Title
Resolution to Accept a $500,000.00 LWCF Grant for Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena Improvements, Approve a Project Agreement with MDNR, and Appropriate $1,000,000.00
Memorandum
This resolution accepts $500,000.00 in federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant funds administered through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management, with additional $500,000.00 from the City committed as local match, for accessibility and sustainability improvements to the Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena. Because LWCF disburses grant funds as reimbursements only, the full $1,000,000.00 must be initially appropriated.
In 2023, City Council approved resolutions R-23-084 and R-23-315, which supported the City's 2023 LWCF grant application for the project described here. Due to heavy grant competition, the City did not receive a grant award for the 2023 cycle. Under resolution R-24-0178, staff resubmitted in the 2024 cycle with some improvements to enhance grant scoring. The City was notified at the end of 2024 that their application was recommended for award, but received the official notice of award and project agreement only at the end of July 2025. The $1,000,000.00 associated with this grant is not expected to cover all project expenses; Council will see this project and its costs again in the future when approving design and construction contracts.
Grant Description:
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a National Park Service grant that is administered in part through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The Land and Water Conservation Fund was established by Congress in 1964 to safeguard natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. Grant amounts range from $30,000.00 to $500,000.00 and require a 50% match from local funds.
Background:
The Buhr Park ice arena is an outdoor covered rink, and one of two ice arenas owned by the City, the other being Veterans Memorial Pa...
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