Koochiching County agrees to back Voyager ATV Club RTP grant, approve standing fiscal-agent agreement

KIRK KENNEDY, a Voyager ATV Club board member, asked the Koochiching County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 11 to serve as fiscal agent for a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant application for a five-mile trail segment. The board approved a resolution supporting the club’s $200,000 RTP application and then approved a fiscal-agent agreement to handle grant administration.

The action matters because the RTP grant requires a 25% local match and the county acting as fiscal agent would front funds for reimbursement and manage grant compliance. Kennedy said the club is seeking $200,000 and a 25% ($50,000) match; the five-mile segment is part of a larger $950,000 project that includes $700,000 in state bonding and other dedicated ATV funding.

Commissioners discussed funding logistics and timing. County staff told the board the county would normally front grant expenditures and request reimbursement from state and federal sources; Kennedy and staff said the club expects to raise the $50,000 match from private donors, the ATV dedicated account or the joint powers board if needed. Commissioner discussion noted the county’s fiscal-agent role is a common arrangement for local nonprofits and would reduce repetitive paperwork for future grants.

The board voted to: (1) adopt the resolution supporting the Voyager ATV Club RTP grant application; and (2) approve a standing fiscal-agent agreement so the club can use the county as fiscal agent for this and future related grants. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the club’s multijurisdictional work to connect regional trails.

Votes at a glance: The resolution for the Voyager ATV Club RTP application carried on a voice vote; the fiscal-agent agreement likewise carried on a voice vote.

Ending: County staff and the club will proceed with the grant application due Feb. 28 and, if awarded, follow the county’s normal reimbursement process.