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<br /> <br /> STAFF REPORT <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />TO: Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council <br /> <br />FROM: Eric Seaburg, P.E., City Engineer <br /> Bryce Shearen, CPRP, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Director <br /> Bill Dircks, Public Works Director <br /> <br />DATE: March 8, 2023 <br /> <br />RE: Resolution of Support for CDBG Funding <br /> <br />ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: <br />Update: Due to a recent conversation with Ramsey County and the requirements to have the funds <br />spent by May of 2024 getting all of the reviews, approvals, and a contractor to complete the work in <br />the construction season of 2023 is an extremely tight timeframe and leaves no room for any potential <br />items that may cause a set back. After much discussion, it was thought to hold off until next year’s <br />cycle and use 2023 to obtain preliminary design, easements, and required environmental <br />documentation. <br /> <br />The City Council is asked to consider approval of a Resolution of Support for an application for <br />Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from HUD administered by the Ramsey <br />County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA). <br />BACKGROUND: <br />The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides annual grants on a formula <br />basis to entitled cities and counties to provide decent housing and a suitable living environment. The <br />Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) utilizes CDBG funds for various <br />improvements. <br /> <br />City staff has been in communication with Ramsey County Community Development Specialist <br />Heather Posthumus regarding the availability of CDBG funding and a possible application for a <br />pedestrian amenity along Country Drive and South Owasso Boulevard. Since this project area is <br />within a Qualified Census Tract it is eligible for grant funding if awarded. This is the same program <br />that was utilized for the sidewalk installation along Allen Avenue in 2020 and trail installation along <br />Twin Lake Boulevard in 2023. <br /> <br />Utilizing the Pavement Management Plan, Country Drive is scheduled in the Capital Improvement <br />Plan for roadway improvements in 2024. Staff has prepared a conceptual layout and cost estimate for <br />a sidewalk along Country Drive and South Owasso Boulevard (see attached map). The total <br />conceptual cost is $500,000. The City will be applying for $500,000 in CDBG funds; however, it is <br />possible that an award amount could be less than the amount requested. Part of the CDBG application <br />is a Resolution in Support of the City Council. <br /> <br />City staff will continue to seek all available funding opportunities to fund this project.