HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-07 MN DNR Ltr Forwarding Grant Applciation Materials � � P ��OF MINA/E.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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February 7, 1997
Dear Applicants for the Cooperative Trail Grant (Coop), National Recreation Trails Fund
(NRTF), and Regional Trail Initiative (Reg),
Enclosed you will find the application(s) you requested from the Department of Natural
Resources, Trails and Waterways Division. Please carefully read the guidelines and note that the
final grant applications are due by Monday, March 31st.
For those of you who requested grant applications other than the NRTF, you will notice that an
NRTF application was sent to you. This was done because NRTF covers a wide range of
proposals and you may discover that this is a grant which you may want to apply for as well.
Again, read over the guidelines carefully to insure that you are qualified for this grant.
You will be notified of final decisions in Fall 1997. If you have any questions, please call myself
at 612/296 -6048 or Kristine Jenson at 612/296 -0742. Good luck to everyone!
Sincerely,
Dan Collins, Recreation Services Supervisor
DNR/Trails and Waterways
•
DNR Information: 612- 296 -6157, 1-800-766-6000 • TTY: 612 -296 -5484, 1 -800- 657 -3929
An Equal Opportunity Employer s A Printed on Recycled Paper Containing a `
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1997 Cooperative Trail Grant Program
Application
All applications must be received no later than March 31, 1997
Please deliver 8 copies of the application to:
Department of Natural Resources
Recreation Services Section
Trails and Waterways Unit
500 Lafayette Road
St.Paul, Minnesota 55155 -4052
General Information: Date:
Applicant(Unit of Government required):
Trail Organization Project Partner (if there is one):
Project:
Mailing Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Contact Person:
Title: Daytime Phone: ( )
Project Information:
Total Project Amount Local Match Source of Matching Funds
Cost Requested
$ $ $
Are other non -local funds If yes, give Source of Non -Local Funds
proposed for this project? amount
Yes No
Checklist:
Project Description • Proposals must specifically and
Project Location Map(s) directly address each requirement
Readable when reproduced Site and evaluation criterion to qualify
Map and receive points.
Responses to each Requirement • Pages in each proposal should be
Responses to Each Evaluation numbered with this page as
Criterion number 1.
• Proposals are limited to eight
Signed Certification by Trail /Park pages excluding maps, drawings,
administrator and /or photos.
Signed Certification(s) by all • All pages must be 8 Y2 by 11
Administrating Authorities of inches and not be dependant on
Public Lands color or be otherwise
Signed Certification by Grant unreproducible because your
Applicant proposal is likely to be
photocopied.
Est. date of completion DNR /T &W-December 16, 1996
(no later than 1/1/2000)
1997 Cooperative Trail Grants Program - State of MN
Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the Metropolitan Council and
the MN Department of Transportation
Application Instructions
Introduction
The Legislative Commission on MN Resources has recommended that the 1997
Legislature appropriate $200,000 to the Department of Natural Resources to accelerate
development of trail linkages. Assuming that the Legislature does make the
appropriation, the DNR in cooperation of the MN Department of Transportation
(MnDOT) and the Metropolitan Council will assist communities and other local units of
government to more fully benefit from significant public recreation facilities through this
program.
This program accelerates local trail connections to planned and existing state trails and
other significant public recreation facilities by awarding matching (50/50) grants to local
units of government. Grants will be awarded for the acquisition and development of
connecting trails and for removal of barriers that impede full access to these facilities.
Program purpose: The emphasis of this program is promote access between people
and desirable destinations, not to develop significant new recreation facilities. Its
primary purpose is to complete trail connections between where people live (e.g.,
residential areas within cities, and communities) and significant public recreation
facilities (e.g., parks and other trails). Priority will be given to residential connections to
state and regionally significant facilities. A secondary purpose is to Zink existing trail
segments.
Minimum Requirements:Project must result in a trail linkage that is immediately
available for use by the general public. Project proposals must result in at least $5,000
of eligible reimbursable charges. There must be demonstrated compatibility of the uses
provided by the project proposal with uses provided by the recreation facility. Local /area
support must be demonstrated.
1 of 4 pages
Local match: 50% "hard match" for eligible elements of the project proposal. , Neither
this funding source nor the "hard match" cpn be used for labor services and /or to meet
existing payroll (i.e., only contract services, materials and supplies are reimbursable).
Match must not be state funds or Metropolitan Council Grants.
The maximum permissible reimbursement grant per project application is $50,000.
The minimum permissible reimbursement grant is $5,000.
