Subject
title
Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Project Agreement with the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to proceed with an application for a $1,500,000 grant to fund grading, excavation as well as build pathways, a playground, meadows restoration, community gardens, picnic tables, signage, and trash cans at RedGate Park and Arboretum, consistent with the RedGate Park Master Plan.
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Department
Recreation & Parks
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council of Rockville approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the project agreement (Attachment A) to apply for a $1,500,000 grant administered by the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources funded from the National Parks Service (NPS) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This grant has a dollar-for-dollar match requirement, and the matching funds are already included within the RedGate Park Master Plan Implementation (RE23) CIP project (Attachment B).
Discussion
The city has been given preliminary approval (Attachment C) to apply for a grant from the DNR. The funds originate from the NPS LWCF State Assistance Program. DNR will submit the final proposal to the NPS on the City’s behalf.
Among other requirements, acceptance of the LWCF fund requires compliance with the Land Water Conservation Act of 1965. <https://www.congress.gov/congressional-report/105th-congress/senate-report/311/1> Section 6(f)(3) of the LWCF Act of 1965 notes that “sites receiving assistance are to be opened, operated, and maintained in perpetuity for ‘public outdoor recreation use’, or be replaced by lands of equal market value and recreation usefulness.” It is important to note that at the corner of Avery Road and Norbeck Road (Rt 28), there is a 7.7 acre area within RedGate Park that was purchased with LWCF funds in the early 1970s. Future development and uses for this portion of the park/property is already restricted by an LWCF easement.
A link to the LWCF State Assistance Program Manual is included: FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MANUAL <https://www.nps.gov/subjects/lwcf/upload/LWCF-FA-Manual-Vol72_2023-10-01_508.pdf>
Mayor and Council History
This is the first time this specific project grant agreement has been brought to Mayor and Council of Rockville for approval.
Boards and Commissions Review
The Recreation and Park Advisory Board has been briefed on this grant opportunity.
Fiscal Impact
If awarded, the grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match. The RedGate Park Master Plan Implementation (RE23) CIP project has appropriated funds to meet this match requirement. The receipt of additional grant funds to support this capital project will reduce the unfunded portion of the project.
Next Steps
If approved by Mayor and Council, staff will complete the application to the State of Maryland DNR on May 1, 2025, for LWCF grant consideration.