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8.b) MNDOT Grant Application Manual MNDOT COMMUNITY ROADSIDE LANDSCAPING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION MANUAL (February 2012) From Wildflowers to Trees A Growing Partnership Improving Our Communities and Environment MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Part 1 – Program Description 2012 The Minnesota Department of Transportation's Community Roadside Landscaping Partnership Program is designed to provide technical and financial assistance to communities that are interested in landscaping state highway rights of way. This is a reimbursement program, not a grant. The program has three goals: (1) roadside beautification, (2) community improvement, and (3) Environmental stewardship. This manual describes the program and application requirements, and provides examples of required documents. Part I is the Program Description. Part II is the Application Form and the instructions to complete the form. Part III is the Appendices that provide other information pertinent to the application process. If you have any questions about the program or application requirements, please call (651) 366-4617 to speak with Mn/DOT's Landscape Partnership Program Coordinator. APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY For purposes of this program, ‘Communities’ are defined as counties, home rule charters, statutory cities or towns, townships, and Counties. Ineligible applicants will not be considered unless they are sponsored by a community or other unit of government that can execute and honor a cooperative agreement with MnDOT (a necessary requirement for MnDOT to transfer funds.) If you have questions about your group’s eligibility, please contact the Landscape Partnership Program coordinator for assistance. ELIGIBLE COMPONENTS Funds awarded under this program must be used for roadside landscaping located on state trunk highway rights of way with fee or easement title. Interstate freeways and high volume divided highways with controlled access may be excluded from this program due to liability, safety, and access problems. MnDOT District Staff or the Landscape Architect/Designer assigned will help determine if the site is suitable. Components that support the goals of the program include, but are not limited to, the following: - Planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, vines, perennial groundcovers, wildflowers and grasses. - Incorporation of soil amendments, herbicides, edging, weed fabric, wood fiber blanket, mulch (wood chip, rock or other approved types), rodent protection, staking and guying, gator bags, and seedling shelters. Components that support the goals of the program, which MnDOT can help design and locate, but are not funded by Mn/DOT’s Landscape Partnership Program are: - Community entrance monuments - Retaining walls, walkways, planters, etc. - Benches, lighting, irrigation, etc… MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Part 1 – Program Requirements 2012 Communities seeking approval to initiate a proposed landscape partnership project with provision of MnDOT technical and design assistance must submit a written request to the appropriate MnDOT District Engineer (see Appendix III.), along with the completed application. Design Assistance Needed (MnDOT Prepared Plans): If you need design assistance, please complete the all of the application except sections 6 and 7. Also please include all of the required attachments, except attachment “C”. Submittal can be at anytime during the year. Allow between 6 months to 1 year for design and municipal agreement processes. Submitting Plans Prepared by Others: If you are submitting your own design, please complete your written request and submit your applications for fall planting to Mn/DOT by May 31st. Applications for spring planting must be submitted to MnDOT by December 31st. Project components must support at least one of the three goals of the program (roadside beautification, community improvement, and environmental stewardship.) In the formative stages of the project, the applicant must form and designate a committee of at least three contact people for the project. At least one of the three contact people must be an employee or official representative of the local government unit requesting or sponsoring the project. The designated individuals on the committee would then be responsible for overall project liaison and coordination prior to and during the submission of the application, as well as during implementation stages, installation, and maintenance period of the project. At least one of the committee members will be required to help set up a training session for the Community. They will be responsible for providing Community workers and volunteers with Mn/DOT supplied instructions, and information packets pertaining to safe and proper worker supervision, materials handling, plant installation and plant maintenance. The application must include a formal resolution indicating community support for the desired improvements and authorization of a primary contact person to apply to MnDOT for funding. See Appendix I for sample resolution. A MnDOT approved (District and Landscape Partnership Program Coordinator) landscape plan at a scale of not more than 100'=1" must be included as part of the application. (11" x 