5. OPEN FORUM HANDOUT 10-20-2014

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Attachment D Box 175, 29 Lake Slreel South, Big Lakes RAN 55309 •703.263.3602 wvcsrrsb as rt)te[.net LEGACY GRANT FUN DS'GREEN' PROJECTS Sun, 0713012606-- 520am adman By Ken Francis On Feb. 21, the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a plan spearheaded by Commissioner Rachel Leonard that would use solid waste funds and the Jail Enterprise Fund to help pay for local government projects that meet specific Funding criteria. County staff was directed to put together guidelines for the program, which would award grant money for projects that used green (recycled) materials in public buildings. The grant amount would be based on the population of the city or township applying for the grant. At the last commissioner meeting, Administrator Brian Bensen outlined the details of the program. "We have two important things to do with this (landfill) money. One is to make sure it stays available long -term protecting taxpayers and nearby residents from environmental dangers," he said "The second is to do what we can to encourage ways to stop excessive Ian dfi Ili ng. That's what this would do, provide incentive for local governments to build buildings with recycled materials." The program would award up to $1 million in Landfill Abatement Legacy Grants each year, with the successful applicant reimbursed following completion of the project. Projects above $1 million will be paid over a two -year period. Each jurisdiction is eligible for one grant only. Projects must meet a standard of at least 25% post- consumer materials to qualify as a "green" product. Grant recipients will be eligible for reimbursement only on the cost of the green materials. Green products could include, but are not limited to, recycled concrete, wood, wood products, plastics, fiber materials, reclaimed and re- milled lumber, reprocessed paint and milled bituminous. Grant applications may be reviewed by the Solid Waste Committee or Building and Purchasing Committee, with final action by the county board. Based on 2004 population figures, the City of Big Lake would be eligible for an $830,000 grant. big Lake Twp. could receive $754,400. The City of Becker could get $374,900 and Becker Twp. is eligible for $425,100. Maximum grants to other townships include: Baldwin - $669,400; Blue Hill - $130,200; Clear Lake $188,000; Haven $213,000; Livonia - $499.200; Orrock - $327,900; Palmer - $254,600 and Santiago - $173.800. Elk River's total is capped at $2 million. Other cities in the county could receive; Clear Lake - $36,900; Zimmerman - $409,800; Princeton $5,900 and St. Cloud - $666,000. Bensen said there are still more details to work out with the program, such as dealing with joint projects between a city and township. But the program could be on line for projects this year. 44