Learn About 2024 MnDNR Funding for Recreation and Trails

January 15, 2024
By Mary Gute, Sr. Transportation Planner, WSB

As we move into 2024, there are many funding opportunities available to cities and counties in Minnesota. Here we provide the details, requirements and crucial dates for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) funding programs that support recreation and trails. We have also created a compact summary of all the programs we discuss here.

Scroll down to review all of the programs or click below to jump to a specific program.

Minnesota Local Trail Connections Program
Minnesota Regional Trail Grant Program
Minnesota Federal Recreational Trail Program
Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Grant Program
Minnesota Natural and Scenic Area Grants Program

Minnesota Local Trail Connections Program

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) Local Trail Connections Program solicitation is now open and accepting applications until Friday, March 29, 2024.

Program Purpose: This program provides grants to local government units to promote relatively short trail connections between where people live and desirable locations – not to develop significant new trails.

Overview:
• Funding available will be a portion of $1.1 million from lottery proceeds
• Reimbursement of up to 75% of total eligible costs, with a 25% match of non-state funds required from the applicant
• Minimum grant award of $5,000 and a maximum grant award of $250,000
• Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis
• Acquisition projects require a perpetual easement for recreational purposes
• All facilities funded require a commitment that the trail will be open and available for use, as well as maintained for no less than 20 years

Eligible agencies: Cities, counties and townships

Eligible projects:
• Land acquisition from willing sellers in conjunction with trail development
• Construction of trail bridges or trails on public or private lands where a 20-year easement for the project can be obtained
• Development of trail linkages near homes and workplaces
• Development of permanent trailside improvements and trailhead facilities
• Features that facilitate access and use of trails by people with disabilities
• Restoration of existing trail facilities and trail bridges
• Contracted maintenance of existing recreational trails

Non-eligible projects:
• Projects within state park boundaries, state recreational areas, on state trails and elements of the Metropolitan Open Space System
• Construction of trails within federally designated wilderness areas
• Construction of ordinary sidewalks
• Planning projects that are preliminary to the construction of any trail project
• Improvements on highways or roadways
• Trails less than 10 feet in width

Funding priorities:
• Projects that provide connectivity, such as trails connecting where people live to significant public resources (e.g., historical areas, open space, parks or other trails)
• Projects expected to have relatively high usage or will meet the needs and interests of future generations and diverse communities
• Projects that provide a unique and interesting connection to the outdoors, such as trails with scenic views, unique natural and cultural features and wildlife/nature viewing

Grant timeline
• December 2023 – Grant application materials available on the DNR website
• Friday, March 29, 2024 – Grant application deadline
• Spring 2024 – Application review and selection process
• Summer 2024 – Applicants notified of results
• June 30, 2026 – All awarded project work must be completed

Minnesota Regional Trail Grant Program

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) Regional Trail Grant Program FY 2024 solicitation is now open and accepting applications until Friday, March 29, 2024.

Program Purpose: This program provides grants to local government units to promote the development of regionally significant trails outside the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Overview:
• FY 2024 funding is approximately $1.1 million
• The minimum grant request is $5,000; the maximum grant award is $300,000
• Reimbursement up to 75% of total eligible project costs; Recipients must provide a non-state, 25% match (other state funds or grants cannot be used)
• Acquisition projects require a 20-year easement for recreational trail purposes attached to the deed
• All facilities funded through this program require a commitment that the trail will be open and available for use and maintained for no less than 20 years

Eligible applicants: Township, city and county government

Eligible projects:
• Must be outside the seven-county metropolitan area that is considered of regional or statewide significance
• Acquisition of trail facilities
• Development of trail linkages near homes and workplaces or permanent trailside improvements and trailhead facilities
• Provision of features that facilitate and use of trails for persons with disabilities
• Restoration or contracted maintenance of existing trail facilities
• Construction or restoration of trail bridges

Non-Eligible projects:
• Projects within state park boundaries, state recreational areas, on state trails and elements of the Metropolitan Open Space System
• Construction of trails within federally designated wilderness areas
• Construction of ordinary sidewalks
• Planning projects that are preliminary to the construction of any trail project
• Improvements to highways or roadways
• Trails less than 10 feet in width

Funding Priorities: Projects that develop trails of significant length, provide connectivity between homes and significant public sources, are expected to have relatively high usage and/or meet the needs and interests of future generations and diverse populations and provide unique and interesting connections to the outdoors (scenic views, cultural feature, and wildlife viewing).

Criteria for Regional or Statewide Significance (* = requirement)
Parks
• *Provide a natural setting, offer outdoor recreation facilities and primarily natural resource-based activities. The range of activities included in the park should likely attract a regional clientele.
• *Provide evidence that the park serves a regional clientele (i.e., multiple communities).
• Show that the park is significant in size. In southern Minnesota, 100 acres is significant. In northern MN, the acreage should be larger.
• Provides unique or unusual landscape features such as historic sites or other characteristics.
• Provides public natural resource-based recreational opportunities that are not available within a reasonable distance.