Grant awards: The review and ranking period will be from May 1 to August 31, 1997.
Reimbursement grant awards will be announced in the fall. However, applicants should
be aware that it will take some time before a mutually agreeable contract is signed and
processed. Do not initiate any work that you expect to be reimbursed for prior to
signing a contract with the state.
Project period:Funding for these projects is only available through January 1, 2000.
All components of the project must be completed by this date.
Process to be Followed: No less than 40% of all funds will be made available to either
the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, or greater "outstate" Minnesota.
Permissible Uses
-For construction of trails on public lands that link communities with state trails, state
parks, regional parks and trails and other significant recreation facilities.
-For removal of barriers that limit community access to these facilities.
-For acquisition of trail right -of -way necessary to Zink communities with state trails, state
parks, regional parks and trails and other significant recreation facilities.
However, acquisition of trail right -of -way will only be a reimbursable expense when it is
proposed in conjunction with trail development (ie., this program will not reimburse
projects that do not result in a useable trail connection). Land appraisals are not
reimbursable expenses for this program.
Non - permissible Uses
Ordinary sidewalk construction
Trail maintenance
Trail rehabilitation
Parking lots
Trail side rest areas and parks
Condemnation of any kind of interest in property.
Highway shoulders or other on- street routing
2 of 4 pages
Qualifying Requirements
In addition to including a comprehensive description of the proposed project, all
applications must address each of the following qualifying requirements. Address them
in the order that they are presented below. Failure to provide information on each of
the requirements will result in the disqualification of the application:
1. A project description sufficient enough to understand the project. Indicate that the
project will result in a trail linkage that is immediately available for use by the general
public.
2. Clearly defined goals for the project (with a delineation of which user groups
would benefit from the project).
3. Costs associated with the project (with estimates of the following components:
material /service purchases including hardware, paint, lumber, sand /gravel, concrete,
landscape materials, signs, design /engineering services, and contractor services).
4. Evidence of local /area support (e.g. council resolutions, minutes of meetings,
letters of support, etc.)
5. Availability /access to 50% "hard match" for eligible elements of the project
proposal. State funds and Metropolitan Council grants must not be used to realize the
match.
6. Identification of the sponsoring unit of government. This unit of government will
be legally responsible for the project.
7. Acknowledgment that neither this funding source nor the "hard match" can be
used for in -house labor services and/or to meet existing payroll (only contract
services, materials and supplies are reimbursable).
With regards to bicycle trails, applicants will be required to conform with
recommendations contained within the 1991 "Guide for the Development Of Bicycle
Facilities" developed by the American Assoc. of State Highway and Transportation
Officials (AASHTO); for other uses they must conform with "DNR Trail Development
Guidelines" or their equivalent.
Evaluation Criteria
All applications must address each of the following evaluation criteria that are listed in a
descending order of priority. Address them in the order that they are presented below.
Failure to provide information on each of the criterion will result in the disqualification of
the application:
A. Site and project quality: demonstrated ability of the project to Zink residential areas
to intended recreation facilities; consideration of the needs of the intended trail user
group(s); aesthtic quality of the trail location; appropriateness of the trail for the
intended or existing uses; clarity, detail, and quality of project plan /design; quality of
existing development (if any) on site or in corridor; attention to safety, accessibility and
health considerations.
B. Public need for and benefit of project: safety concerns, urgency of action,
potential to lose the opportunity, number of people within one mile of the project
proposal, number of people who would benefit from the project when compared to the
total cost of the project. Why should this project be funded? How many people could
be expected to use the trail over the course of a year as a result of funding the project?
3 of 3 pages
C. Applicant capability: demonstrated ability to complete the project and subsequently
operate, and maintain it. Specifically provide evidence of successful and timely
completion of other such projects. A 5 year operations and maintenance cost estimate,
and the projected source of these funds is also required.
D. Community commitment to trail use: Identified steps that your community has
taken to improve the conditions for bicyclists, walkers, and other uses accommodated
by this proposed trail development (eg., safety education and enforcement, signing,
comprehensive barrier identification /removal, and trail vehicle parking opportunities).
E. Impact on adjoining landowners in the vicinity of the project demonstrated
compatibility of the proposed project with existing adjoining land uses (include a
generalized site map that shows adjoining land uses), identify adverse impacts that
might be realized as a result of completing the project, and how the project design
attempts to mitigate adverse impacts. How might the project improve conditions for
adjacent landowners? Identify mitigation steps that will be taken to successfully
overcome possible /probable objections to this project.