17" reductions are acceptable for application purposes.) The landscape plan shall incorporate by reference or attachment, standard MnDOT planting details, material specifications and special provisions as applicable. The plan may be prepared by one of MnDOT's landscape architects, landscape designers or foresters with no obligation or cost to the community, as scheduled work loads permit. Potential applicants may use the services of local landscape design professionals to prepare plans, at their own cost, thereby minimizing time delays that may occur as a result of MnDOT's workload. MnDOT's project manager will assist applicants in obtaining base mapping information, design guidelines, required reviews, and necessary approvals. Community designed plans will need to be reviewed by Mn/DOT Staff, to determine if the project meets minimum standards for safety and mobility. MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Part 1 – Program Requirements 2012 Funding assistance is limited to the estimated cost of providing the required landscape materials. Materials included, but not limited to are: soil amendments, herbicides, plant materials, seed, sod, mulch, rodent guards, gator bags, and other miscellaneous materials necessary for the project. Eligible projects must include a minimum of $1,000 worth of materials and the maximum award of funds for any project or project phase shall not exceed $30,000* in any given year. The program requires that a community provide the funds or in-kind services to install and maintain the state funded materials. Applicants may utilize their own labor forces, service organizations, volunteers or contractors. The community must act as the contract letting and administration authority where contract installation is desired. Contract awards must be received and approved by District Staff and the Landscape Partnership Coordinator, before the project can be started. If volunteers are to be used, the application must include a volunteer pledge list** identifying sufficient numbers of volunteers to complete the scope of work within an acceptable time period. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older unless accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. A ratio of at least one adult supervisor for every five children under the age of 18 is required. Successful applicants are required to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with MnDOT to install and maintain the roadside landscape improvements. A detailed landscape plan showing actual locations and quantities of materials along with the specifications and special provisions will form the basis of the Agreement together with the application and schedule of maintenance requirements (Appendix V). The applicant must submit the completed application and written request to the appropriate MnDOT District Engineer (Appendix III). The application could also be sent electronically, in PDF Format. The application will then be reviewed for approval by MnDOT's District and Landscaping Programs staff. CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING APPLICATIONS After the completed application has been submitted to MnDOT, additional information may be required. Clarification of vague or ambiguous application materials may be requested by the MnDOT review team. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding. In order for an application to be reviewed, it must contain the basic, minimal requirements as outlined in this manual. Applications may be approved for funding in the full amount requested or in an amount less than requested. The criteria to be used in reviewing and ranking qualifying applications include: 1. Extent to which the proposed project meets one or more of the goals of the program. 2. Extent to which the proposed project is consistent with MnDOT policy, safety, design, and operations guidelines. 3. Extent to which the proposed project and partner demonstrate a strong likelihood for successful installation, establishment and maintenance of the roadside landscaping investment. *The upper limit cost is determined by the local District office, based on funding available for the fiscal year that the project is completed in. ** Estimated Volunteers needed based on 1person planting either: 1 tree/hour, or 4 shrubs/hour, or 20 perennials/hour. MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Part 1 – Program Requirements 2012 PROJECT FUND REIMBURSEMENT Project Fund reimbursement is contingent upon: - Appropriate preparatory work and installation of approved landscape materials. Approved materials need to include all certificates and licenses required by the state, as per MnDOT spec 2571. - Execution and approval of the Cooperative Agreement. Funds may be transferred to the community upon receipt of a written request to the Statewide Landscape Partnership Coordinator with a copy of the purchase orders and/or invoices for landscape materials. o The letter needs to include the project number, agreement number and the amount of reimbursement that is being requested o The letter must also state if the amount being requested is for payment in full or for a partial payment.  A partial payment may be made if the community was not able to complete all planting operations on the day of the planting, but need to be reimbursed for the material that has been planted to date.  