Trails
• *Located in a regionally desirable setting that features attractive, unusual and/or representative landscapes, important destinations or high-quality natural areas.
• *Serves as a destination, providing high-quality recreational opportunities, attracts a regional clientele (i.e., multiple communities) and generates an economic impact from outside the local area. Additionally, it is developed and maintained to include easy access, secure parking, access to drinking water and design to avoid user conflict.
• Provides at least one hour of outdoor recreation or connects to facilities that can provide one hour of recreation in total.
• Currently provides a link or will link to an existing trail of regional or statewide significance.
• Provides high-quality recreational opportunities not otherwise available within a reasonable distance.

Grant Timeline
• December 2023 – Grant application materials available on the DNR website
• March 8, 2024 – Draft application due if the applicant seeks comments by Grant Coordinator (not required)
• Friday, March 29, 2024 – Grant application deadline
• March – July 2024 – Application review and selection process
• July 2024 – Applicant notified of results
• June 30, 2026 – All awarded project work must be completed

Minnesota Federal Recreational Trail Program

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) Federal Regional Trail Program solicitation is open and accepting applications until Friday, February 29, 2024.

Program Purpose: encourage the maintenance and development of motorized, non-motorized and diversified trails by providing funding assistance for trails and trail equipment.

Overview:
• The minimum grant request is $2,500; the maximum award is $200,000
• The minimum grant request per piece of equipment is $2,500; the maximum grant award is $75,000
• Reimbursement of up to 75% of total eligible project costs; a local cash match of 25% is required – local government must pass a resolution
• Projects requiring acquisitions require a 20-year easement for recreational trail purposes attached to the deed
• All facilities funded through this program require a commitment that the trail will be open and available for use and maintained for no less than 20 years

Eligible agencies: All projects must be sponsored by a unit of government, preferably in cooperation with a local trail organization

Eligible projects:
• Construction of trails on federal (with limitations), state (with limitations), county, municipal or private lands where a 20-year easement can be obtained
• Development of urban trail linkages near homes and workplaces
• Contracted maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails
• Development of permanent trailside and trailhead facilities (e.g., drainage, crossings, stabilization, parking, signage, controls, open-sided shelters, water and sanitary facilities)
• Features that facilitate access and use of trails by persons with disabilities
• Land acquisition from willing sellers, where value is established by a licensed and certified federal appraiser and only if twenty-year easements for recreation trail purposes are conveyed to the state
• Purchase of equipment (e.g., trail groomers)

Funding priorities:
• Accommodations for both motorized and non-motorized uses, including same-season access corridors
• Involvement of youth corps workers such as Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa
• For all-terrain vehicle, off-highway motorcycle, off-road 4×4 vehicle and snowmobile projects, priority will be given to trail acquisition and purchase of permanent easements, trail development and trail linkages to existing systems over equipment purchases
• Priority will be given to all horse, in-line skate, cross-country ski, hike and bicycle trail linkages and restoration to existing trail systems, necessary trail facilities, trail signage to improve safety and trail maintenance equipment
• Development of new single-track mountain bike trail system projects in areas of high user demand in partnership with the city, county and state land managers
• Projects that provide recreational opportunities in underserved areas

Non-Eligible projects:
• Condemnation of any kind
• Construction of trails in federally designated wilderness areas
• Upgrading, expanding or facilitating motorized use or access to trails used by non-motorized trail users where motorized use is prohibited or has not occurred
• Construction of ordinary sidewalks
• Planning projects that are preliminary to the construction of any trail projects
• Improvements on highways or other roadways

Grant Timeline
• December 2023 – Grant application materials made available
• February 3, 2023 – Draft application due if the applicant seeks comments by Grant Coordinator (not required)
• Friday, February 29, 2024 – Grant application deadline
• Spring 2024 – Application review and selection process
• Summer 2024 – Applicant notified of results
• June – November 2024 – Grantee must work on the required environmental documentation items
• October/November 2024 – Grantees who have received final DNR approval of their required documentation will have their contract written after FHWA approval
• June 30, 2026 – All awarded project work must be completed

Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Grant Program

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant FY 2024 solicitation is now open and accepting applications until Monday, April 1, 2024.

Program purpose: This program provides funds to assist local governments in acquiring parkland and developing or redeveloping outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout the state.

Overview:
All land acquired or improved with assistance from this grant program must be retained and operated solely for outdoor recreation into perpetuity. Parks and recreation areas must be operated and maintained for public outdoor recreation purposes into perpetuity.
• Reimbursement of up to 50% of total eligible costs, with a 50% match required
• Applicants providing a minimum of 20% match from their own resources and/or have the match committed at time of application will receive additional consideration
• Minimum grant award of $10,000 and a maximum grant award of $350,000
• Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis

Eligible applicants: Cities, counties, and townships may apply.

Eligible projects:
• Acquisition of parklands as well as developing or redeveloping outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout the state. NOTE: Metro Regional Parks and Greater MN Regional Parks are not eligible for funding under this program.

Non-eligible projects:
• Construction of a facility not owned by the applicant
• Acquisition of land already in public ownership
• Facilities unavailable for general public use
• Expenses occurring outside the dates of the grant contract
• Administrative expenses (indirect costs, contingency allowances, archeological surveys, legal fees)
• Design and engineering fees over 10% of the total construction cost
• Construction of indoor recreational facilities (ice arenas, enclosed swimming pools)
• Decorative fountains, statues, and plaques
• Sewer to individual campsites
• Historic signage

Funding priorities:
Most (60 percent) of the review and selection process will focus on priorities outlined in the 2020-2024 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Three strategic directions in SCORP 2020-2024 include:

– How does the project connect people to the outdoors
– Does the project acquire land and/or create opportunities?
– Does the project take care of what we have?