F. Provides year round trail use.
Deadline
All applications must be received no later than March 31, 1997.
Please deliver eight copies of the application to:
Department of Natural Resources
Recreation Services Section
Trails and Waterways Unit
500 Lafayette Road
St.Paul, Minnesota 55155 -4052
h:\ coopgrnt\ coopgrnt .'97\appticat.
4 of 4 pages
1997 Cooperative Trail Grants Program - State of MN
Required Certifications
For trail and park administrators
"I substantially agree that the proposed trail linkage will be mutually beneficial to the
local community, as well as to the goals and purposes for which this recreation unit was
established. I will cooperate in its provision if the project proposal should be funded."
Signed:
Name
Position Date
For all administrators of public lands crossed /utilized in the proposed linkage
"I preliminarily agree with plans to develop the proposed trail linkage on land
administered by my agency, and I will cooperate in seeking more formal authorization in
the event the project proposal is authorized for reimbursement."
Signed:
Name*
Position Date
*For highway rights -of -way administered by MnDOT contact Jack Caroon within the
metropolitan area at (612)582 -1292. Throughout greater Minnesota contact either the
Preliminary Design Engineer or the Regional Transportation Planning Coordinator
within the MnDOT District impacted by the proposal.
(Add additional certification blocks as necessary for this project.)
For grant applicants
"In the event that this proposal is accepted for reimbursement, I recognize that all work
must be completed by October 31, 1997."
Signed:
Name
Position Date
1997 National Recreation Trail Funding Act
APPLICATION
All applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., March 31, 1997.
Please deliver 8 copies of the application to:
Department of Natural Resources
Recreation Services Section
Trails and Waterways Unit
500 Lafayette Road
St.Paul, Minnesota 55155 -4052
General Information: Date:
Applicant (Unit of Government required):
Trail Organization Project Partner (if there is one)
Project:
Mailing Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Contact Person:
Title: Daytime Phone: ( )
Project Information:
Total Project Amount Local Match Source of Matching Funds
Cost Requested
$ $ $
Are other non -local funds proposed If yes, give Source of Non -local Funds
for this project? amount
Yes No
Checklist: Other (specify)
Project Description
Project Location Map(s) Est. date of completion
(Reproducible)
Response to each Requirement • Proposals must specifically and directly
Response to Each Evaluation address each requirement and evaluation
Criterion . criterion to qualify and receive points.
• Pages in each proposal should be
Check all project uses that apply: numbered with this page as number 1.
Walking/Hiking • Proposals are limited to eight pages
Bicycling excluding maps, drawings, and /or photos.
Horseback riding • All pages must be 8 'A by 11 inches and
Cross country skiing not be dependant on color or be
Snowmobiling otherwise unreproducible because your
ATV riding proposal is likely to be photocopied.
Off highway motorcycling
4x4 trucking
page - 1
1
NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL FUNDING ACT
APPLICATION
. February 6, 1997
Introduction
The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 created a national program
to provide financial assistance for the development and maintenance of recreational trails
and trail - related projects. The Act provides funding from the Federal Highway Trust Fund
in acknowledgment of off -road recreational fuel use and taxes collected at gas stations.
$250,000 is available to Minnesota for trail reimbursement projects in 1997.
Project proposals must result in at least $5,000 of reimbursement and no more than
$50,000 of reimbursement.
Acceptance of this grant will require the recipient to enter into a contract with the State of
Minnesota. Procedures for procurement will be guided by State requirements as well as
those by the Federal Highway Administration.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been designated by the
Governor to oversee distribution of these funds. The DNR will be advised in the
distribution of these funds by the state's trail advisory council, the Minnesota Recreational
Trail Users Association (MRTUA).
Process to be Followed
Thirty percent of the grant funds will be made available for motorized trail related projects,
thirty percent will be made available for non - motorized projects, and forty percent will be
reserved for projects with application for motorized and non - motorized trail uses. To be
considered in the joint category, it is not necessary to mix motorized and non - motorized
interests during the same season; it also includes trails projects that over the course of a
year have application for motorized and non - motorized interests.
Successful applicants will be informed of their grants in Fall 1997.
Projects must be completed by December 31, 2000. Upon completion, a certification will
be required to assure compliance to the provisions of the reimbursement grant.
Permissible Uses
Motorized and non - motorized trail projects located totally within Minnesota are eligible for
funding.
• Construction of permanent trails on federal (with limitations), state, county,
municipal or private lands.
