Introduction:
Implementation of the Greenway in Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN will require a coordinated effort between the two communities and a broad array of partners. The 2,200-acre Greenway represents a formidable challenge in terms of development, maintenance, management and operation. It will not be accomplished without an extensive partnership approach. This concept paper defines a management structure, within the Engineering Department, for the 800 acres on the Grand Forks side.
Mission of
Greenway Structure:
The Greenway Division is to be established within the City of Grand Forks Engineering Department. Its purpose is to manage on behalf of the City the development and implementation of the Greenway Master Plan. The Greenway Division shall engage in proactive partnerships with federal and state government agencies, private sector business organizations, institutions, community groups and individuals to realize the full potential of this Plan in order to enhance the livability and quality of life for residents of Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN.
Organizational
Structure:
(1) Staffing: Initially, the Greenway Division may require up to two staff positions within the Engineering Department. The Greenway Division will report to the City Engineer.
The State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is already a strong public sector partner and a co-developer of the East Grand Forks Greenway facilities. The State of North Dakota has also expressed some limited interest in assisting Grand Forks with facility development.
The federal government is a partner in Greenway facility development. The US Army Corps of Engineers will participate in the development of Greenway recreational facilities through the Greenway on a cost share basis with both communities. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the North Dakota Forest Service have already identified programs and funding. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has expressed an interest in partnering with both communities to conduct environmental education within the Greenway. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has also expressed an interest in the larger Red River Basin through its Project Impact program. In addition, other federal agencies have expressed interest.
a. Management and Coordination
The overall management of the Greenway and coordination with other entities operating within the Greenway rests with the Greenway Division. The Engineering Department shall review and have
final approval of proposed projects within the Greenway area to assure that they comply with Corp of Engineers flood plain project management requirements.
The Greenway Division shall coordinate with other public and private organizations interested in the development of the Greenway. The Greenway Divison shall give special attention to working with the City of Grand Forks Planning Department to develop an overall strategy to implement the City’s approved Greenway Master Plan; the City of Grand Forks Urban Development Department in the maintenance of the Greenway area; and the Grand Forks Park District to take advantage of its expertise in areas such as forestry management, recreation, event coordination, and management of park areas.
The planning and design of facilities within the Greenway in accordance with the Greenway Master Plan as approved or as amended by the City Council from time to time.
Maintain a master calendar of scheduled events within the Greenway and work with the Park District and other organizations to host and market a variety of events as the Greenway is developed.
In an effort to make the Greenway a tourist attraction, the Greenway Division is responsible for the marketing of events scheduled within the Greenway. The Greenway Division shall work closely with the Park District, Convention and Visitor Bureau, and other Greenway organizations and community groups to coordinate marketing efforts.
Assist 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in writing grants and seeking resources to implement the Greenway Master Plan and/or to funds for the operation and management of the Greenway.
The City of Grand Forks shall own all of the land within the Greenway. The Park District will maintain certain areas as part of the City and Park District Lease Agreement. As the Greenway is developed the City will explore various contractual arrangements with the Park District and other entities for the management of the Greenway area.
At this point funding for the Greenway Division will be included as part of the flood protection budget for the year 2001 to be approved by the City Council. Future funding for the Greenway Division will be a separate line item in all future budgets submitted by the Engineering Department as part of the annual budget for construction of the flood project as construction of the project progresses.