Additional review components will assess the design of the proposed project and the existing park, cost vs. benefit, health and safety, and environmental intrusions.

Grant timeline
• December 2023 – Grant application materials available on the DNR website
• Monday, April 1, 2024 – Grant application deadline
• Spring 2024 – Application review and selection process
• Summer 2024 – Applicant notified of results
• Fall 2024 – Awarded projects must begin
• June 30, 2026 – All awarded project work must be completed

Minnesota Natural and Scenic Area Grants Program

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) Natural and Scenic Area Program solicitation is now open and accepting applications until Monday, April 1, 2024.

Program Purpose: This program is to increase, protect and enhance natural scenic areas by assisting local governments and school districts in acquiring fee title acquisition and permanent easement acquisition.

Overview:
• There are two sources of funding: federal and states funds. Federal funding should be at least $2.5 million. State funding is not yet known
• Reimbursement of up to 50% of total eligible costs with a 50% match required
• Minimum grant award of $10,000 and a maximum grant award of $500,000 (for total project cost of $1M)
• Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis

Eligible agencies: Cities, counties, townships and school districts

Eligible projects:
• Fee title acquisition of natural or scenic areas
• Permanent easement acquisition of natural or scenic areas
• Minimal betterment activities are eligible as part of an acquisition project, including site surveying, boundary signage and immediate measures needed to stabilize the site and ensure the safety of users
• Active restoration efforts are eligible as part of an acquisition project that would significantly improve the site’s natural resource values

Funding priorities:
The proposed project is assessed for consistency with Minnesota’s 2020-2024 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), as well as:
• Natural Resource Qualities – approximately 45%
• Scenic Qualities – approximately 25%
• Other Review Components – approximately 30%: “Other” includes adjacent lands, educational and scientific values, open space and historical/cultural values, cost vs. benefit, match and local government commitment.

Non-eligible projects:
• Acquisition of land already in public ownership
• Any expenditure that occurs outside the dates of the grant contract
• Administrative expenses, contingency allowances, archeological surveys and legal fees
• Incidental costs of land acquisition (e.g., appraisals, closing costs and legal fees)
• Recreational development
• Operations and maintenance

Grant timeline
• December 2023 – Grant application materials available on the DNR website
• Monday, April 1, 2024 – Grant application deadline
• Spring 2024 – Application review and selection process
• Summer 2024 – Applicant notified of results
• June 30, 2026 – All awarded project work must be completed

WSB has many qualified experts on staff to support your organization during the application process and throughout the life cycle of your projects. If you are interested in learning more about any of the programs listed here or are looking for some expert assistance in submitting applications contact us to learn how we can help.

Mary has 20 years of progressively complex transportation planning and project management experience, gained from working on a variety of transportation projects for modes including roads/bridge, transit, and trails. Several these projects have included environmental documentation considerations – either pre-NEPA, or through NEPA and/or MEPA processes.

[email protected] | 612.741.7055

Tips to Help Small Cities Secure Funding

January 15, 2024
By Nate Sparks, Sr Community Planner, WSB

From new housing to industrial park expansions, building projects of various shapes and sizes provide meaningful investments in communities but need adequate funding to move forward. Especially for smaller and rural cities where budgets and resources are often not as big as their more urban counterparts, having a proper plan in place to receive needed funding is critical. Without a vision, local leaders may find themselves chasing results and finding few.

It can become too easy to view funding applications and grants as a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but without a plan in place, applicants may not only miss out on funding in competitive grant processes, but also miss funding opportunities that will best serve a particular project or goal.

With all this in mind, here are some ways small cities can give themselves an advantage when attempting to find funding for important projects.

Starting with What’s In Your Control

Before seeking external grants, it’s important to start by exploring the tools currently at your disposal. Tax abatement and tax increment financing (TIF) are two methods that cities can use to help push past hurdles and ensure priority projects have adequate funding. Many cities also explore fee waivers and reductions to help make projects more affordable and attainable. These methods are within your control and may provide enough of a spark to get a project started. Redevelopment and Housing TIF Districts have 25-year durations which can capture a significant amount of revenue.

When outside funding is being pursued, it’s important to accurately consider the requirements of a grant to ensure that your community can meet the minimum requirements and provide a compelling narrative for qualification.

For example, the Innovative Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) grants require the applicant to pay 50% of the cost, so it’s important if a community is pursuing a grant that they are sure that any matching dollars can be met. Other grants may require the applicant to have a specific demographic makeup or to pay all workers involved in the project a certain wage. Smaller cities need to show caution and ensure they are pursuing the best funding sources for them, otherwise certain grants may become more of a financial burden than a smart investment.

Communicating a Clear Need

When seeking external funding, communities need a strategy to set themselves apart from other cities. Be able to articulate why a grant is being sought and why there is a need. Are you cleaning up and repurposing a brownfield? Are you expanding housing to meet a demand for workforce housing? Are you expanding an industrial park to meet a growth in population and to bring in more jobs? Are you in need of a new playground for the influx of younger residents in your community? Applicants need to understand and be able to communicate not only what the project is, but the value it brings to the community.

