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funds from the Board of Government <br />Innovation and Cooperation. The commission <br />expects to complete its plan by July 2000. <br /> <br />Carlton County formed a joint board to develop <br />its plan. The board consists of the county, eight <br />cities, six townships and the Fond du Lac <br />Reservation Business Committee. The board is <br />advisory to the county board and expects to <br />recommend a plan to them in early 2000. <br /> <br />The Upper Minnesota River pilot in western <br />Minnesota consists of Big Stone, Lac qui Parle <br />and Chippewa counties and the cities of <br />Graceville, Nassau, Dawson, Hazel Run, Milan <br />and Granite Falls. These communities formed <br />a joint board to develop a plan that they expect <br />to complete by July 2000. <br /> <br />Minnesota Planning provides a web site for the <br />pilot projects on the Internet <br />(www.cbp.state.mn.us). It is intended to help <br />them communicate with the public and each <br />other and includes such information as meeting <br />announcements, meeting summaries, draft <br />repons, and project contacts. The content of <br />the site is generated entirely by and for the <br />pilot projects. <br /> <br />In addition, Minnesota Planning will award <br />$375,000 for planning grants and $375,000 for <br />technology grants during fall 1998. <br /> <br />Planning Assistance Center now open <br />Minnesota Planning has set up a resource <br />center to assist with community-based <br />planning. Services include: <br /> <br />· Information and referrals <br />· State-level data and software <br />· Technical assistance <br />· Internet resources and links <br />· Reference materials on planning including <br />books, videos and periodicals <br /> <br />A planning guidebook will be completed in <br />early 1999. <br /> <br />Geographic information tools and training <br />A Minnesota Planning proposal to develop a <br />geographic information system tool kit for <br />local governments was recommended for <br />approval by the Legislative Commission on <br />Minnesota Resources. Working with local <br />governments, Minnesota Planning will develop <br />and package GIS software and statewide <br />geographic data into easy-to-use planning tool <br />kits. The tool kits, available to local <br />governments at no cost, will allow <br />communities to interpret state geographic data <br />and apply it to local planning. Development <br />will begin in July 1999; the tool kits and <br />training will be available in the second half of <br />2000. <br /> <br />How to ;let started <br />Minnesota Planning encourages communities <br />to begin the planning process whenever they <br />are ready. Contact the Local Planning <br />Assistance Team at Minnesota Planning to <br />receive more information. <br /> <br />Find the following information on the Internet <br />(www.mnplan.state.mn.us): <br />· Getting Started with Community-Based <br />Planning <br />· Pilot projects <br />· Planning and technology grants <br />· 11 statewide goals for community-based <br />planning <br />· Full text of the law that creates community- <br />based planning, plus 1998 legislative changes <br />· Directions for Community-Based Planning <br />· Refining the Framework <br />· Advisory council membership list <br /> <br /> <br />