Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the Parks Division to apply for and accept if awarded, grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program for up to $20,000,000 and authorizes a partnership agreement with Madison LakeWay Partners, Inc., for the purposes of applying for the grant and, if awarded, implementing projects related to the grant. The grant will fund a portion of the costs of improvements of the Madison LakeWay Project (Munis #17362). There is no cost to the City with the partnership agreement and no match requirement for this grant program. If the grant is awarded, the Parks Division’s Capital Improvement Plan will be amended to reflect the award. No appropriation is required at this time.
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Authorizing the Parks Division to submit, and if awarded, accept a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the Madison LakeWay Project, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a contract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to accept the grant award, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a Statutory Partnership Agreement with Madison LakeWay Partners Inc. (District 13 and District 4)
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WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) aims to fund community-driven projects that address climate challenges and reduce pollution while benefiting disadvantaged communities; and,
WHEREAS, the Lake Monona Waterfront Master Plan adopted by the Common Council on April 16, 2024 (Legislative File #81653) outlines improvements to the John Nolen Drive causeway that maximizes park space and creates a lakeside linear park and enhances Olin Park; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison is collaborating with Madison LakeWay Partners Inc. to plan, develop, and construct the Madison LakeWay; and,
WHEREAS, there is no cost match requirement for this grant program; and,
WHEREAS, the Community Change Grants program requires that local governments enter into a statutory partnership agreement with a community-based organization in order to be eligible to apply to the program; and,
WHEREAS, this proposed project will use Community Change Grant funding to design and implement portions of the Madison LakeWay, thereby meeting the Community Change Grants objectives of addressing environmental and climate challenges and investing in strong cross-sectoral collaborations; and,
WHEREAS, the Community Causeway will become a gateway experience for all types of users to enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and the Madison city skyline whether using the path to move quickly from one part of town to the other or moving slowly through the space and pausing to rest; and,
WHEREAS, the Lake Monona Waterfront Master Plan calls for improvements to Olin Park to create a community gathering place, natural playground, and environmentally restored natural areas which will serve as an entry point from south Madison to the Madison LakeWay; and,
WHEREAS, the Lake Monona Waterfront Master Plan includes a vision for the use of green infrastructure, such as bioswales, rain gardens, floating wetlands, and pervious paving that will both reduce the impact that the hardscape has on the environment as well as serve as an educational opportunity that connects people to nature; and,
WHEREAS, the redesigned linear park will enhance the commuter experience by adding protection and separation from high-speed motor traffic to create a safer and more reliable transportation network.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that City Staff is authorized to submit an application to the Community Change Grants program for up to $20,000,000 to support the proposed project; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute a statutory partnership agreement with Madison LakeWay Partners Inc., in a format approved by the City Attorney and consistent with the requirements of the Community Change Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity, and for the purposes of applying for and, if awarded, implementing the project; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if awarded, the City is authorized to accept the community change grant, and the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to enter into a grant agreement and related paperwork with the United States EPA, in a format approved by the City Attorney; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that Parks Division staff are authorized to sign related paperwork or forms that are not part of the grant agreement or that are provided after the Mayor and Clerk sign the initial grant agreement, if required, after any legal terms included in those forms are reviewed by the City Attorney.