Being able to demonstrate in your adopted community plans that what you are seeking is clearly meeting a goal of the city is an ideal and successful strategy. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your planning documents are up to date and reflect the current reality of the community. Having a handle on the community’s context and demographic factors are excellent ways to help demonstrate need and qualifications. These documents also help people from outside your community understand the importance of projects to your community.

Harnessing Regional Collaboration

No community, regardless of size, operates in a silo. Collaborating with surrounding communities, counties or other regional entities can be a great way to not only better your chances of receiving funding but increase the types of grants you can apply for. Grant applications at the county level, for example, can create a mass of multiple groups and voices and needs that can go a long way to help as it expresses a regional demand.

Being in communication with regional partners about your demonstrated needs will alert them to opportunities for collaboration. Recently, a new playground in a low- to moderate-income city received the necessary funding to be built in part because the county was aware of the city’s goals. Grant funds were available to the county, which then contacted the city about the opportunity. WSB provided the knowledge and technical skill to help produce the plan, identify grants provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where applicable and worked through the application process to make sure the city received the needed funding.

How WSB Can Help

WSB helps cities of all sizes through a comprehensive planning and visioning process which includes identifying priorities, providing demographic data, navigating TIF requirements, bringing in potential developer partners and even writing grant applications.

Whether for revitalizing downtown, constructing housing, expanding industrial parks, building a playground or any other project, WSB can work with cities from start to finish.

Nate has been a community development professional for over 20 years. He has worked with a wide variety of communities providing guidance to municipalities of various sizes and types on a broad array of topics. He has significant experience working in townships and smaller cities which often face unique issues. His work includes writing comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances for several area communities, as well as serving the community point person for planning and zoning issues for 10 area cities and townships.

[email protected] | 952.221.0540

New Transportation Grants: Tips on Getting Selected

September 18, 2023
By Mary Gute, Sr Transportation Planner, WSB

Transportation grants are crucial to funding local city and county transportation-related projects. What can local governments do to stand out, score well and ensure they receive funding for their priority projects? Here is more information on the transportation grants and how to qualify.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Local Road Improvement Program

MnDOT’s 2023 Local Road Improvement Program solicitation is designated for projects that will be constructed between 2024-2026. A total of $103 million is available during this round of funding. The maximum dollar amount that can be awarded is $1.5 million per project. Applications are due December 8, 2023, and award announcements are expected March 29, 2024. There is no match required for these funds.

What projects qualify?

Each project must fit within one of three buckets that correlate to these MnDOT accounts: trunk highway corridor, routes of regional significance or rural road safety.

Trunk highway corridor projects must be on county, local, or township roads that are impacted by MnDOT trunk highway improvements.
Projects in the routes of regional significance bucket are for roads classified as A-minor collector roads or higher. LRIP funds can be used for road construction, reconstruction or reconditioning projects. This fund is also intended to fund projects that would have regional significance, could help reduce congestion or spur economic development along corridors.
Roads not classified as an A-minor collector or higher can also qualify for these funds by meeting a portion of the below criteria:
- Classified as a farm to market route
- Providing capacity or congestion relief to a parallel truck highway system or county road
- Included in an economic development plan
- Included as part of a 10-ton route or network
- Connect to a tourist destination
- Connect to the regional transportation system, trunk highway or county road

How can your locality increase its chances of receiving this funding?

If your project fits into one of these three buckets, how can you ensure your project receives funding?

MnDOT looks at eligibility, operations and safety, regional significance, support by relevant local governments including availability of other funding sources, lack of controversy, expected useful life of at least a decade and high impact. Projects will be weighted on a variety of factors including 25 percent for project readiness and 5 percent for complete streets consideration which focuses on safety and accessibility.

Furthermore, projects that stand out have a large positive impact on the community and are ready to begin construction. That means ensuring all planning documents are up to date and demonstrate how the project will contribute to the local economy, region and/or residents.

For communities with less than five thousand residents, it’s also important to secure a resolution of support from the local county before applying for the grant.

Finally, early coordination with MnDOT district staff, including the District State Aid Engineer and the District State Aid Assistant can be helpful to vetting potential projects and establishing projects to submit through the LRIP and other competitive funding programs.

Metropolitan Council Regional Solicitation Grants

The Metropolitan Council Regional Solicitation Grants distribute federal funding for a wide range of transportation improvements, including roadways and bicycle/pedestrian projects. While the start date this program has not yet been announced, this is the perfect time to plan ahead and prepare. It is also the time to ensure communities can secure the 20 percent required match.

What can I do to prepare before this program opens up?

Communities can determine if their projects qualify for the Regional Solicitation program and how competitive their project will be well in advance of the program opening up. This includes determining the application type that needs to be submitted and if the project is in alignment with the programs prioritizing criteria, which includes role in the transportation system and economy, equity, infrastructure condition, safety, project readiness and community engagement. These cross-cutting areas of emphasis are great opportunities for communities to augment their sustainability and resiliency efforts.

How can you increase your chances of receiving this funding?

