02-27-86 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Throughout its history , the LCMR local government grant program has • fostered a mutually beneficial state/local partnership. The 50% local match requirement assures that the state investment is immediately doubt at the local level ,. Local sponsors assume all subsequent operations an( maintenance responsibilities. Additionally, state assistance with the development of high quality local recreation facilities is a relatively low cost method of preserving accessible, irreplaceable resources while • simultaneously relieving the pressure on the state recreation inventory . • • In recent years, the LCMR grant program funding has dwindled as a result of decreased state revenues and a shift in priorities amoung LCMR member , This problem has been i.ompounded by the steady decline of federal LAWCON funds for state and local programs. Yet local need, as evidenced by competition for available grant funds, remains high. The MRPA recognize:; • the value of the LCMR .grant program and appreciates the previous commitment of the LCMR to outdoor recreation. Moreover, the MRPA encourages future legislative support for local recreation grants and recommends increased state funding to meet outdoor recreation needs. ACTION: MRPA will work actively with groups/independently to maintain o:• increase funding for the LCMR grant program. • State Bikeways Program • The Minnesota Department of Transportation's State Bikeway Grant Program an ambitious program designed to develop and identify bikeway corridors which provide for safe and reasonably direct access to the majority of public and private destinations, while excercising sound transportation • engineering and planning procedures in the expenditure of public funds. • Many times, parks and open spaces are the destination of persons making • • use of the bikeways. The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association recognizes the value of this program, which benefits both the bicycle commuter and the recreational cyclist. The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association endorses the State Bikeway Program, encourages strong cooperation between state, county and local agencies, and recommends funding be increased to accelerate an effective program. MRPA will work closely with the State Bikeway Advisory • Committee to meet their goals. ACTION: MRPA will work actively with State Bikeway -Advisory Committee on • legislation development and passage. Lottery Minnesotans place a high value on their park and open space land, and recreational opportunities. Yet , each year more and more land for parks, trails, lake access, wildlife habitat and special use areas are lost • through urban sprawl and private speculation. Alone, local cities and counties cannot adequately increase efforts to set aside open space for future generations. The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association recommends that the legislature establish a lottery patterned after the Colorado lottery that allocates proceeds to improving parks and recreation programs on a state wide basis. ACTION: MRPA will actively inform legislators on the potential of using lottery funds for improving state parks and recreation progra 1