MnDOT receives federal stimulus grant

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation will receive a $1.45 million federal grant for the installation of conflict warning systems at 15 rural, stop-controlled intersections across the state.

The funding comes from the Transportation Investment Generating Recovery, or TIGER, program, which is part of a federal economic stimulus package administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The warning systems will inform motorists of intersection conflicts ahead to help them to better judge gaps in traffic. This project is the result of an extensive planning effort and is part of Minnesota’s Toward Zero Deaths safety program.

“Intersection conflict warning systems have the potential to significantly reduce collisions and improve safety at rural intersections,” said Sue Mulvihill, MnDOT deputy commissioner and chief engineer. “Based on the average daily traffic at these intersections, drivers and passengers in more than 80,000 vehicles will experience the added safety and security offered by these systems on a daily basis.

          
“This innovative system provides a safe and affordable alternative to traditional traffic safety improvements,” she said.

For more information about rural intersection conflict warning systems, see mndot.gov/trafficeng/signals/conflictwarning.html. They are one of many ways that MnDOT is using intelligenttransportation systems to improve safety on Minnesota’s highways. For more information on Minnesota’s ITS program visit mndot.gov/guidestar/.

In addition to MnDOT’s award, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority will receive $10 million in TIGER funds to rebuild and expand a general cargo dock and also will fund improvements to existing road and train connections.

Minnesota’s two awards were among $474 million in TIGER grants awarded to 52 projects in 37 states. For more information, see www.dot.gov/tiger/.

Funding available for shoreland vegetation projects

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making $225,000 available for grant proposals for restoring native aquatic habitat across the state. Individual grant requests can range from $25,000 to $100,000.

This program provides cost-share grants to counties, cities, watershed districts, other local units of government, conservation groups and lake associations to conduct aquatic habitat restoration projects with native plants to improve fish and wildlife habitat.

Projects on private properties will have at least 75 percent of the frontage restored with an adjacent buffer zone that is at least 25 feet deep or wide. The focus of these projects must be on re-establishing vegetation for fish and wildlife habitat. Funds cannot be used for rock riprap stabilization or permanent wave breaks.

Grants recipients will be reimbursed for a maximum of 75 percent of the total project costs. Applicants must be able to fund at least 25 percent of the total project costs from non-state sources. Matching funds may be cash; volunteer labor; and in-kind contributions of materials, equipment and services.

"This i s an opportunity for lake associations, local communities and conservation organizations to help enhance native shoreline vegetation and fish habitat in their local lakes, streams and rivers," said John Hiebert, DNR lake habitat consultant. "Since 1999, more than 350 restoration projects have been funded, restoring more than 136,000 feet of shoreline.”

Applications for grants are available on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/grants/habitat/shoreland.html or by calling the DNR at 888-646-6367. Completed grant applications are due Friday, Nov. 8.

Successful applicants will be notified in February 2014. Funds will be made available after July 1, 2014.

The grants are funded from state lottery proceeds deposited in the Heritage Enhancement Account. Grants are administered through the DNR’s Fish and Wildlife Division. Projects are selected and designed with guidance from local DNR fisheries managers.

NW MN FOUNDATION OFFERS FUNDAMENTALS OF GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP

BEMIDJI—August 19, 2013 -- The Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) is delivering a course meant to help grant writers learn the basics of putting together a successful grant application.  The workshop will cover writing styles, formatting, defining the problem, developing solutions, budget basics, and supporting documentation.

This four-hour workshop is for professionals and nonprofit staff who are directly involved in grant applications. Finding grants opportunities is not the focus, but will be covered. Participants will leave with techniques to find data for need statements, tips on writing effectively, and discussing the importance of collaborating for effective grant applications.

The session will be offered September 24^th in Bemidji, at the NMF Conference Center. Early registration is encouraged; the deadline is September 19^th. There is a $25 fee for the workshop— to register, please visit www.nwmf.org, where a link will be available under upcoming events.

NMF Program Officer- Grants, Nate Dorr is the instructor. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy with a focus on non-profit management from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute.

The workshop is limited to 40 participants. A limited number of scholarships are available. Please contact Dawn Ganje, dawng@nwmf.orgto inquire.

Taxpayer assistance grant to help growing needs of Minnesotans

ST. PAUL, Minn. – In an effort to increase volunteer tax preparation assistance, the Minnesota Department of Revenue is pleased to announce $400,000 is available in grant money for non-profits. Thanks to efforts by the 2013 legislature and Governor Dayton, the amount has doubled from $200,000 in previous years and will help thousands of low-income people file their taxes for free.

The grant is available to non-profit, 501(c)(3) organizations that help low-income, elderly, disabled, and limited-English speaking taxpayers file their returns.

“The demand for free tax assistance across the state continues to grow,” said Tracy Fischman, executive director of AccountAbility Minnesota. “Free tax programs provide essential, high quality services that help low-income households maximize their refunds, meet tax obligations, and avoid high-cost fees charged by some paid preparers. This funding ensures that we and our partners can continue to meet the growing need, and we are grateful for the support we receive through this program.”

Last year, 36 organizations helped 186,000 taxpayers receive assistance as a result of the grant. Now, even more Minnesotans will get help filing their tax returns. The grant money provides taxpayers with the information, education and service they need to file accurate and timely tax returns. Proactively providing this support makes government more efficient and saves taxpayer money.

“Each year, the dollar amount requested by organizations is more than double the money available,” said Terri Steenblock, Assistant Commissioner for Individual Taxes. “Governor Dayton recognizes that Minnesotans want to comply with tax laws; this grant will increase the number of Minnesotans who receive tax filing help for free.”
Organizations can apply for grant fundsbeginning today. Applications must be received by Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 2 p.m. The money has to be used for volunteer tax assistance services.