The city must then request a final payment after the project is completed. o A partial payment by MnDOT does not constitute an agreement for additional plantings outside of the original agreement. o A partial or full payment does not guarantee an approval for future projects with MnDOT, unless the community submits another application. MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Part 1 – Program Requirements 2012 This Page Intentionally Left Blank MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Part 2 – Application 2012 MN/DOT COMMUNITY ROADSIDE LANDSCAPING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM Submitted By:_____________________________________________________ Date:___________________________ MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Part 2 – Application 2012 (1) APPLICANT Local Government Unit / Community____________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________ (2) COMMITTEE OF PRIMARY CONTACT PERSONS: One of the Committee members must be employed as a staff member or representative of the Local Government Unit. Name________________________________________________Phone__________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Name________________________________________________Phone__________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Name________________________________________________Phone__________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ (3) DESCRIBE THE LOCATION OF THE PROJECT SITE(S). (Include county, city and the limits of the project.) Trunk Highway:______ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ (4) BRIEFLY STATE THE GOALS AND SCOPE OF YOUR PROPOSED PROJECT. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ (5) BRIEFLY STATE THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Committees, Boards or other) AND APPROVAL PROCESS USED (City Council or other) AND SIGNIFICANT COORDINATION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS (DNR, Watershed District, or other). ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Part 2 – Application 2012 (6) FOR PLANS PREPARED BY OTHERS: LIST THE REQUIRED “GENERAL” MATERIALS ONLY AND THE ESTIMATED MATERIAL COSTS FOR THE PROJECT (soil amendments, herbicide, plant materials, seed, sod, construction materials, weeds fabric, mulch, rodent protection, etc.) DO NOT INCLUDE LABOR OR EQUIPMENT. PROJECT MATERIALS (on state right of way only) MATERIALS QUANTITY ESTIMATED COST PLANT MATERIALS HERBICIDES COMPOST WOOD CHIPS RODENT PROTECTION (WHERE NEEDED) TOTAL MATERIAL COST _________________ (Include Sales Tax and Shipping) (7) SHOW THE DESIRED TIMETABLE FOR COMPLETION OF EACH MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT FROM PREPARATION OF PLANTING AREAS THROUGH COMPLETION OF INSTALLATION. TIMETABLE BEGINNING DATE: ENDING DATE: COMPONENT YEAR J F M A M J J A S O N D Preliminary Layout and Staking Spray or Remove existing weeds & grasses Cultivate planting and seeding areas (soil amendments, rototilling) Stake individual plant locations I n s t a l l P l a n t s I n s t a l l T u r f Install Mulch I n s t a l l P l a n t P r o t e c t i o n MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Part 2 – Application 2012 (8) DESCRIBE THE TYPES OF LABOR FORCES AND THE ESTIMATED QUANTITY OF PERSONNEL THAT WILL INSTALL AND MAINTAIN THE PROJECT. (city crews, youth service corp., contractors, volunteers) If the majority of work is to be performed by volunteers, a preliminary pledge list of volunteers must be attached. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ STATEMENT OF ASSURANCES To the best of my knowledge and belief, data in this application is true and correct, and the document has been duly authorized by the government unit of the applicant with full understanding of the program requirements. It is agreed that at least one primary contact person will hold a training session for the community workers, volunteers and/or contractors to provide proper direction and information packets for landscape project preparation, inspection, installation, and maintenance. It is agreed that if volunteer workers are to be used, they will meet minimum age or eligibility requirements. It is agreed that the local government unit will enter into an Agreement with MnDOT ensuring that the local government unit will ensure or provide required maintenance of the roadside landscape improvements described in the plan and the Agreement. _________________________________________________________ ___________ Signature of the Primary Contact Person Date Authorized By the Local Government Unit REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS TO BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE APPLICATION: (A) ____ RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION AND DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON. (B) ____ MAP OF PROJECT LOCATION. (C) ____ VOLUNTEER PLEDGE LIST (If volunteers are to be used, otherwise state how the project will be installed) If submitting plans by others (D) ____ MNDOT APPROVED LANDSCAPE PLAN AND ESTIMATE (Approval Stamped and Dated By District Staff and Landscape Partnership Coordinator) The documents submitted in support of this application shall be considered part of this application. MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Part 2 – Application 2012 This Page Intentionally