07-10-1991 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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erg ©1Tz DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DNR INFORMATION (612) 296-6157 STATE OF 500 LAFAYETTE ROAD • ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA • 55155 -40 Division of Forestry, 500 Lafayette Rd., Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55155 JUNE 14, 1991 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan Stiegier, Community Forestry Programs; (612) 297- 3507 Would you like to see your community beautified by more trees? Have budget cuts impacted your tree planting efforts? The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the Federal Small Business Administration (SBA), is announcing a grant program for community tree planting. Minnesota will receive $127,155 for community tree planting grants under the SBA's "Natural Resources Development Program ". To receive funding, a community must have an eligible tree planting project, must meet the standards of the Tree City USA program, and contribute at least 50% of the total project cost either in cash or in -kind contributions. To become a Tree City USA, communities must have: (1) a legally constituted tree board or department; (2) a municipal tree ordinance; (3) a comprehensive community forestry program supported by a minimum of $2.00 per capita; (4) an annual Arbor Day proclamation and observance. Furthermore, communities must agree (1) to utilize small business contractors or concems in connection with the planting project; and, (2) to the extent possible, divide the planting project to allow more than one small business concern to perform the work. Planting projects are scheduled to start as early as this fall. Communities that do not currently meet the Tree City USA standards may still apply for grant funding, but will not receive approval until the standards are achieved (grant monies may be used to help meet the per capita expenditure requirement). Application materials may be obtained by contacting the DNR Division of Forestry at (612) 297 -3507. Completed applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. July 10, 1991 at the DNR Division of Forestry Office at 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul. * * * AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Page 9