Funding for eligible projects is very competitive so making sure your project stands out is critical. To increase the chances of receiving Regional Solicitation funding, projects should align with the Council’s planning documents. Projects that improve accessibility for low income or traditionally disadvantaged communities will also score better, like projects that focus on environmental justice (EJ) communities. To find out more, visit the state’s EJ mapping tool and other resources at Environmental justice | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (state.mn.us).

Collaboration and partnership are also key to setting a project apart. All jurisdictions involved should be supportive of the project and working with partners now across levels of government will demonstrate project readiness. Moreover, being able to demonstrate stakeholder engagement like public meetings or resident input specific to the proposed project can also elevate your project to the top among applicants.

It is notable that for the 2024 cycle, the Met Council has increased the weight placed on addressing fatalities on the transportation system, making this the highest valued criterion for many application categories.

How WSB Can Help

These grants provide amazing opportunities to help fund critical transportation projects. WSB’s experienced team knows how to make projects stand out and increase your chances of receiving funding.

[email protected] | 612.741.7055

Strengthening Infrastructure Resilience: U.S. DOT PROTECT Grants Program

June 12, 2023
By Amy Fredregill, Sr Director of Sustainability and Shannon McGrath, Director of Asset Management Planning, WSB

In an era of increasing climate volatility and the looming threat of natural disasters, safeguarding our infrastructure is paramount for communities. Recognizing this urgent need, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has unveiled one of the latest grant opportunities under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) grant program aims to protect roads, bridges, ports, passenger rail, and pedestrian facilities from the damaging impacts of storms and other natural disasters. By supporting projects involving the hardening, raising, or relocation of roads and bridges, these grants empower communities to fortify their vital assets against future climate-related disasters.

PROTECT Grant Specifics

The PROTECT program aims to enhance the resilience of the country’s surface transportation system against climate change impacts. It provides up to $848 million in discretionary grant funding for projects that reduce long-term costs, prioritizes risk reduction through nature-based solutions, and improve equity by addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities. Applications are open until August 18, 2023, and grant recipients at all levels of government are encouraged to apply; this deadline will come up quickly so interested communities are encouraged to start conversations about this important program. The program will contribute to job creation, improve safety, and ensure infrastructure is built to withstand extreme weather events.

Many municipalities have ongoing initiatives that lack adequate financial resources to realize their vision entirely. With the PROTECT grants, communities can access additional funding to accelerate the completion of critical projects. This funding may also be used for planning efforts or implementation of technology.

The Importance of Utilizing Grants

The importance of grants in infrastructure development cannot be overstated. They provide an invaluable lifeline, enabling municipalities to undertake essential projects. By leveraging funding, cities can address pressing infrastructure needs, enhance safety measures, improve operational efficiency, reduce their climate impact and minimize disruptions, all while simultaneously advancing related goals in a community’s Comprehensive Plan like economic development and public health. Grants empower communities to adopt a proactive approach, ensuring they stay ahead of potential challenges.

WSB: Your Dedicated Partner in Grant Application

WSB understands the significance of securing resources to build a resilient infrastructure. With extensive experience, WSB guides municipalities through the intricacies of grant applications, ensuring proposals align with the program requirements and stand out in a competitive landscape. WSB recognizes that grant writing demands an investment of time and resources and is here to assist municipalities in unlocking the funding necessary to protect their transportation infrastructure, enhance community safety, and foster sustainable development.

Amy has nearly 25 years of experience across many industries, particularly energy and agriculture, in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. This experience has provided Amy with a broad background that enables her to meet community and business needs based on the business case for sustainability. By working across interesting systems to simultaneously advance environmental, economic and social goals, she is able to uncover creative solutions.

[email protected] | 612.965.1489

Shannon has spent over a decade advancing asset management at local, state, and national levels by serving on asset management committees, advisory panels, and project management teams. While working at MnDOT, Shannon directed the agency-wide asset management planning including projects, research, policy, innovation, strategic planning, and implementation in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

[email protected] | 651.492.9291

Deadline for Congressionally Directed Spending Approaching

February 27, 2023
By Bart Fischer, Sr Public Administrator, WSB

Minnesota’s congressional delegation is now accepting applications for congressionally directed spending (CDS) requests. CDS can help fund key infrastructure projects for cities throughout Minnesota. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2023, at 5pm (CT).

With the deadline fast approaching, here are a few things that you can do as you prepare to submit your CDS request.

Submit individual applications to Senator Klobuchar, Senator Smith and your House Representative as recommended in the delegation request questionnaire. Doing this will help your project gain traction and approval as it moves through the submission process. The more offices looking at your request, the greater the chance that it will be approved for funding.

Connect with congressional staff to talk about your project. Although the deadline is tight, reaching out to congressional offices and staff to set up even a brief zoom or phone call to talk about your project ensures your project is on their radar before you submit it for consideration. It’s also a positive long-term strategy to build meaningful relationships that can benefit your community and future projects.

The Application

The application for CDS funding is broken down into three sections. The first section is the funding request. For this section it is important to know the project cost, city information, and if you are submitting multiple proposals.

The second section is focused on the project description and why it’s critical for your community. Here you will need to know things such as start date, description, justification, and whether or not your project meets eligibility requirements (eligibility requirements can be found here).