Left Blank MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Part 3 – Appendices 2012 APPENDICES I. SAMPLE OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION AND DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON. II. LIST OF RESOURCES. III. MAP OF MN/DOT DISTRICTS AND LIST OF DISTRICT/METRO DIVISION CONTACTS WITH ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS. IV. EXAMPLE MAINTENANCE ACTIVITY CHARTS V. PARTIAL LIST OF ACTIVITIES TO INSURE SUCCESS OF PARTNERSHIP PLANTINGS. VI. MN/DOT LANDSCAPING PARTNERSHIP PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM. MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Appendix I – Resolution 2012 SAMPLE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION AND PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON Applicants must adopt the following as a resolution or letter and submit it with the application. Applications without a completed and signed resolution or letter will not be considered. Be it resolved that __________________________________________________________________ (applicant/local government) act as sponsoring unit for the project identified as _________________________________________ on the state trunk highway(s) ____________________________________________ to be conducted during the period ________________________ through __________________________. ( d u r a t i o n d a t e s ) Be it further resolved ________________________________________ is hereby authorized to apply (name of primary contact person) to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for funding of this project on behalf of ________________________________________________. (applicant/local government) I certify that the above resolution was adopted or approved by _______________________________ of (City Council or City/County official) ________________________________________________ on ____________________. (applicant/local government) (date) SIGNED: ____________________________________ (signature) ____________________________________ ( t i t l e ) ( d a t e ) WITNESSED: ____________________________________ (signature) ____________________________________ ( t i t l e ) ( d a t e ) MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Appendix II – Resources 2012 LIST OF RESOURCES The following may be able to provide assistance or information affecting your project. Minnesota Department of Transportation (see Appendix III for contacts)  District Offices  Statewide Landscape Partnership Coordinator Minnesota Extension Service University of Minnesota St. Paul, MN 55108 www.extension.umn.edu AnswerLine - (800) 854-1678 Minnesota State Horticultural Society Minnesota Green 1755 Prior Avenue North Falcon Heights, MN 55113 www.northerngarderner.org (651) 643-3601 or (800) 676-6747 ext 211 Minnesota State Historical Society State Historic Preservation Government Project and Compliance History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W. St. Paul, MN (651) 296-5462 Iron Range Resources And Rehabilitation Board Community Development Division P.O. Box 441, Highway 53 South Eveleth, MN 55734 (218) 735-3000 www.ironrangeresources.org University of Minnesota School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture 216 Pillsbury Drive S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 626-9068 www.design.umn.edu University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum 3675 Arboretum Drive Chanhassen, MN 55317 (952) 443-1400 www.arboretum.umn.edu Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association P.O. Box 130307 St. Paul, MN 55113 (651) 633-4987 www.mnla.biz Minnesota Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects 275 Market Street, Suite 54 Minneapolis, MN 55405 (612) 339-0797 www.masla.org Minnesota Design Team AIA Minnesota International Market Square 275 Market Street, Suite 54 Minneapolis, MN 55405 (612) 338-6763 ext 214 www.minnestoadesignteam.org Local Offices of the following: - County Agricultural Extension Service - Department of Natural Resources (D.N.R.) Division of Forestry - Regional / Metropolitan Planning Commissions and Councils - Soil Conservation Service (S.C.S.) - Soil and Water Conservation Districts (S.W.C.D.) - U.S. Forest Service (U.S.F.S.) MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Appendix III – Contacts 2012 FOR MORE INFORMATION or guidance in developing Landscape Partnership projects, contact: Mn/DOT State Landscape Partnership Program Coordinator Todd A. Carroll, Landscape Architect MnDOT Office of Environmental Stewardship, 395 John Ireland Blvd., M.S. 686 St. Paul, MN 55155-1899 Phone: (651) 366-4617, Fax: (651) 366-4699 E-mail: Todd.Carroll@state.mn.us Send completed applications or to request design assistance contact the appropriate District Representative listed below. District Contacts: District 1 Mr. Tom Jacobson 1123 Mesaba Avenue Duluth, MN 55811 (218) 725-2778 Tom.Jacobson@state.mn.us District 2 Mr. Lynn Eaton, D.E. 3920 Highway 2 West Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 755-6549 Lynn.Eaton@state.mn.us District 3 Mr. Bob Busch, D.E. 7694 Industrial Park Baxter, MN 56425 (218) 828-5703 Robert.Busch@state.mn.us District 4 Mr. Lee Berget, D.E. 1000 Highway 10 West Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 (218) 847-3603 Lee.Berget@state.mn.us District 6 Nelrae Succio, D.E. 2900, 48th St. N.W. Rochester, MN 