Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) announced today that it has made $350,000 in grants available for trail improvements that will benefit Scott County residents. The county government and any city or township located in Scott County are eligible to apply, along with charitable organizations in cooperation with an eligible government.

“The SMSC places a high priority on being a good steward of the earth,” said Chairman Charlie Vig. “Helping our neighbors improve people’s access to nature in local communities is a long-term benefit to the entire Scott County area.”

The total funding available is $350,000, with the maximum single grant capped at $100,000. There is no minimum amount.

The SMSC has opened the application process online at http://shakopeedakota.org/trailsgrant.html. 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; or
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); and
Substantially complete the funded project by December 31, 2014.

Timeline
The application period is presently open, with a deadline of December 6. A committee and the SMSC Business Council will then review the applications. Grant recipients will be announced on January 6.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to community partnerships, charitable donations, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. The SMSC and the SMSC Gaming Enterprise (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino) are the largest employer in Scott County. Out of a Dakota tradition to help others, the SMSC has also donated nearly $272 million to organizations and causes and paid more than $7.6 million for shared local road projects since 1992, in addition to funding its own infrastructure and contributing generously to regional governments and infrastructure.