Laserfiche WebLink
I. PROGRAM INFORMATION <br />The Natural and Scenic Area Grant Program assists local governments and school districts in <br />acquiring fee title acquisition and permanent easement acquisition to protect high quality natural <br />and/ or scenic areas. Public access should be provided to the extent necessary to allow users to <br />experience the natural and scenic qualities protected. High levels of development or active use <br />are not appropriate. <br />DEADLINE <br />Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2021 to be eligible for funding assistance for the <br />current year. <br />FUNDING <br />There are two sources of funding for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program: federal and state <br />funds. Federal funds come from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Federal <br />funding available for FY 2022 has not yet been allocated but should be at least $1.5 million for <br />the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program and the Natural and Scenic Areas Grant Program. <br />State Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars have been recommended by the <br />Ugislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) and other state funding <br />may be available but are subject to Legislative approval. Final amounts available will not be <br />known until after the application deadline. <br />GRANT AWARDS AND MATCH REQUIREMENTS <br />The minimum grant award is $10,000 (for a total project cost of $20,000). The maximum grant <br />award is $500,000 (for a total project cost of at least $1,000,000). Grants are reimbursed up to 50 <br />percent of the total eligible costs. The remaining 50 percent "local share" can consist of cash or <br />the value of materials, labor and equipment usage provided by the local sponsor or by donations <br />or any combination thereof. Volunteer unskilled labor is valued, for this grant program, at $9.00 <br />per hour. Volunteer skilled labor is valued at its going rate. The invoice/letter must be on a <br />company letterhead, detailing the work completed and the amount of the donation. <br />Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement can be made. Grant agreements <br />generally expire within 24 months and projects must be completed by then. <br />ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS <br />Cities, counties, townships and school districts. <br />Note: The applicant must be the current or intended owner and manager of the property to be <br />acquired or developed. Multi -organization collaboration is not required for this program. <br />NS November 2020 <br />3 <br />