HomeMy WebLinkAboutTrail Planning Presentation April 2013 Lake Elmo Parks Commission| 4-15-2013
Trail Planning:
Opportunities and Recommendations
Lake Elmo Parks Commission| 4-15-2013
Presentation Overview
1.Review existing City policy pertaining to the
development of trails in Lake Elmo.
2.Review potential funding opportunities related to the
development of multi-purpose trails in Lake Elmo.
3.Staff recommendations pertaining to future trail
planning efforts.
Lake Elmo Parks Commission| 4-15-2013
Existing Policy
What does the existing Comprehensive Plan say about trails?
2030 Park System Plan
2030 Final Trail Guide Plan
Lake Elmo Parks Commission| 4-15-2013
Existing Policy
What does the existing Comprehensive Plan say about
trails?
“It is suggested two parallel processes be developed
to establish priorities for implementing the trail
system. The first should be a general overall priority
for trails…[and second] a process should be set to
help develop the simpler sections of trail.”
Lake Elmo Parks Commission| 4-15-2013
Trail Funding Opportunities
1.Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
2.DNR Local Trail Connections Program
3.DNR Federal Recreational Trail Program
4.DNR Outdoor Recreation Grants
5.Other Possible Opportunities
a.MnDOT (i.e. CIMS or other corridor improvements)
b.MDH (Statewide Health Improvement Program)
c.Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program
Lake Elmo Parks Commission| 4-15-2013
Trail Funding Opportunities
1.Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
Program Purpose: Safe Routes Minnesota provides funding to
community and school groups to make improvements to the
routes your children use to walk and bike to school.
Eligibility: K-8 schools
Funding is broken into two categories: 1) education and
enforcement, and 2) planning and installation of infrastructure.
Minnesota has $3 million available for infrastructure grants
and $800,000 available for non-infrastructure and planning
grants for 2013-14. All SRTS grants use federal funds, and no
local match is required.
Lake Elmo Parks Commission| 4-15-2013
Trail Funding Opportunities
2.DNR Local Trail Connections Program
Program Purpose: To provide grants to local units of
government to promote relatively short trail connections
between where people live and desirable locations, not to
develop significant new trails.
Funding priorities: Priority for trail project funding will be given
to projects that provide significant connectivity.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants include counties, cities, and
townships.
Level of assistance: Grants are reimbursement based up to 75
percent of the total eligible project costs.
Anticipated funding for FY 2014 is $805,000.
Lake Elmo Parks Commission| 4-15-2013
Trail Funding Opportunities
3.DNR Federal Recreational Trail Program
Program Purpose: To encourage the maintenance and
development of motorized, non-motorized, and diversified
trails by providing funding assistance.
Eligibility: Motorized and non-motorized trail projects;
maintenance/restoration of existing recreational trails;
development/ rehabilitation of recreational trail linkages….
Level of assistance: Grants are reimbursement based up to 75%
percent of the total eligible project costs.
Lake Elmo Parks Commission| 4-15-2013
Trail Funding Opportunities
4.DNR Outdoor Recreation Grants
Program Purpose: To increase and enhance outdoor recreation
facilities in local and community parks throughout the state.
Eligibility: Cities, counties, townships and recognized tribal
governments.
How it works/funding: Provides matching grants to local units
of government for up to 50% of the cost of acquisition,
development and/or redevelopment of local parks and
recreation areas.
Lake Elmo Parks Commission| 4-15-2013
Trail Funding Opportunities
5.Additional Opportunities
a.MnDOT (i.e. CIMS or other corridor improvements)
b.MDH (Statewide Health Improvement Program)
c.Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program
Lake Elmo Parks Commission| 4-15-2013
Staff Recommendation
Trail development is a 3 stage process:
1.Prioritize. Identify most important trail projects
according greatest needs and impacts.
2.Research. Conduct additional research about funding
opportunities to identify the high-priority projects
that match well with funding opportunities.
3. Strategize. Determine the budget of the project,
finalize project design, assign responsibilities for the
application process, and formulate a strategy to
secure the funding for City’s match.