Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 06/17/2008

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',m TRUST fr PUBLlC LAND _. m~mmm RAMSEY CITY, MINNESOTA , Feasibility Study Minnesota provides incentives for local land conservation through the local grants program which includes the Metropolitan Regional Park Grant Program, Outdoor Recreation Grant Program, and the Natural and Scenic Area Program. The Metropolitan Council's Park Acquisition Opportunity Fund Grants also provide grants to local governments. Revenue for the local grants program is provided through state bonding, Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Future Resources Fund, and the federal Land and Water Conservation. Fund. The Metropolitan Regional Park Grant Program started in 2000 and provides matching grants to public regional park organizations outside the seven county metropolitan area for up to 60 percent of the cost of acquisition, development and/ or redevelopment costs of regional parks. Eligible projects include, park acquisition and/or development/redevelopment of regional park facilities including, internal park trails. The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program provides matching grants to local units of government for up to 50 percent of the cost of acquisition, development and/or redevelopment costs of local parks and recreation areas. Eligible applicants are cities, counties, townships and recognized tribal governments. The Natural and Scenic Area Program was established to increase, protect and enhance natural and scenic areas. It provides matching grants to local units of government for up to 50 percent of the cost of acquisition of natural and scenic areas. A maximum of 50 percent of the total eligible project costs are not to exceed a maximum grant of $500,000. Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement can be made. Project proposals must have a total project cost of at least $10,000. Finally, the Metropolitan Council's Park Acquisition Opportunity Fund Grants may finance up to 40 percent of the fair market value of the parcel and related acquisition costs. The remaining 60 percent match can be either provided by the park agency in cash, or other matching funds such as a watershed district grant, or the land seller can reduce the sale price of the parcel by 60 percent. Upcoming Opportunities for Statewide Funding In February 2008 the Minnesota legislature overrode Governor Tim Pawlenty's veto of a $6.6 billion transportation improvement plan that includes an 8.5 cent state gas tax increase and allows the seven county boards in the Twin Cities metro area to raise sales taxes by a quarter cent solely for transit.21 Lea Schuster, Executive Director of Transit commented, "This is a historic step forward for transit in Minnesota." The transportation bill generates approximately $117 million per year for transit needs across Minnesota. Ultimately, the transit system needs an estimated $235 million per year to fully leverage federal matching 21 htto: I Iwww.smartorowth.oro/news/article.aso?art=6510&state=24 14