December 4, 2024 By Amy Fredregill, Sr Director of Sustainability, WSB
We would like share news about three upcoming resiliency grant opportunities that can help cities in Minnesota advance their strategic plans, reduce costs and risks, and provide new services to stakeholders.
MN Pollution Control Agency Local Climate Action Grant
The MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has opened applications for the Local Climate Action (LCA) grants. There are two types of grants available: a climate action planning grant and a climate action implementation grant. These grants are available to local governments, Tribes, community-based nonprofits, and schools working on projects to reduce climate pollution and prepare communities for climate change impacts.
The planning grant focuses on developing local action plans to combat and adapt to climate change, including community-wide greenhouse gas emissions data collection through the Regional Indicators Initiative at no cost. The implementation grants fund projects that execute existing climate or sustainability plans, aiming to increase community resilience to climate change and reduce contributions to it.
The maximum grant award for both programs is $50,000, with a match requirement based on community population size. Communities with populations under 20,000 need to match 5% of the grant amount, while those with populations of 20,000 or more need to match 50%. Applications are due by January 9, 2025.
MPCA Community Resilience Implementation Grant
The MPCA is also offering $5 million in grants for non-stormwater and non-wastewater projects to enhance community resilience to climate change. Eligible projects include extreme heat mitigation, hardening public assets against extreme weather, upgrading resilience hubs, improving transportation alternatives, wildfire resilience, public water supply projects, and climate resiliency upgrades to publicly owned housing or community storm shelters. Applications are due by December 19, 2024.
Geothermal Planning Grants
The Minnesota Department of Commerce is launching a new grant program to provide financial assistance for examining the feasibility of geothermal energy systems. Grants of up to $150,000 are available for planning geothermal systems that heat and cool buildings. Eligible applicants include counties, cities, townships, and the Metropolitan Council. The program will launch by the end of 2024, with a public webinar scheduled for December 16, 2024.
Next Steps
At WSB, we specialize in helping communities secure funding and grant opportunities through competitive applications, innovative partnerships, and cost-effective approaches. Recently, we assisted a tribe in securing $5 million from the EPA for a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant and helped a city obtain a Solar on Public Buildings grant. Let us know how we can assist you in securing funding to advance your goals.
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. Through her relationship-based approach, Amy meets the unique needs of communities and businesses by working with all areas of the firm to provide comprehensive solutions.
WSB’s Sustainability Division has successfully helped secure $5 million in EPA grant funding for the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin. This funding will enhance building efficiency, develop and install 1MW of solar electricity infrastructure and increase local workforce capacity for renewable energy on Tribal lands.
The application, developed in collaboration with the Tribe’s Grants Administrator, was selected as one of 33 recipients from a competitive pool of over 100 applications. This success highlights the comprehensive and compelling nature of the proposal, which demonstrated significant potential for advancing the Tribe’s goals of energy sovereignty and reducing negative environmental impacts.
The funding is expected to open new possibilities for the Tribe. WSB looks forward to supporting future Tribal clients in their pursuit of sustainability goals.
September 16, 2024 By Justin Babcock, Water Service Line Program Leader, WSB
Introduction to Funding Opportunities
The Minnesota Department of Health has recently updated its guidelines on securing funding for replacing lead and galvanized water service lines. This initiative follows the comprehensive inventory phase and is a critical step towards ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water across the state. The available funds, as outlined by the Minnesota Drinking Water Revolving Fund, demonstrates a commitment to public health and infrastructure resilience.
Available Funding and Eligibility
The initiative offers a robust financial support structure. It includes a 100% grant for replacing privately owned portions of lead or galvanized water service lines. Additionally, it provides grants and a 0% interest rate loan for addressing the publicly owned segments. Remarkably, public water systems that are granted loans will receive further grants to repay these loans upon project completion. Eligibility for this funding extends to a variety of water systems including:
Publicly owned municipal systems
Regional Water Systems
Privately owned systems in condominiums and manufactured home parks
Nonprofit, noncommunity systems such as schools, daycare centers, churches, and retreat centers
Project Eligibility and Prioritization
Priority is given to projects that enhance public health, ensure an adequate water supply, and assist financially needy communities. Eligible projects include those undertaken alongside watermain replacements or as stand-alone lead service line replacements.
Application Process
The process for cities to secure funding is methodical and includes several key steps:
Project Listing: Place the project on the Minnesota Department of Health’s Project Priority List.
Intended Use Planning: Ensure the project is on the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority’s Intended Use Plan.
Funding Application: Apply for funding from the Minnesota Drinking Water Revolving Fund. It’s important for cities to adhere to the deadlines for these steps to ensure their projects are considered for funding.
