To: Martin L. Cousineau, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Patrick Linihan, Parks and Recreation Director
title
RE: Approval to accept a grant award from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, in the amount of $300,000.00, to provide for Flint River access at the confluence of Swartz Creek; the budget for this grant is attached
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Genesee County Parks and Recreation staff requests the approval to accept a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) in the amount of $300,000.00 for Flint River Access at the Confluence of Swartz Creek.
BACKGROUND:
The development of an accessible launch at the Confluence of Swartz Creek will provide abundant recreational opportunities meeting the unique needs of downtown Flint for increased fishing, paddling, pedestrian access and ADA access. The project plans predominantly focus on outdoor, community-based recreation in urban areas, with further focus on water trails. This project will provide safe access to the state designated Flint River Water Trail.
DISCUSSION:
This project is complementary to the Flint Riverfront Restoration Project. With Mott Park’s accessible landing, this will be the only section of the Flint River to have connecting accessible launches for water recreation. The project will expand support of the Flint Riverfront Restoration Project and Flint State Park via active environmental education, water quality stewardship, paddle programming and kayak livery run by the Flint River Watershed Coalition.
This project is located at the Flint River Watershed Coalition offices and includes an overlook with seating leading to an ADA accessible ramp to an accessible launch. The final aspect of the project includes native planting along the access ramp.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Funds to be deposited into account 2088-770.36-558.000.
Match in the amount of $150,000.00 is being provided by Flint River Watershed Coalition.
NO USE OF GENERAL FUND.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Acceptance of grant promotes environmental stewardship, communicates resources to our residents, promotes public health to create safer and healthier residents, expands the role of the county to enhance relationships that contribute to the growth of our community, and promotes collaboration with other agencies and entities.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Parks and Recreation Director to authorize accepting the grant award from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, in the amount of $300,000.00 to be deposited into account 2088-770.36-558.000, to fund the development of an accessible launch at the Confluence of Swartz Creek, for the period commencing November 20, 2024, through October 31, 2026, with a match amount of $150,000.00 to be provided by the Flint River Watershed Coalition, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documents being on file with the official records of the November 13, 2024 meeting of the Finance Committee of this Board), the Chairperson of this Board is authorized to execute the Grant Agreement on behalf of Genesee County, and the Chief Financial Officer is directed, as necessary, to amend the budget lines associated with this project.