8/13/2007

Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program solicits projects, announces reduced match program, holds workshops

Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program is soliciting projects for funding for its 10th annual grant cycle. The program provides grants to help achieve a balance between natural resource protection and the needs of coastal communities to provide places to live, work and recreate.

Projects must show a direct connection with preserving, restoring or enhancing the coastal resources of Lake Superior. The coastal community consists of portions of 31 local governments, including the lower St. Louis River, its estuary and the Lake Superior shoreline to the Canadian border.

Approximately $600,000 will be available for grants. The Governor’s Council on Minnesota’s Coastal Program establishes the funding priorities and makes recommendations for project selections.

Grants can fund projects such as land-use planning efforts, education and interpretation, low-cost construction of paths and walkways, urban waterfront revitalization, public access to coastal areas, economic analysis, rehabilitation of cultural and historic buildings and structures, and land or easement acquisition and other projects that address the coastal resources of Lake Superior.

Emphasis areas for this funding cycle: ● Coastal Outreach and Education ● Coastal Land Use, Planning, and Development ● Public Access and Recreation ● Enhancement, Protection, and Management of Natural Resources ● Protection, Preservation, and Enhancement of Cultural and Historic Coastal Resources ● Support of Coastal Economic Activities and Analysis

Special emphasis area The Coastal Program is setting aside funds for one or more proposals to develop or deliver K-12 educational curricula applicable throughout Minnesota’s coastal area. Proposals should include area-wide learning objectives that address multiple coastal resources and coastal management issues, and develop and distribute printed and electronic materials and curricula.

Reduced match program The Coastal Program will continue the special opportunity for smaller projects requiring a reduced match for one project per applicant. Eligible projects include non-construction projects with a total project cost (including grant and match amounts) of $20,000 or less. Match requirements will be 25% of the total project cost (for example, a $20,000 total project = $15,000 grant request + $5,000 match).

Workshops Three grant writing workshops will be offered to assist potential applicants in developing grant proposals. Grant administration workshops are required for any grant recipients from the last funding cycle who have not managed a coastal grant in the past.

Dates and times for the Coastal Program workshops Grant Administration August 21, 2007 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Two Harbors Area DNR Office 1568 Hwy 2, Two Harbors, MN

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. MPCA Office, 525 Lake Ave South, Suite 400, Duluth, MN

Sept. 18, 2007 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 p.m., U.S. Forest Service, Gunflint Ranger Station, 2020 West Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN Grant Writing September 18, 2007 2:00 - 3:00 p.m., U.S. Forest Service, Gunflint Ranger Station 2020 West Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN

September 25, 2007 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Two Harbors Area DNR Office 1568 Hwy 2, Two Harbors, MN 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., MPCA Office 525 Lake Ave South, Suite 400, Duluth, MN

Eligible applicants include local units of government, state agencies, school districts, institutes of higher learning, joint powers boards, nonprofit organizations, area-wide agencies, conservation districts, port authorities, sanitary sewer districts, and tribal governments.

Application forms are available from Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program, 1568 Hwy 2, Two Harbors, MN 55616; phone 218-834-6368; fax 218-834-6639; or for download from web site: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/lakesuperior/. Applications are due December 7, 2007 for funds available Summer/Fall, 2008.

Contact: Pat Collins, Coastal Program Manager, 218-834-6612 Upon request, this information is available in alternate formats.