Staying Informed
The Minnesota Department of Health proactively sends notifications about the funding process to relevant municipal officials. This ensures that all potential beneficiaries are well-informed and can prepare their applications in a timely manner.
Partner with WSB for Expert Support
At WSB, we understand the complexities involved in navigating these funding processes. Our team of specialized grant writers and consultant engineers is equipped to guide communities through every step of the funding journey—from advancing projects on the priority list to coordinating compliance with fund requirements during and after construction.
Our experience ensures that your projects not only gain the necessary funding but are also executed efficiently and successfully. Partnering with WSB means ensuring that your community’s water service lines are safe and sustainable, thus protecting public health and securing a resilient infrastructure.
Justin is a municipal graduate engineer that leads our MN lead service water line program at WSB and has presented at local seminars on the topic. His experience includes field engineering, estimating, material testing, and roadway design.
September 16, 2024 By Derek Schmidt, Sr Project Manager, WSB
Once in a lifetime federal funding is providing once in a lifetime opportunities for sustainable road design projects across the country. With passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA), now is the time for counties, cities and transportation agencies to redesign and redevelop deteriorating roads and bridges to meet sustainability goals. The IIJA is providing $550 billion in new infrastructure investment through 2026 and another $5 billion from the IRA.
However, in order to capitalize on these historic investments, new infrastructure projects need to be designed and constructed with environmental sustainability top of mind. For example, new projects need to ensure they meet standards that may have not existed when the original road or bridge was built like accommodating animal habitats or minimizing pollutants from transportation.
With that in mind, here are some ways counties, cities and transportation agencies can make their roads and bridges projects more sustainable and take advantage of increased federal funding.
Project Sustainability Scoring
To ensure a project qualifies for federal funding, it must be scored. Stronger scores give a project a greater chance at receiving funding.
The available grants also have strict requirements that must be adhered to. For instance, the IRA is providing $3.2 billion for projects that improve walkability, so transit improvements like bike lanes and pedestrian paths have a greater opportunity to secure funding that align with those funding goals. Other ways to achieve stronger scores include using locally available building materials to cut down transportation distances which lowers costs and limits vehicle pollution.
Decreasing Costs and Environmental Impacts
Not only is accounting for environmental impacts a way to improve the odds of securing federal grant fundings, but also a way to decrease overall costs. For example, projects can achieve greater sustainability by reducing transportation distances, using local landfills for waste and using locally available materials like sand. Reducing distances and trips not only cuts down costs but lowers vehicle pollution and a project’s footprint.
Rethinking sustainable road design can also create more environmentally friendly options that better meet community needs. The curb to curb spacing in older, rural roadways, for example, tend to be unnecessarily long. A redeveloped road with a space of 80 feet from curb to curb can be cut down to only 40 feet with the inclusion of expanded green space. This will reduce the overall pavement area, create a road that better fits the demands of the community and increase the overall green space. Ensuring roadways are designed and built to meet traffic needs and improve sustainability features cut down pavement costs and improve a project’s sustainability.
How WSB Can Help
WSB’s team of experts can help your community or agency navigate the influx of federal funding and help secure funding for your sustainable transportation project. With the use of new technology like multidimensional modeling and design, communities and transportation agencies have all the data they need at their fingertips. WSB helps communities and transportation agencies find the best possible design, leverage federal funding opportunities, improve traffic flow, increase the wellbeing of residents and protect the environment one roadway at a time.
Derek is a senior project manager with experience on numerous high profile projects including interstate, trunk highway and major county projects. Derek has the knowledge and background to carry any project from beginning to end and is very experienced in leading large teams.
September 16, 2024 By Mary Gute, Sr Transportation Planner, WSB
It’s been almost 3 years since the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), aka Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) was passed by President Biden in November 2021. The law authorized $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending between 2022 – 2026.
Since 2021, there have been multiple solicitations for federal programs delivering transportation infrastructure funding. Several things have become apparent to those who’ve applied or considered applying for these funds, including:
Extensive competition for funds. Many times more dollars are requested than are available and only a small fraction of applications are funded.
Completing applications is complicated, time intensive, and requires specialized skill sets (e.g., ability to complete benefit/cost analyses that comply with federal guidance). Time intensive for staff or a consultant to do the work.
Timelines to develop applications are tight; usually just 30-90 days after notifications of funding opportunities are released.
Given this reality, it is important to go into pursuit of IIJA funds with eyes wide open. Below are some ideas for venturing into IIJA funding or if you’re planning to re-submit a previously unsuccessful application.
Does your project align with program goals? In addition to criteria related to state of good repair and safety, these transportation funding programs include criteria related equity and environmental justice; climate change, resilience, and the environment, and economic impacts and job creation. Even top tier projects won’t be funded if it doesn’t score well against the majority of a program’s merit or project outcome criteria.
