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Request for a resolution in support of an application for grant funding from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to support development of the 116th Street Park
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A. Issue
The Urban Forestry Grant program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is a grant program supporting community urban forestry projects in Wisconsin. The application process for a local government requires a resolution in support of the application by that government's governing body. City staff is requesting approval of a resolution supporting an application to the Urban Forestry Grant program for funds to plant trees at the 116th Street Park at this time.
B. Background/Options
The Common Council has allocated 2 million dollars of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the development of a new city park located at the intersection of 116th Street and Gilbert Avenue on the City's West side. In 2022, during the new parks master planning phase, the City's consultant, Site Design, estimated development and construction costs for the park at 4.5 million dollars. City staff, along with the City's project consultants, are now seeking grant funding to close the funding gap.
The Urban Forestry Grant program is administered by the DNR and offers grant based funding for community urban forestry projects including tree planting. City staff intends to apply for $35,000 in funds to plant trees throughout the new park.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority 5: Quality of Life
D. Fiscal Impact
There is no anticipated impact to the City's general fund nor the CIP as part of this grant application. Staff intends to use funds already secured from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District's (MMSD) Fresh Coast Green Communities program as matching funds for any award secured by the City through the Urban Forestry Grant program.
E. Recommendation
Approval of a resolution supporting t...
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