LCCMR adopts amended RFP funding rule: top five awards trimmed, smaller projects protected

Staff presented results from evaluation number two and said the initial agreement left the commission about $6.1 million over-allocated. Staff offered three options for balancing the package; Chair Albright proposed Option 3 (a broad set of smaller reductions that respects ranking and protects small projects). Senator Westrom then proposed an amendment to reduce projects with average allocations above $4,000,000 by 10% (five projects) and reduce the remaining projects by roughly 3.4%, leaving small projects under $300,000 untouched.

Staff ran the numbers during the hearing and reported that cutting the five largest projects by 10% would require about a 3.42% reduction across the remaining projects and would leave approximately $1,000 of over-allocation that could be covered by the commission buffer. Chair Albright said she would accept the Westrom approach and withdrew her motion so Westrom could move the combined amendment and motion. The commission approved Westrom's motion by roll call: 12 yes, 2 no, 1 abstain.

Members debated tradeoffs between respecting the ranking process and seeking proportionality from large recipients. A staff table listing the five projects above the $4,000,000 average allocation amount was read into the record (Minnesota State Trails development; an AIS/innovation leadership project; an SNA habitat enhancement/biodiversity project; a local parks/trails grant program; and a state-park entrance bridge replacement). The commission directed staff to draft allocation language for the legislative recommendation package.