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Shakopee Tribe Awards $200K in Trail Grants to Prior Lake and Shakopee; $100K Still Available for Applicants

Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) announced today that it has awarded $100,000 each to the cities of Prior Lake and Shakopee for trail improvements that will benefit Scott County residents.

City of Prior Lake: County Road 21 trail
The City of Prior Lake will use the grant to construct a trail on the west side of County Road 21 from CSAH 42 south to Fountain Hills Road. The project will also include making ADA-compliant pedestrian ramp improvements at the intersections at CSAH 42 and at Fountain Hills Road. This segment is the last remaining gap in a seven-mile trail system along County Road 21 from County Road 18 in Shakopee to Cleary Lake Park in Credit River Township.

City of Shakopee: Memorial Park bridge and trail
The City of Shakopee will use the grant to build a bridge and trail connecting Memorial Park to the Minnesota Valley State Trail. The bridge would replace the former Memorial Park pedestrian bridge, which was removed in 2016 due to safety concerns. The project will also include expanding previous archaeological investigations in the culturally sensitive area.

“These grants reflect the high priority that the SMSC and these local governments have placed on environmental stewardship and quality trails in Scott County,” said Chairman Charlie Vig. “The entire area will benefit from these projects, and the SMSC is excited to have a role in making them happen.”  

Apply for additional funding by January 31
With $100,000 in funding still available at the end of the application period, the SMSC is reopening its call for applications through January 31, 2019. To apply, visit shakopeedakota.org/trailsgrant. Applicants whose projects fill trail gaps, augment existing trail systems, improve access to existing public natural areas, or provide additional environmental benefit beyond simple access will be given preference. Applicants should also note any plans or opportunities involving local volunteers.

Eligibility
To be eligible, an applicant must be a:

• Scott County government
• City or township government located in Scott County
• School district located in Scott County
• Non-governmental organization that is organized as a charitable organization under applicable federal and state law and is applying in cooperation with an eligible governmental body

Applicants must also be prepared to: 

• Fulfill a required 20% match on each grant (either in cash or in kind)
• Substantially complete the funded project by December 31, 2019

Timeline
Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2019, with grant recipient(s) announced on March 1, 2019.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Native American tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to Native American tribes and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise, and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County.