The final section of the application is funding background information, so be sure to include past funding and future project funding needs.

How WSB Can Help

Due to a rapidly approaching deadline, it is important that requests are submitted as soon as possible! If you need help with the application, understanding eligibility requirements, or building relationships with your congressional delegation, our team can help. We are able to assist with consultation, application submission, and connecting you to the right people to ensure your project has the best chance for success.

Bart Fischer has over two decades of experience in public administration. Throughout his tenure, he’s worked in five Minnesota communities as the city or assistant city administrator. Bart joined our firm in 2019 as a senior public administrator and focuses on lending his public service expertise to our clients.

[email protected] | 651.485.1839

The Top 5 Ways that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Benefits Communities

January 11, 2023

Late last fall, Congress passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which infused an astounding $1.2 trillion into our nation’s infrastructure. The package, which includes $550 billion in new federal spending over the next five years, gave local and state governments significant opportunities to fund infrastructure improvements over the next several years, and many communities have already taken advantage of this influx of funding.

Transportation, clean energy, clean water, broadband expansion, and more, gave communities across the country an unprecedented opportunity to invest in projects that will have a meaningful impact on the future for residents, businesses, and the environment.

How Have Communities Benefited from this Funding?

Every community is different, and every community’s needs are different, but here are some of the top ways that local leaders, planners, and governments have benefited from IIJA.

Advancing Bigger Projects Sooner & Removing Financial Roadblocks

Whether a large metropolitan city or a small rural town, every community has a list of needed infrastructure projects, but funding and resources are often limited. Communities must prioritize, and sometimes put larger projects on the back burner due to budget constraints.

TheIIJA is helping to change that mindset for many communities, giving leaders a greater opportunity to think big. Whether it’s getting on a project funding priority list, putting forward a feasibility plan, or thinking more comprehensively about the environment, transportation, or other community infrastructure needs, the federal infrastructure law has provided meaningful opportunities to secure funding for projects that may have previously been out of reach.

Viewing Projects Through an Equity Lens & Involving More Voices in Community Planning

Equity is a major component of IIJA, creating a real opportunity for communities to invest in projects that benefit traditionally underserved communities, as well as advance sizable projects that create a better community for all. Including equity in infrastructure project planning not only enhances local communities and benefits residents, but it also gives projects a competitive edge in securing dollars from the federal funding package.

Many communities are viewing their infrastructure projects through an equity lens and incorporating more voices as they plan for the future.

Addressing Climate Change & Infrastructure Resiliency

Our climate is changing, and “once-in-a-century” storms no longer occur just once in a century. Higher temperatures, drought, more intense precipitation, wildfires, flooding, and changing ecosystems are all issues that impact communities’ infrastructure planning. Building greater resiliency in projects and planning for more extreme weather and climate events is critical and recognized within the IIJA funding.

Green infrastructure, innovative stormwater solutions, water reuse systems, native landscaping, and more can help mitigate risk and better protect populations, native species, and habitats.

Developing Brownfield Sites

Brownfields – previously developed sites that are no longer in use – are underutilized space that present real opportunities for economic, social, and environmental revitalization. However, they are often costly to redevelop. With more than $1.5 billion allocated to brownfields in the infrastructure package, many communities are taking advantage of the opportunity to move forward with brownfield projects, and expand their city’s tax base, grow jobs, build housing, and develop sites in ways that benefit residents and the community at large.

Building a More Sustainable Future

Sustainability is a fundamental component to infrastructure, and IIJA allows communities to invest in forward-looking projects that will have long term, positive environmental and social impacts. From electric vehicle charging stations and energy storage to ecological restoration, greater investment in sustainability is allowing local leaders to make bigger, more thoughtful investments that will help address climate change and resiliency.

Navigating a once-in-a-generation opportunity

Our team of funding experts help communities navigate grant applications, data gathering, project design and engineering, sustainability planning, stakeholder engagement, and more. IIJA is a once-in-a-generation infrastructure investment opportunity, and communities of all sizes can and should tap into the extraordinary opportunity for infrastructure improvement and investment.

MnDOT’s Corridors of Commerce program: What’s New in 2022

By Mary Gute, Sr. Transportation Planner, WSB

A healthy economy is dependent upon an efficient transportation system. To foster economic and commercial growth across our state, the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) Corridors of Commerce program is now open for applications. The program helps communities make highway capacity improvements where there are bottlenecks, as well as improve the movement of freight and other barriers to commerce.

The Project Recommendation Process and What’s New in 2022

MnDOT will determine program recipients using an online recommendation process. 2022 has some additional requirements and new guidelines as well. Here are some important details regarding what is new for submitting a proposal for consideration.

Who can submit a proposal? As of this year, only an individual acting as an official representative of one of the qualifying organizations below may submit a project for consideration.

An area transportation partnership
Any city, county, or township in Minnesota
Any tribal government in Minnesota
Any corridor coalition which is formally organized as a not-for-profit organization.
Any metropolitan planning organization
Any regional development organization

Additionally, each organization is limited to submitting one project recommendation per cycle.

