Agenda - Council - 05/25/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

CASE #: 1 5 AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR GRANTS THROUGH THE LIVABLE COMMUNITIES DEMONSTRATION ACCOUNT PROGRAM, CASE OF CITY OF RAMSEY By: Patrick Trudgeon, AICP, Assistant Community Development Director Amy Geisler, Associate Planner Background: The Metropolitan Council recently opened up a new round of funding for Opportunity and Development Grants through the Livable Communities Demonstration Accounts Program (LCDA). The LCDA program has two grant categories: Opportunity Grants, which may be used for costs associated with planning, and Development Grants, which may be used for hard costs associated with a specific project such as site assembly, land acquisition, and other construction costs. This year there is a total of $7.7 million in funding available, with at least 30% targeted for cities located in the developing portion of the region (which includes Ramsey). Staff is proposing to apply for both grants in 2004. The following items are enclosed for your information: a) Proposed resolutions authorizing staff to submit applications to the Metropolitan Council Observations: Opportunity Grant For the Opportunity Grant, staff proposes to apply for funding to assist in the Comprehensive Planning process authorized by the City Council on May 11, 2004. It should be noted that the City has received $33,000 from the Metropolitan Council to complete a study of the Central Rural Reserve, as required by the 2001 Comprehensive Plan. This funding was awarded through a separate grant program. Staff will be exploring options for combining the requirements of the Central Rural Reserve study with the larger Comprehensive Planning process. Opportunity Grant applications are due June 2nd. Development Grant In 2002, the City was awarded $800,000 in LCDA Development Grant funds to assist in the construction of Sunwood Drive through Town Center. The City Council has awarded a bid for this project, and construction will begin in the next couple of weeks. In 2003, the City was awarded $2.2 million in LCDA Development Grant funds to assist in the construction of a parking ramp to be built by the City. It is expected that construction planning for this ramp will begin later this year. For the Development Grant, staff proposes to apply for funding to assist in the construction of an amphitheater, pedestrian bridge, and trails in Town Center Park - East. Development Grant applications are due June 30th. Staff anticipates requesting approximately $30,000-$50,000 in Opportunity Grant funding, and $360,000 in Development Grant funding.