In 2015, the County Board established an Environmental Legacy Fund (ELF), with the purpose of “protection, preservation or enhancement of the environment." The Board later established a pilot program in which a portion of ELF would be directed to investments in communities impacted by landfills. In 2018, the first round of projects were approved by the County Board.
At the Physical Development Committee of the Whole on Jan. 14, 2020 a second pilot program was discussed, and several eligibility components were revised. The most substantial of these changes was the recommended reduction of eligible activities to the following categories:
- Economic development activities, including land acquisition, demolition and relocation through an agreement with the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA).
- Brownfield redevelopment activities, including land acquisition and remediation for park and greenway improvements connecting county/regional parks and greenways.
- Natural resource conservation and restoration projects.
- Activities supporting the Dakota County Solid Waste Master Plan.
On Jan. 21, 2020 the County Board approved the second round of the ELF Grant Pilot Program. Up to $3 million is available for projects that meet the above categories in the following eligible cities:
- Burnsville
- Coates
- Inver Grove Heights
- Rosemount
- South St. Paul
The pilot grant application is open from Jan. 22, 2020 with applications in their final form due on May 27, 2020.
Applications open
Applications due
County review process and award
- June 23, 2020 – Physical Development Committee of the Whole
- June 30, 2020 – Board of Commissioners Meeting
2020 ELF Grant Application
ELF Grant Presentation to County Board (Jan. 21, 2020)
ELF Grant Program Handout
Completed applications
City of Burnsville
City of Inver Grove Heights
City of Rosemount
City of South St. Paul