coded map must be included with each of the two applications. ITEM 19 - BUILDING PLANS, FLOOR AND ELEVATION Building plans are required for all structures identified in the proposed development and should include the following: -Show front and side views. - Include the floor plan with all dimensions. - Include a proposed materials list. -Show the specific facilities that will be accessible to persons with disabilities (toilet, sink, etc.). Buildings, trails, playgrounds, athletic facilities or other related facilities constructed must be accessible to persons with disabilities and meet the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) or the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). When preparing your building plans, make certain that the engineer or consultant is aware of the current accessibility standards. Be extremely careful of making alterations during the construction phase, this could compromise the accessibility of the structure. Any facility constructed, as part of the proposed project, that does not meet the standards will have to be renovated before receiving any grant funds. Common accessibility items overlooked during the design and construction of a facility include the following: - Accessible route (width, slope and surface) -Level Entrance - Sufficient clear floor space - Correct door hardware - Height of counters, telephones, hand dryers, towel dispensers, etc. - Accessible water faucets - Drinking fountains - Standard accessible restroom stall space (at least 5'x 5' with a floor mounted water closet) - Accessible picnic tables and grills A copy of the building plans must be included with each of the two applications. PROPOSED SHELTER /RESTROOMS Througb the opening at the peak of this structure. hoc air rushes out pulling in the cool surrounding air. The wide eaves offer visitors protection from the sun or surprise showers. This versatile shelter can accommodate 3 eight - foot tables or 4 six -foot tables for picnics or serve as • cover for small socials or programs. 7. . 1 1 _ :.. _ _ __ __ SIOE ELEVATION • . , /4-1 14N6 -• - Asphalt Shingles -- -- - - —. If ' NI r8..x 8.. ' - 1 �s Posts .. fil — r Cone. Slob MM E-2MEEEE MINE END ELEVATION END ELEVATION . 40%8" e Ill I : T . r m l ' I Stor• • 8 "x 8" Posts I d "x -- r i j W' ■ , �'' i % "x 16" B A r s v — r —Cons. Slab —� Shingles 9 •' d' 8' 8' ! 8' 1 8'. 8" 1 4'� ,.''• / "-. 2 "x 6" Joists 16" O.C. 8" Brick > PLAN SECTION 0. 12' 23' all • r ‘E., -0 8^ l LI- IN) .) tewc4.. o c i, viurne 3 e 1 .....---v - • o N.E� et 16.1 I 0 I �ooC *j /4f ' • ti1.L. fil . . O _ R��N Vi Df ToV ......, tJ.... uc.NA„. w -�" ,./ ® fn 1 . 1.4. . 0 T Z6 °J1OQ.AVt_ 0 f R "flaw 1 OS c.• Al! - 1 0 11_1 . 0 =1 we u.c. v ,.....,,., To/ / �-- • iwp MD OICN Of. u0..+ EAts 0 1 G Ya 1 0 1 51 10..L. T 3 - S -o i . 0 \ GO0 ' S Vier kt.cx - - --i 1 te�cl 0 r ota � - �p 171s/twecR 1 1 a 1 /. . ' i - .y - 1 i f l f ulkiL VoP MJd.Y NI- l R 1b - ■ TYPICAL SECTION BIKE TRAIL 8' Existing elevation 2" Bituminous wear course 6" Class 5 aggregate base Geotextile fabric (per soil report) *NOTE: Finished surface elevation of bituminous bike trail shall match existing ground elevation. All disturbed areas adjacent to bike trail improvements shall be left in such a condition as to allow immediate seeding by the city. ITEM 20 - PLAYGROUND PLANS Playground plans are required for all projects proposing the development of playground facilities. This plan should be the final design plan and correspond with your proposed cost breakdown. The plan needs to show the accessible components of the playground area. Please highlight the accessible surface area and identify the proposed accessible material. Also, list the type and depth of the materials for the remaining surface area. I. D • ▪ • • • 0 0 in • c re, • ...; pt4(41 E.- c 9 O v IV • co Q `�f �� • ter; o ri S1 f' " e \ c� -> c `\ \ ' ', ,,-- - .„,(//\,\.--._--- ,, E. ..'''' \ .. / /Y / \ \ VY � ((Q it L l / 7 fir: 133 / - 2, ,,,' / /--L,-- _..,„■‘_.,' ���� , / \� &J � 'I \ .11/ 11724:) .i . : 1111' ' "111.1"111 4y .• ) '-‘ • 0 OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT PROGRAM . MANUAL 4 �" �,� '�, z" .u'��.;vz<^ "; ` yc�ti:;'\">'" `u"`.` ' , . `.a. . w „ ;.. +`� c Y Via'.:: .�u.>v "\,;. "'< tike." 's >•`: ^. u<J� ` �a A ' 4 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources -Office of Planning • OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT PROGRAM Department of Natural Resources Office of Planning, Box 10 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155 -4010 ' PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION • The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program is administered by the Department of Natural Resources. PROGRAM PURPOSE The goal of the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program is to assist communities in acquiring, developing and/or redeveloping facilities for outdoor recreation use. PROGRAM FUNDING The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program fmances projects using state and federal dollars. Source of State Funds As authorized by the Minnesota State Legislature. Source of Federal Funds As appropriated by Congress through the National Park Service, Land and Water Conservation Fund. AWARD AMOUNTS Outdoor Recreation Grants can fund up to 50 percent of a total project cost. The remaining 50 percent "the local share" can consist of local funding, materials, labor and equipment usage through the local sponsor or through local donations or any combination thereof. