Bee Branch Watershed Application, Tab B, Appendix A, (F) RECAT Award and ApplicationMarch 23 , 2011
The Honorable. Roy Buol
City of Dubuque
50 W 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001-4864
RE: City of Dubuque RECAT Agreement ll-RECAT-004 -Bee Branch Creek Restoration
Project
Dear Mayor Buol:
Congratulations on your RECAT award in the amount of $2,250,000. For this award to take
effect, the enclosed Agreement must be signed and returned within forty-five (45) days of
the Vision Iowa Board's transmittal of this Agreement. Please return the Agreement to :
Pam Koehn-Miller
Iowa Department of Economic Development
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1819
Please remember, River Enhancement Community Attraction and Tourism awards are disbursed on a
reimbursement basis. The amount of reimbursement is based on the percentage ofRECAT funds to the
total project cost. This process will continue until all grant funds are released. This process helps to
ensure that both local funds and RECAT funds are injected into the project as it progresses .
Before any funds can be released to your project, the following items must be completed and
submitted :
• A resolution of the City Council authorizing the execution and delivery by the City of this
Agreement and such other documents as the ' Vision Iowa Board or the Vision Iowa
Board's legal counsel may reasonably request, and specifying the officer(s) authorized to
execute the Agreement and such other documents that are necessary to bind the City.
• Evidence, acceptable to the Vision Iowa Board or the Vision Iowa Board's legal counsel,
that all other funding sources that have been committed to this Project.
• Complete/submit ''vendor form " W -9 (enclosed).
Terry E. Branstad. Governor IOWA DEPART MENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Kim Reynolds. Li eutenant Governor
DebiV. Du rha m. Dire ct or . 200 East Grand Avenue . Des Moin es. Iowa USA 50309 • Phon e: 515 .725 .3000 • Fax: 515 .725 .3010 • www.iowalif ech anging .com ~.
When you are ready to submit a reimbursement claim, please send a cover letter, which shows a
bulleted listing of all costs incurred. This listing should include the vendor, the amount paid, and the
date payment was made . The authorized officer (named in the resolution described earlier in this letter)
should sign the letter. Please enclose copi es of the paid invoices behind your cover letter. The invoice
should clearly list what is being paid for and the check number that you sent to pay the invoice. Please
include the following language on your cover sheet:
"As per RECAT Agreement (inselt your agreement number), Activity number (inselt the activity
number found on "Exhibit C "), I am requesting reimbursement for the following invoices totaling
(inselt the total of your enclosed invoices). Please fOlward payment to the following address
(inselt your mailing address). I hereby certify, under penalty of perjUlY, that the expenditures and
figures presented to the Iowa Department of Economic Development on (insert date) are true and
correct."
Once I receive your request for reimbursement, it will take approximately 4 weeks to process your
request and send a check. However, please note this period may vary depending on the workload of
our Accounting staff. With this in mind, you may wish to consider interim fmancing for your project.
As your project progresses, we would appreciate infOimation on any groundbreaking ceremonies,
ribbon cuttings, or similar events . As these events are scheduled, please pass this infOimation on to me
so that I may infOim our staff. The Vision Iowa Board and the Department of Economic Development
look forward to seeing each project and the oppOitunity to visit with you in person.
If you should have any questions or concerns, please contact me at (515) 725-3197 , or bye-mail
at alaina.santizo@ iowa.gov .
Sincerely,
~'t()
, Alaina Santizo
Vision Iowa/CAT Program Manager
BEA UTY FRO M DI SASTER
eeJ
RESTORATION PROJECT
REC Al Grant App li ca ti on Oc tobe r 15, 201 0 Ma s terpi ec e all tile Mi ss iss ippi
,
"
Dubuque
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007
Alaina Santizo
Vision Iowa/CAT Program Manager
Iowa Department of Economic Development
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines IA 50309
Office o f the Ma yor & City C oun cil
C ity Ha ll
50 West 13" Street
Dubuqu e, IA 52 001-4864
www.cityofdubuque.org
October 12, 2010
RE : RECAT Grant Application -Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project: Executive Summary
Dear Ms. Santizo,
Please accept this letter as the City of Dubuque's Executive Summary for our RECAT Grant
Application for the amenities portion of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project. This project
has benefit, commitment and attraction for our highly respected Mississippi River community.
Community Benefit
This multi-year project will replace an underground storm sewer with an open waterway and
other public amenities, reducing the risk of flood damage to 1,150 properties and improving
water quality in some of Dubuque 's oldest neighborhoods. The landscaped creek will include
bike/hike trails, lighting, benches, bridges, and an amphitheater, improving economic conditions
and quality of life for neighborhood residents while creating a tourist attraction . Residents as
well as visitors to Dubuque will be able to enjoy the recreational amenities of the project and
benefit from this new community attraction.
The Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project also will create a 7 -acre development site adjacent
to the project near the riverfront. The anticipated commercial development could include 3
restaurants and a hotel/motel, creating about 175 jobs. Approximately 225 construction jobs
would be created/retained to build the commercial businesses on the 7 -acre site as well as
construct the overall project.
Yet all these pieces lead to two primary goals:
o Avoiding future floods and related loss of property and prosperity in the area . All too often
heavy rains inundate current storm water drainage systems that have for more than a
hundred years been forced unsatisfactorily underground . At times , flooding has been
exacerbated by the Mississippi River itself, when it is so high that water cannot flow into it.
o Adding value to the area by re-creating the natural , open creek, the Bee Branch Creek,
which once existed, furthers the use and enjoyment of Dubuque's river-connected heritage
and quality of life for residents and visitors .
