Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the Parks Division to apply for and accept if awarded, grant funding of up to $2,300,000 from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant program. The grant will reimburse up to 50 percent of the costs of first phase of implementation of the James Madison Park Master Plan. Match funding of $2.3 million is currently authorized in the James Madison Park Improvements project in the 2026 Adopted Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) from 2028 to 2030 (Munis #17170). If the grant is awarded, the Parks Division Adopted Capital Budget will be amended to appropriate the grant funding. No additional appropriation is required.
Title
Authorizing the Parks Division to submit, and if awarded, amend the Parks Division’s Capital Budget and accept a grant of up to $2,300,000 from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program for the implementation of the James Madison Park Master Plan. (District 2 and District 6)
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WHEREAS, James Madison Park, located at 614 E. Gorham Street, is a 12-acre park serving downtown residents and visitors (“Property”); and,
WHEREAS, the James Madison Park Master Plan was adopted by the Board of Park Commissioners on February 13, 2019 (Legislative File 54047 <https://madison.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3770129&GUID=8A1DD7D4-19D9-4B5E-8761-553250C3DFE6>); and,
WHEREAS, the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program is a grant program within the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program funded through the National Park Service and administered through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR); and,
WHEREAS, the 2019 James Madison Park Master Plan identifies significant improvements to the park, including naturalizing the shoreline, increasing opportunities for the public to interact with the lake, expanded beach area, and updated outdoor recreation amenities, and more; and,
WHEREAS, the implementation of the James Madison Park Master Plan meets the ORLP Program Requirements; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 ORLP will fund projects that increase access to outdoor recreation opportunities, are in alignment with community needs, leverage resources in support of recreation, and promote conservation and ecological benefits; and,
WHEREAS, the Parks Division’s five-year Capital Improvement Program identifies matching funding of $2,300,000, including $300,000 in 2028 to fund the design of the first phase of master plan improvements and $1,000,000 in 2029 and $1,000,000 in 2030 to support the construction of shoreline improvements; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Parks Division is hereby authorized, on behalf of the City, to submit an application for up to $2,300,000 through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant program with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for the implementation of the James Madison Park Master Plan, and to sign all application materials.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if awarded the grant, the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to sign a grant agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in a format approved by the City Attorney, and any other documents necessary to comply with the grant requirements and to secure the grant funding.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parks Superintendent, or designee, is authorized to act on behalf of the City in the administration of the grant award.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that if awarded the grant, the Parks Division’s Adopted Capital Budget will be amended to accept the grant funding, and appropriate the award and corresponding expenditures, in the amount of the grant awarded, up to $2,300,000.