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS Eligible applicants include cities, counties, townships and recognized Indian tribal governments. NOTE: If an applicant currently has an active grant with the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program, that grant must be satisfactorily closed before the applicant is eligible to receive another grant. In addition, an applicant is not eligible to receive more than one state grant during consecutive fiscal years. • • ELIGIBLE PROJECTS * Acquisition of land for future development of outdoor recreation facilities. (Recreation facilities must be developed within three years from the date of acquisition.) * Development, redevelopment or rehabilitation of outdoor recreation facilities on land already owned by the applicant. The land must be owned by the applicant. * A combination of land acquisition and development, redevelopment or rehabilitation of outdoor recreation facilities. ELIGIBLE RECREATION FACILITIES One or more of the following facilities must be included in a proposed project. Baseball/Softball Fields - Nature Study /Observation Areas Basketball/Hard Courts - Picnic Shelters - Boat Launching Sites - Playgrounds Campgrounds - Skating Rinks Canoe Access Sites - Swimming Beaches Cross- Country Ski Trails - Tennis Courts Fishing Piers/Shore Fishing - Trails (hiking, biking and horseback Football/Soccer Fields riding) Hockey Rinks - Volleyball Courts ELIGIBLE RECREATION SUPPORT FACILITIES The following list of facilities are also eligible for funding as part of a grant application that contains at least one facility from the eligible recreation facilities list. The eligible support facilities should not exceed 50% of the total project costs. - Change Houses - Permanent Grills Design and Engineering (up to 10 - Permanent Picnic Tables percent of the total project cost) - Permanent Trash Receptacles Drinking Fountains - Restroom/Shower Buildings Fencing - Signs (informational, safety Fire Pits and funding acknowledgment) Landscaping/Natural Area Restoration - Sledding Hills - Lighting - Permanent Benches/Seats Walkways (other than spectator seating) Warming Houses - Permanent Interpretive Displays Utilities i • INELIGIBLE FACILITIES AND COSTS Ineligible facilities or costs are those items that cannot be funded with an Outdoor Recreation Grant or included as part of the local match requirement. The following list may not be inclusive; a determination of eligibility will be made by the Outdoor Recreation Program. Administrative Expenses - Historical Buildings (meals, project record keeping, - Incidental Costs of Land Acquisition auditing, payroll preparation, (Appraisals, legal fees and surveys) personnel administration, - Indoor Ice Arenas communication expenses) - Indoor /Outdoor Swimming Pools Archeological Sites and Surveys - Legal Fees Archery Ranges - Lodges/Motels Cabins - Museums Community Gardens - Park Employees Residences Concession -only Buildings - Press Boxes Decorative Fountains, - Relocation Costs Commemorative/Memorial - Rifle/Pistol Ranges Statues, Plaques - Sewer and Water to Campsites - Development of Historical Sites - Skeet and Trap Ranges - Dredging - Snowmobile Trails Facilities intended primarily - Spectator Seating for Interscholastic or Semi - - State Sales Tax Professional Play - Underground Watering or Game Refuges or Fish Irrigation Systems Production Areas - Vita Courses Golf Courses - Water Impoundments/Dams Zoos THE APPLICATION PROCESS The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program application process can be initiated by completing an application request form. While application request forms are available year - round, we urge communities to return the request form by March 1 to ensure adequate time to complete the grant application. The complete application is due on May 1 to be eligible for funding in the fall. APPRAISAL REQUIREMENTS For all projects involving acquisition, you must submit a current original appraisal for each parcel to be acquired as part of your application. Appraisals must be performed by a licensed appraiser and meet the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition. Guidelines for preparing appraisals for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program and a list of appraisers that have a valid state appraisers license and have expressed an interest in completing appraisal work for the DNR are available by request. The cost of the appraisal(s) is not eligible for reimbursement nor can it be used as local match. • • All appraisals will be reviewed to ensure that they meet state and federal appraisal requirements. Any corrections or clarifications requested by the reviewer will need to be completed by the appraiser. To minimize the need for future corrections, a copy of the appraisal guidelines should be given to the appraiser. If you or the appraiser have any questions, please contact