Provide cost estimates and funding details. Make sure your project has a leg up by laying out funding resources and cost estimates. New requirements for this year include a detailed project description that corresponds to identified cost estimates, as well as a cost estimate reviewed and agreed to by a State of Minnesota licensed engineer. Any other committed funding sources must also be identified along with the name and contact for those sources.

Make sure your project scores well upon review. Your project was submitted online and met all the eligibility and project recommendation requirements. How to ensure your project stands out? State law requires that projects be scored based on the following criteria, so make sure to highlight:

Return on investment with a focus on travel time reduction and/or an anticipated reduction crashes.
Economic competitiveness that is measurable in its impact on job growth and direct and indirect economic development.
Freight efficiency measurements including time travel savings, average daily heavy commercial travel, and travel reliability.
Safety criteria, which impacts multiple scoring areas, focused on 5-year averages of crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Regional connections including to area commercial trade hubs, highway systems, and to other transportation modes like ship, air, and rail.
Policy objectives with an emphasis on transparent decision making, system stewardship, and healthy communities.
Community consensus, providing resolutions and/or letters of support from municipalities and counties touched by the project, local planning agencies, and a chamber of commerce.
Regional balance to ensure that projects across the state and various regions can tap into opportunities to foster economic development, growth, and commerce through the Corridors of Commerce program.

By looking ahead and factoring the scoring process into your project planning and ensuring that your project meets all the requirements, you can increase the likelihood of your project being selected. Projects with the highest scores will receive funding first, with exceptions for regional balance which may result in some lower scoring projects taking precedence.

Project Eligibility

The first step is to explore project eligibility requirements and ensure your project can rise to the top of the selection process. From MnDOT, here is a review of the basic requirements needed for your project.

The project must be classified as either develop additional system capacity or improve freight movement.
Projects must be in line with and adhere to MnDOT’s Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan.
Projects must be able to begin construction within 4 years of being awarded funding, but the actual construction start may be delayed beyond 4 years to avoid significant impacts to the traveling public.
Projects must be on the Interregional Corridor Network in Greater Minnesota or a state highway in the eight-county MnDOT Metropolitan District.
The amount of corridors of commerce funding needed to construct the project cannot exceed the amount of funding available.
A project that is listed in MnDOT’s State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is not eligible for funding, unless the project was listed in the STIP because it previously received funding.

Are you considering applying for the Corridors of Commerce funding? Applications are due November 30.

Corridors of Commerce is a highly competitive program and bringing in outside experts who are well-versed in applying for and receiving funding can help ensure that you are set up for success.

[email protected] | 612.741.7055

Learn How the ‘Safe Streets for All’ Program Can Strengthen Rural Communities

By Mary Gute, Sr Transportation Planner, WSB

Funding for the ‘Safe Streets for All’ (SS4A) program is now available thanks to the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Bill passed in Washington last November. The SS4A Program aims to improve road safety by significantly reducing or eliminating roadway fatalities. This program could help your community make strategic planning, infrastructure and safety investments to improve the lives of residents.

The notification of funding for SS4A, as well as the application process, went live in May of this year, and the deadline to apply is September 15, 2022. The first round of funding will make $1 billion available to communities, with more rounds expected to be available annually through 2026.

Who Qualifies?

The grant program is targeted for local, tribal, and regional entities. States, including DOTs are not eligible. However, applicants should consider coordinating with state agencies as appropriate.

This program is structured with equity in mind, to ensure equitable investment in safety needs of underserved communities. To this end, 40 percent of the SS4A funding is intended to go to low income and underserved communities. This includes rural areas to address disproportionality high fatality rates. Rural communities, especially if have lower income levels or experience persistent poverty/inequality, may benefit from SS4A funding.

Partnership is Important

By partnering with other communities, or applying for funds to address multi-community or regional safety issues, applications are more likely to receive approval and receive larger awards. The grants cover up to 80% of plans for projects and recipients are expected to match at least 20% on their own from non-federal sources; which is another reason cross-entity partnerships are beneficial. Identifying and collaborating with partners for larger, strategic projects can create a greater advantage to receive funding.

Two Application Categories

Communities can apply for funding under one of two categories: action plan grants or implementation plan grants.

Action plans are created to study and understand what safety issues exist and what strategies would best address safety issues. The award amount for an action plan, based on cost assessments, is between $200k and $1 million.

Implementation grants are for the actual project design and construction to make safety improvements to infrastructure. The possible award amounts are between $5 million and $30 million for approved projects.

Applicants may only apply for one grant type – an action plan or an implementation grant. Receiving a grant to prepare an action plan grant will not preclude applying for and receiving an implementation grant in future rounds of funding.

The SS4A program will not fund:

Projects where the primary purpose isn’t safety
Projects focused on non-roadway modes of transportation
Capital projects to construct new roads
Projects to expand capacity or improve mobility for motorists
Maintenance activities

How WSB Can Help

Is your community looking at how SS4A funding can help support safety-related projects? WSB can help determine if your proposed plan or project would be eligible; identify partnership and collaboration opportunities; help write applications; and answer any questions you may have about the process.

The federal infrastructure bill provides once in a generation funding for critical infrastructure needs and can greatly help enhance rural community infrastructure.