If your project, as it now stands, won’t score well on some of these criteria, is it possible to make adjustments for a more competitive application? Can your community commit to using more sustainable building materials that would align with environmental criteria? Is it possible to incorporate more elements that could be used by bicyclists or pedestrians? Or would it be possible to commit to hiring a certain percentage of disadvantaged business enterprises when constructing the project? Please be aware that if your application includes these elements and you receive funding, your agency will be expected to include them when developing and constructing the project.
Does your project have a defensible and high Benefit- to Cost Ratio? Many projects struggle with achieving a competitive benefit to cost ratio that withstands the scrutiny of federal reviewers. Often, submitted benefit cost analyses are adjusted downwards after being submitted. It’s imperative that applicants submit projects with defensible and high ratios (at least 1:5). If your project isn’t meeting these metrics, can it be adjusted to remove some project elements that are not helping the ratio, but are driving up the cost?
Are you waiting to submit your project until closer to 2026? If so, know that solicitations for some programs are now coming out for multiple years at a time. This means that even though we’re not even half-way through the law’s 5-year timeframe, some programs will have just 1-2 additional solicitations. It is also worth noting that available funding for some programs is considerably less than initial solicitations. The IIJA program provides local communities with funding to complete important infrastructure projects. However, as we’ve learned, it can take considerable time and resources to develop a competitive application. Deciding to pursue these funds should be done so with realistic expectations and sound strategies.
WSB has experts in project funding to help you evaluate and submit applications. If you’d like to discuss project funding needs, please contact Amber Adams or Mary Gute for transportation specific projects.
Mary has more than 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.
August 30, 2024 By Jay Adams, Proposal and Tribal Client Manager, WSB
Optimizing resources for community growth and infrastructure.
Over 40% of the land in Oklahoma is made up of tribal communities and 38 federally recognized tribes call the state home, including the Kickapoo Tribal Community. The large presence of tribal communities within the state increases the importance of coordination and collaboration on construction projects. In addition, recent legislation is encouraging development in and around this land. With so many players, it is extremely important to have clear coordination and concise communications. These Tribal Nations, just like any other government, regularly seek out grant funding for development purposes. The Kickapoo filed for grant funding after identifying a variety of infrastructure improvements needed within their community, including improving land usage and building renovation.
Improving Land Usage
With newly acquired grant funding, the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma identified the need to update their wastewater treatment sites. Wastewater treatment lagoons, like the ones used on their land, require far less maintenance than other water treatment systems. However, communities that rely on these lagoons struggle with odor problems, especially during warm weather and the inability to develop the large spaces occupied by the lagoons. To rectify this problem, our team noted that the current sewage system needed to be expanded. Using the new lift stations, the lagoons will be drained, and all of the sewage and contaminants flushed through newly installed pipelines to an existing mechanical wastewater treatment plant.
To improve efficiency for current and future projects, we created a detailed land survey with aerial mapping to identify the exact locations of all new installations as well as any potential issues that could negatively affect the system expansion. Furthermore, the removal of the lagoons combined with the land survey will provide the Kickapoo Tribe with new opportunities to develop previously unusable land for agricultural, residential or industrial purposes.
Building Renovations
In addition to wastewater treatment, the Tribe received grants dedicated to refurbishing older buildings. To better use available land and infrastructure, the Kickapoo Tribe partnered with WSB to create a plan to redevelop an old equipment building. The old storage building will be redesigned and updated for future use as an office building for the Tribal Government’s information technology staff. To aid in this venture, WSB is coordinating with an architecture firm to provide initial drawings and architectural maps for the building.
Throughout this process, the Kickapoo Tribe find value in working with a full-service firm to support their growing infrastructure needs throughout their community. As many systems impact one another, the ability for in-house expertise has allowed them to better utilize funding and resources across their community and better plan for future expansions.
Planning For the Future
The access and availability to grants is an opportunity for not only the Kickapoo Tribe, but other Tribal Nations across Oklahoma and the U.S. With more resources than ever before, tribal communities can better position themselves to support the infrastructure needs of their communities.
Jay leverages over 39 years of transportation expertise in his role as Proposal and Tribal Client Manager at WSB. His extensive background includes leading projects within the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and pioneering ITS GIS Systems nationwide. As ODOT’s former Tribal Liaison, he facilitated key partnerships with 38 Federally Recognized Tribes, significantly advancing transportation projects. His technical skills in GIS and asset management, combined with his public service experience including 12 years on the Mustang City Council and roles as Mayor and board chairman, equip him to effectively manage diverse client relationships and proposals.
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.
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.
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.
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 atEnvironmental 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.
Contact us for guidance on everything from project competitiveness to assisting with transportation grant applications.
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.
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.
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.