the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program staff assigned to your area prior to completing the appraisal assignment. SITE DEVELOPMENT AND BOUNDARY MAP The site development and boundary map is a very important part of the Outdoor Recreation Grant Application. All property acquired and/or developed with assistance from the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program must remain in public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity. Any property converted to other than outdoor recreation use requires prior written approval from the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program, Department of Natural Resources and the Department of the Interior. The conversion of any property within the project boundaries would require replacement of the assisted property, which is a lengthy, complex and costly process. The site development and boundary map submitted with your application will be the park boundaries under contract with this program in perpetuity. Therefore, it is very important that any existing public facilities and any known future public facilities, such as wells, lift stations or roadway improvements be clearly identified and excluded from the boundaries of the park. • The park boundaries should include only the property that the project sponsor plans on managing for outdoor recreation uses. • The site development and boundary map must be to scale and the boundary of the park must be clearly identified. It must indicate north, include a bar scale, show adjacent land uses and identify existing and proposed facilities. Any known future facilities can also be shown on the map. All easements, city names, corporate limits, natural features, acreage or planned acquisition must be identified. Finally, the name of the planner and date should be placed on the map. NOTE: Detailed map instructions are provided with the application materials. THE COMPETITIVE REVIEW AND RANKING PROCESS The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program is competitive and requires a review and ranking period to make funding determinations and awards once each fiscal year. The review and ranking period will take place from May 1 to August 1. Completed applications received later than May 1 will not be eligible for funding consideration by the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program until the following fiscal year's annual review and ranking period. Incomplete applications will be disqualified and returned to the applicant. Outdoor Recreation Grant Program staff will review and rank complete applications. As part of the review process, each proposed project site will be ranked according to a detailed point - ranking system. 1111 . PROJECT RANKING CRITERIA Ranking criteria have been developed to ensure consistency in the evaluation and ranking of completed applications. Although there may be some modifications to specific criteria from year to year, they generally fall within six major categories: 1. Design Considerations Facfors related to the design of the proposed facilities are important from the standpoint of protecting both resources and users. Points are awarded to proposed projects that demonstrate a sensitivity toward the physical limitations and natural amenities of the site; minimize conflicting uses; have no major environmental intrusions; and are designed consistent with generally accepted engineering and architectural design standards. 2. Commitment to Project Proposed projects are awarded ranking points based on tha level of commitment of the applicant toward the project. Points are awarded if the applicant has an active parks and recreation organization; has demonstrated a serious financial commitment to the continued investment in, and operation of, the proposed facility; has complied with all application requirements; has provided for public review and input into the proposed project through a public hearing; and has demonstrated an overall commitment to proceed with the proposed project. 3. Legislative/Equity Concerns The legislature has adopted statutory language requiring that certain concerns be addressed in the project ranking process. Consideration must be given to proposed projects that would serve low to moderate income populations; projects benefiting school aged children; and in areas lacking outdoor recreation facilities. In addition, points are awarded for applicants who have not received a grant from this program in recent years. 4. Acquisition Priorities Priorities for acquisition of outdoor recreation lands include: protection of a variety of sensitive and high priority natural resources, acquisition of abandoned railroad rights -of- way and acquisition of high priority inholdings or additions. 5. Development, Redevelopment and Renovation Priorities Priorities for development, redevelopment or renovation include: removal of barriers to persons with disabilities; rehabilitation and renovation to improve design and safety; investment in facilities that offer a greater efficiency of use; addressing overuse; impacts on natural or cultural resources; use conflicts; and water related facilities. 