[email protected] | 612.741.7055

Metropolitan Council 2022 Regional Solicitation Grants

By Mary Gute, Sr Transportation Planner, WSB

The Metropolitan Council’s 2022 Regional Solicitation process is now open. Please review the information below if you are considering submitting a project application or are wondering if a project is a good fit for the program.

Overview

Due Date: April 14, 2022
Funding available in three main categories: roadways; bicycle and pedestrian Facilities¹; and transit/travel demand management (TDM)²
Projects can only be submitted in one category
See the Metropolitan Council website for more information: https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Planning-2/Transportation-Funding/Regional-Solicitation.aspx

How much funding is available? Does this include new federal infrastructure funding?

The Metropolitan Council initially identified $180 million for the 2022 solicitation. With the new federal infrastructure bill, the Council anticipates an additional $10-$20 million will be available. It is likely that federal funding will augment the available Regional Solicitation funding in future years, but not confirmed.

What can funding be used for?

Up to 80% of construction costs; a 20% local match is required
Construction only; Funds CANNOT be used for studies, preliminary engineering/design, construction engineering, or right of way
Projects that are to be constructed in 2026 or 2027; applicants will be asked if their project(s) could be programmed earlier

What Makes for a Good Project?

Successful projects must meet all qualifying criteria. Projects meeting several prioritizing criteria and demonstrating a high level of project readiness will score higher.

Qualifying Criteria – Required	Prioritizing Criteria	Project Readiness
• Consistency with regional plans • Inclusion in local plan or program • ADA compliance – ADA Transition Plan • Accessible/open to the public • Permanent improvement independent utility	• Role in regional transportation system & economy • Project usage • Equity and housing elements • Infrastructure age • Congestion reduction/air quality • Safety • Multimodal Elements/ Connections • Risk Assessment • Cost Effectiveness	• Public process with residents, interested stakeholders • Project layout • Review of Section 106 Historic Resources • Right of way acquisition process, if applicable, or knowing no additional right of way is needed • Railroad right of way agreement, if applicable

What is the likelihood of a project receiving funding?

This program is highly competitive with requests far exceeding available funding. In the 2020 solicitation, 130 project applications were submitted and 56 (43%) were funded. Projects were funded in all seven metro area counties, in twenty-six cities and townships.

What is the level of effort to complete an application? Is it worth it?

These applications are moderately complex. Some elements require considerable lead time (e.g., preparing a layout; public engagement activities, etc.). Applications started early are generally higher quality than those that are completed towards the end of the solicitation process.

Federal requirements must be met on selected projects (e.g., federal environmental documents, federal and state design, and construction requirements, etc.). WSB advises that applicants request at least $500,000 to make going through federal process(es) worthwhile for financial reasons.

If you are considering submitting a Regional Solicitation application or want to discuss whether a project is a good fit for the program, please contact Mary Gute.

¹: To be competitive, multiuse trail and bicycle facility projects should be on the Regional Bicycle Transportation Network (RBTN); Safe Routes to School (Infrastructure), projects should be included in a completed Safe Routes to School Plan and/or engineering study.
²: Transit funding is usually awarded to transit agencies.

[email protected] | 612.741.7055

Moving Past the 2021 Minnesota Drought

By Alyson Fauske, Sr Project Manager, WSB

2021 has presented a number of challenges to communities, not least of which was a major drought. Minnesota was faced with above-normal temperatures along with lower-than-average precipitation, resulting in one of the worst droughts seen in the area in the last 20-30 years.

As we move into fall and winter in Minnesota, leaders may be thinking that the worst of the drought is over and that they can move on to thinking about managing winter snow and cold. However, the ramifications of the drought are likely to continue into 2022. Below is a list of some of the ways the drought may have longer-term effects to communities.

Loss of saplings. Communities that implemented projects in 2021 that included planting saplings are likely going to find that many of them have not survived the year and are going to need to be replaced in the spring.
Mature tree loss. Due to the stress of drought, mature trees in the community may have suffered from pests or disease. These shade trees are a major resource to communities and may need to be treated or replaced.
Watering restrictions. Many communities implemented watering restrictions due to drought conditions. Irrigation systems that ran too often or for too long used more resources than necessary leading to reduced water availability for daily needs. This also resulted in concerned or confused residents that didn’t understand how or why these restrictions were needed for the good of the community.
Low reserves of community water supplies. In addition to increased watering demands for vegetation, valuable water was often lost through inefficient or defective equipment in many residents and businesses.
Well interference. Drought can often result in domestic or municipal wells running out of water. The MN DNR received significantly more calls this year than normal about dry wells that require them to investigate and often result in owners or municipalities incur repair costs.

Nearly all Minnesota cities experienced some or all these challenges this summer. As a result of the extreme stress put on local water infrastructure, the MN DNR has put together the 2021 Drought Assistance Proposal. This proposal includes a request for $13.3 million in funding to help cities address the effects of this drought.

WSB is tracking the funding package as it moves through the legislature and will be prepared to assist clients with grant applications for the fund as well as identify other funding opportunities that are tied to this effort.

Alyson is a Senior Project Manager in WSB’s Municipal Group and the City Engineer for the City of Minnetrista. With 20 years of engineering experience in the municipal industry, Alyson Fauske has built her career providing municipal engineering services throughout the Twin Cities.

[email protected] | 763.512.5244