• Development of urban trail linkages near homes and workplaces.
• Maintenance of existing recreational trails, including snow grooming and
maintenance.
• Restoration of areas damaged by recreational trail useDevelopment of permanent
trail -side and trail -head facilities (e.g., drainage, crossings, stabilization, parking
signage, controls, shelters, and water, sanitary & access facilities)
• Provision of features that facilitate access and use of trails by persons with
disabilities.
• Land acquisition from willing sellers when consistent with the State Trail Plan.
• Environmental awareness and safety education programs relating to the use of
recreational trails
Non - permissible Uses
• Condemnation of any kind of interest in property.
• Construction of trails within federally designated wilderness areas (with some
exceptions).
• Upgrading, expanding, or otherwise facilitating motorized use or access to trails
predominantly used by non - motorized trail users on which motorized use is either
prohibited or has not occurred.
1997 Priorities
As required by Congress, the Minnesota Recreational Trail Users Association (MRTUA) is
serving as our advisor in distributing approximately $250,000 for trail projects through the
National Recreational Trail Fund and has developed the following priorities.
• Any permissable all terrain vehicle, off highway motorcycle, and off -road 4X4 truck •,
projects.
• For snowmobile projects, first priority will be given to trail enhancements and
maintenance of existing facilities (overcoming safety problems is a plus). Second
priority will be given to trail linkages to existing systems.
• For all non - motorized uses (horse, bike, in line skate, ski, and hike), first priority will
be given to trail safety improvements and enhancement of existing trails. Second
priority will be given to trail linkages of less that a mile long.
Requirements
Each application must address each of the following requirements number by number
(e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.):
1. A project description sufficient to understand the project. Indicate prominently
whether this is PRIMARILY a maintenance request, an enhancement to an existing
trail, new development, acquisition, etc.
2. Clearly defined goals for the project (with a delineation of which user groups
would benefit from the project).
3. Costs associated with the project (with estimates of the following components:
material/service purchases including hardware, paint, lumber, sand /gravel,
concrete, landscape materials, signs, design /engineering services and contractor
services).
4. Evidence of IocaUarea support (e.g.,council resolutions, minutes of public
meetings, letters of support, etc.)
5. Availability /access to.50% "hard match" for eligible elements of the project
proposal. Matching funds must not be from other federal sources or from the
DNR's Grant-In-Aid Trail Assistance Program.
6. Identification of the sponsoring unit of government This unit of government will
be legally responsible for the project.
•
7. Acknowledgment that neither this funding source nor the "hard match" can
be used for in -house labor services and/or to meet existing payroll (only
contract services, materials and supplies are reimbursable).
8. Evidence of applicant capability (e.g., ability to carry out project, and for
development projects, to operate, maintain, and protect trail and facilities when
completed). For development projects, please submit a 5 year operations and
maintenance cost estimate, and the projected source of these funds.
Evaluation Criteria
All applications must address the following criteria letter by letter (e.g., A, B, C, etc.).
Failure to provide this information may result in the disqualification of the application :
A. Site and project quality: consideration of the needs of the intended trail user
group(s); aesthetic quality of the trail location; appropriateness of the trail for the
intended or existing uses; clarity, detail, and quality of project plan /design; quality of
existing development (if any) on site or in corridor; attention to safety, accessibility
and health considerations.
B. Public need for and benefit of project: safety concerns, urgency of action,
potential to lose the opportunity, number of people who would benefit from the
project when compared to cost. Why should this project be funded? How many
people could be expected to use the trail over the course of a year as a result of
funding the project?
C. Context of the project in a wider plan: demonstrated compatibility with
IocaVarea/state trail plans and the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan (DNR), and compatibility with plans guiding management of effected public
lands etc.. For proposed facilities, what relationship does the proposed
development/acquisition have to other outdoor recreation facilities and trails.
D. Attention to the potential environmental impact of the project and efforts to
mitigate adverse effects: Possible areas of consideration include but are not
limited to: noise, odors, dust, surface erosion, fish and wildlife populations, damage
to wetlands, or other ecologically sensitive natural resources or
historicaVarcheological remains.
E. Impact on adjoining landowners in the vicinity of the project: Identify adverse
impacts that might be realized as a result of completing the project, and how the
projects design attempts to mitigate adverse impacts. How might the project
improve conditions for adjacent landowners.
Deadline
All applications must be received no later than March 31, 1997.
Please deliver eight copies of the application to:
Department of Natural Resources
Recreation Services Section
Trails and Waterways Unit
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 -4052