6. General Priorities Proposed projects are awarded ranking points if the project serves a rapidly growing population; urban areas; and projects involving partnerships between governments. • • AWARD OF FUNDS Announcement of funding approvals will take place after the review and ranking process is complete. All applicants will receive official written notification regarding their request for funding from the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. If your proposed project has been approved for funding, you will be asked to attend an implementation meeting to review and discuss the formal grant agreement, payment procedures and reporting documents. In addition, applicants receiving preliminary approval will be contacted regarding additional information requirements needed before an agreement can be processed. As part of the additional requirements, the Minnesota Historical Society will be contacted by the Outdoor Recreation Program staff to review each proposed project site for potential historical or archeological significance. If the Minnesota Historical Society determines that there is a potential for the site to yield historical or archeological information, you will be contacted and provided instructions on hiring an archeological consultant to perform an on -site survey. These surveys are to be funded by the applicant and must be completed before a grant agreement can be processed for your project. A survey can be expensive and is not eligible for reimbursement with grant monies nor can the cost be used to meet local match requirements. NOTE: No project costs can be incurred prior to an applicant receiving a grant agreement. The grant agreement is a formal contract which sets forth the terms and conditions of the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. The agreement will take several weeks to process. Any project costs, other than design and engineering costs, incurred prior to receiving the grant agreement will be considered ineligible. • Payment of grant funds to the local sponsor is on a reimbursement basis. The sponsor must initially expend monies, which are then reimbursed, under the terms of the grant agreement. PROJECT CLOSEOUT PROCEDURES Upon completion of your project, a fmal billing must be submitted to our office no later than 30 days after the expiration date on your contract, and a fmal inspection of the project will be completed by program staff. The inspection will focus on ensuring that the project was completed in accordance with the grant agreement, that facilities developed are accessible and a funding acknowledgement sign is installed. If any problems are revealed during the inspection, they will need to be corrected before you receive fmal reimbursement for your grant and the official closeout notification for your project. NOTE: All expenditures are subject to verification by an independent state audit and, therefore, you must retain all project records for a period of at least three years after you receive the official closeout notification letter. • • • POST - COMPLETION RESPONSIBILITIES Retention and Use Property acquired or developed with assistance from this program must be retained for public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity and cannot be wholly or partly converted to other than public outdoor recreation uses without prior written approval from this office. The boundary map submitted with your application is the area that must be maintained for public outdoor recreation use. Operation and Maintenance Property acquired or developed with assistance from this program shall be operated and maintained as follows: a. The property shall be maintained so as to appear attractive and inviting to the public. b. Sanitation and sanitary facilities shall be maintained in accordance with applicable health standards. c. Properties shall be kept reasonably safe for public use. Fire prevention, supervision or similar safeguards shall be provided to the extent feasible. d. Buildings, roads, trails, and other improvements shall be kept in good repair throughout their estimated lifetime to prevent undue deterioration and to encourage public use. e. All facilities shall be kept open for public use at reasonable hours and times of the year, according to the type of area or facility. For example, restroom facilities must, at a minimum, remain open during normal daylight hours. Availability to Users The property shall be open to entry by all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion or sex. No person shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in any program or activity receiving federal or state assistance. Finally, discrimination on the basis of residence, including preferential reservation, membership or annual permit systems is prohibited except to the extent that reasonable differences in admission and other fees may be maintained on the basis of residence. Fees charged to non- residents cannot exceed twice that charged to residents and must be comparable to fees charged at other state or local facilities. Compliance Inspections The local unit shall allow representatives of the State or National Park Service to conduct periodic post - completion inspections to ensure that the site is being properly operated and maintained and that no conversion -of -use has occurred.