55903 (507) 286-7501 Nelrae.Succio@state.mn.us District 7 Mr. Gordon Regenscheid, A.D.E. 2151 Bassett Dr. Mankato, MN 56001-5032 (507) 304-6104 Gordon.Regensheid@state.mn.us District 8 Mr. Mel Odens, A. D.E. 1800 E. College Dr. Marshall, MN 56258 (507) 537-2044 Mel.Odens@state.mn.us Metro Mr. Ryan Sodd 1500 West County Rd. B2 Roseville, MN 55113-3105 (651) 234-7923 Cathy.Ashfeld@state.mn.us MN D O T L a n d s c a p e P a r t n e r s h i p Ap p l i c a t i o n A p p e n d i x I V – Ma i n t e n a n c e R e q u i r e m e n t s 2012 MN D O T L a n d s c a p e P a r t n e r s h i p Ap p l i c a t i o n A p p e n d i x I V – Ma i n t e n a n c e R e q u i r e m e n t s 2012 MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Appendix IV – Maintenance Requirements 2012 MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Appendix IV – Maintenance Requirements 2012 MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Appendix V – Responsibilities 2012 SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES TO INSURE LANDSCAPE PROJECT SUCCESS ACTIVITIES - BEFORE PLANTING DAY RESPONSIBLE PARTY/PERSON Overall coordination ....................................................... City, Beautification Committee Request MnDOT sanction and technical assistance ............ City Secure assistance from local resources; services; sponsors City, Beautification Committee Initial scoping and strategy meetings ............................... City, MN/DOT, Local Resource Personnel and Services Prepare plan .................................................................. MN/DOT or City, Consultant Designer, Resource Personnel Review plan ................................................................... MN/DOT, City and Beautification Committee Identify preliminary work force capabilities and volunteer pledges ........................................................... City, Beautification Committee and Mn/DOT Identify preliminary equipment and supply needs and provider commitments / terms .................................. City, Beautification Committee and Mn/DOT Approve plan ................................................................. Mn/DOT and City Obtain cost estimates / bids for provision of Landscape materials ....................................................... City, Beautification Committee and Mn/DOT Secure Commitments to maintain plantings ...................... City Develop phasing strategy and schedule ............................ City, Beautification Committee and Mn/DOT Submit completed partnership application with MnDOT approved plan .................................................... City, Beautification Committee Notify successful applicants of projects to be awarded ....... Mn/DOT Prepare and execute the Landscape Partnership Agreement..................................................................... Mn/DOT and City Order and schedule delivery of plants and materials .......... City Provide training session for plant inspection, installation, and maintenance .......................................... Beautification Committee and Mn/DOT Attend training session ................................................... Community Workers, Volunteers, and Contractors Plan a Planting Day Ceremony to Honor the Effort and Participants .................................................................... Beautification Committee Publicize planting day and line up sponsors, services, "leaders", work crews (volunteers, contractors, etc.) ....... Beautification Committee Hold orientation meeting(s) to schedule and plan installation; to assign tasks; and to review proper procedures and info packets / videos .............................. Beautification Committee Supply stakes ................................................................. MN/DOT Stake plant locations ...................................................... City, Crew Leaders and MN/DOT Review staking .............................................................. MN/DOT Locate and mark utilities, re-stake as necessary ................ City, Beautification Committee Locate material storage sites and staging areas ................ Beautification Committee and MN/DOT Spray Roundup in planting areas (Optional and preferably in late summer or early fall) ........ Experienced and Licensed Personnel (City, County, Mn/DOT or Contractor) Haul compost / soil amendments to planting beds ............. City / Community "Forces" Till planting beds (incorporate compost or other soil amendments preferably in fall) ........................................ City / Community "Forces" Haul wood chips to storage locations near planting beds ... City / Community "Forces" Layout flower beds and line up flowers ............................ Community Garden Club Receive and inspect nursery stock (preferably in spring) .... Trained Community Personnel with assistance from Local Conservation and Environmental Resource Personnel MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Appendix V – Responsibilities 2012 ACTIVITIES - PLANTING DAY Breakfast gathering suggested .............................................. Organizers, Crew leaders, Service Providers Check-In Station with Information Providers, Refreshments ..... City / Community "Forces" and Sponsors Traffic Control, Signing and access / parking directions ............ Mn/DOT, Local Law Enforcement Personnel, and Designated City / Community Safety Officer Provision of "porta-potties" ................................................... City / Communities Sponsors Planting and safety demonstrations ....................................... MN/DOT, Local Resource Personnel and Crew Leaders Distribution of plants and materials from and to storage sites .. Local Resource Personnel and Crew leaders Supervise planting crews (crew leaders) ................................. Local Resource Personnel, Trained Community Personnel and Mn/DOT Insure proper handling and protection of plants before and during planting .............................................................. Crew Leaders Insure safe work methods and behaviors ............................... Crew Leaders Insure proper plant and material installation ........................... Crew Leaders Install plants, seed, sod, mulch, rodent protection, etc. ........... City / Community "Forces" Watering ............................................................................. Fire Department and City / Community "Forces" TAKE PICTURES throughout project ....................................... Mn/DOT, Volunteers and Media Provide Simple Lunch ........................................................... City / Community Sponsors and Service Organizations Conduct a Ceremony to Honor the Effort and Participants ........ Beautification Committee, Dignitaries, Participants ACTIVITIES AFTER PLANTING Send letters of appreciation ................................................... Mn/DOT and Beautification Committee Set up maintenance schedule ................................................ City, Volunteers, Trained Community Personnel Watering ............................................................................. Fire Department and City / Community "Forces" Weeding, monitoring for disease, insect, drainage problems .... City / Community "Forces" POTENTIAL WORK GROUPS Civic groups Garden Clubs Army Reserve Unit Sentence to Service Scouts Youth groups Vo-Ag Class Businesses City Parks/Public Works Crews FFA 4-H Clubs Contractors MNDOT Landscape Partnership Application Appendix VI – Process 2012 MNDOT LANDSCAPING PARTNERSHIP PROCESS For General Information call the MnDOT Landscape Partnership Program Coordinator (651) 366-4617 Sponsoring Local Government Unit must send a letter or resolution to the MnDOT District Contact person (Appendix III) requesting sanction and technical assistance to develop a proposed landscaping partnership project. If MnDOT District Staff consider the project request feasible and desirable, the Landscape Partnership Program Coordinator (LPPC) will be asked to assign a Project Manager to provide design and/or technical assistance to the Community. MnDOT Project Manager (landscape architect, designer or forester) and District Liaison meet with the Community to discuss project planning, implementation, and maintenance concerns. MnDOT Project Manager prepares or assists the Community designer in preparing conceptual Plans. District Liaison reviews preliminary Plan for safety and operational concerns prior to Plan review with the Community. MnDOT Project Manager, District Liaison, and Local Government Unit / Community meet to review the Plan and to identify desired modifications, options, timetables, implementation strategies and phasing. MnDOT Project Manager or the Community designer finalizes the detailed Plans, Cost Estimates, and Specifications for review and approval by Mn/DOT and Local Government Unit / Community representatives. MnDOT District Liaison approves plan and gets the necessary Mn/DOT signatures. Local Government Unit / Authorized Primary Contact Person prepare a "complete" Partnership Project Application and submit it in duplicate to the MnDOT Landscape Partnership Program Coordinator. MnDOT Landscape Partnership Program Coordinator screens Application with Project Manager for accuracy / completeness and forwards a recommendation for approval / rejection of Funding with the Application to District Liaison. Subsequent to District feedback, the Landscape Partnership Program Coordinator notifies applicants of approval, rejection, or deferral of their Application and Mn/DOT funding. If the Application and Funding are approved, the MnDOT Project Manager will draft a Cooperative Agreement detailing the Local Government Unit's procurement, installation, and maintenance responsibilities. The MnDOT Municipal Agreements Engineer coordinates execution of the Agreement and encumbrance of District landscape partnership Funds. MnDOT Project Manager provides technical assistance to help the Community organize their efforts, procure quality materials, obtain training, and coordinate safe and successful installation and maintenance of their plantings. Local Government Unit sends copies of the Purchase Orders for Approved Materials specified in the Project Application and Plan to the MnDOT Project Manager. MnDOT Municipal Agreements Engineer authorizes a Lump Sum Payment of the Approved Funding Amount to the Local Government Unit MnDOT Project Manager(s) will Evaluate Compliance / Success of Project relative to intent by written report including Corrective Actions, if needed, and continue providing technical assistance to Community as necessary. Send out Thank You Letters and Certificates of Appreciation.