Through the amenities portion of the larger project, Dubuque plans to return value to properties
in the impacted neighborhoods (which have seen devaluation), implement its community vision
of supporting sustainable development in established older neighborhoods, and connect people
to water through recreation facilities , community attractions, and education .
Serv ic e People Integrity Res ponsib ili ty hmovation Teamwork
RECA T Grant Application -Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project: Executive Summary
Page 2
Community Commitment
The City of Dubuque has been working for many years, seeking funding from a variety of
sources to mitigate flooding, improve water quality, and enhance quality of life with the project.
The City Council has adopted a capital improvement budget --our financial commitment to
secure loans of $38.6 million to build the $46.9 million Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project.
The public amenities portion of the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is estimated to
be $21.7 million. The RECAT request is for approximately $7.16 million, or 33% of this
public amenities portion of the project.
RECAT funding is a critical component to move this project forward as a community attraction.
The new development site with its links via water and a paved trail to the Mississippi Riverfront,
the City and County trail systems and other community amenities will not flourish without the
RECAT funds.
Work began in 2007 on environmental clearance for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project.
In 2008, an historic/architectural/archeological survey/evaluation of historic properties and other
cultural resources began in the project corridor. Public workshops on the design of the restored
open waterway and other public amenities were held in 2009. Appraisals, acquisition and
relocation began in 2006-2007 . In 2009-2010, the City finalized the Section 106 mitigation plan.
In 2010 , work began on deconstruction of properties in the project corridor. In 2010, dredging of
the 16th Street detention basin began to prepare it as the eastern terminus of the restored Bee
Branch Creek waterway. The entire creek restoration project is to be completed by 2013.
Community Attraction
The Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project meets the mission of the Vision Iowa Board to fund
projects that build on Iowa's unique assets and values, and expand the cultural , recreational,
entertainment and educational opportunities in the state. The project will create a restored creek
and a linear park that accommodates recreational use . Landscaping, sidewalks, walking paths,
lighting, and benches would line the creek corridor. Fiber optic conduit incorporated into the
project would provide hubs that can generate clouds for wireless Internet access . The project's
linear park thus becomes an outdoor classroom as well as technology access point for
education , long distance learning, and social networking.
A multiuse trail along the full length of the restored Bee Branch Creek will maintain connections
to the neighborhoods, public transit, and school routes. It also will enhance connections to the
City and County trail systems, 'serving as a community attraction to visitors. Users of the Bee
Branch Creek Trail will be able to link with the City's 14-mile Mississippi Riverfront trail system,
traveling to attractions like Lock and Dam No. 11, City parks, the Mississippi River, America's
River project at the Port of Dubuque, and E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain
State Park. Trail users will connect to the premier 26-mile Heritage Trail that links the cities of
Dubuque, Dyersville, Farley, Epworth, Graf, Durango and Sageville in Dubuque County.
We hope you'll agree that our RECAT grant application for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration
Project will help create another outstanding community attraction for tourism in Iowa.
Sincerely, /yJLI
Roy D. Buol, Mayor
Service Pe ople Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
II
RIVER ENHANCEMENT COMMUNITY ATTRACTION AND TOURISM PROGRAM II
APPLICATION COVER SHEET
Return Completed Application to:
Vision Iowa Program Manager
Iowa Department of Economic Development
200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309·1819
Name of Project Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project Date SUbmitted: __ 1",0"-'1.:..:5,,,-'..c10,,-__
Applicant Information (attach additional sheet for co·applicants)
Name: City of Dubuque
Address: City Hall, 50 W. 13th Street
City: Dubuque State: Iowa Zip Code:_---""52"'0"-'0'-'1_
Contact Person: Deron Muehring Title: Civil Engineer II
Address: City Hall, 50 W, 13th Street, Dubuque IA 52001
Telephone: 563·589·4276 FAX,-: 5"'6"'3:...,:·5"'8"'9_·4""2"'-05"----____ _
E·mail DMuehrin@cityofdubugue,org Federal Identification Number 42·6004596
Is the project located within a city? X Yes __ No
Project relates to (check one or more): _Cultural Activity l Recreation_Education_Entertainment
**********************************************"*********"**"'''''*''''
Subrecipient Information (If Applicable) (Subrecipient means a private organization or other
entity operating under an agreement or contract with a recipient to carry out a funded RECAT
activity -attach additional sheet for co·subrecipients):
Name: _________________________________ ___
Address: ____________________________ _
Contact Person: ________ --------------Title:---------
Address: ______________________________________ ___
Telephone: _____________ FAX,~: _______________ _
E·mail Federal Identification Number _________ _
Funding Information
Total Project Budget $ 21,698,966 Am!. Requested from Program $ 7,160,659
Specify the form and amount of assistance requested in the box below:
~Note: Amount should not exceed one third of the total proiect cost.)
Form of Assistance Requested Amount
Grant $7,160,659
Loan
Forgivable Loan
Loan Guarantee
Interim Financing
Other (please specify)
6
RIVER ENHANCEMENT COMMUNITY ATTRACTION AND TOURISM PROGRAM
BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Outline a brief paragraph describing the project, including its name, vertical infrastructure
components, and anticipated uses. State anticipated start and completion dates. If this project
is a phase of a larger project, please state its relationship to that project.
The Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project is a multi-year project to replace an underground
storm sewer with an open waterway and other public amenities, reducing the risk of flood
damage to 1,150 properties and improving water quality. The landscaped creek will include
bike/hike trails, lighting, benches, bridges, and an amphitheater, improving quality of life for
neighborhood residents and creating a tourist attraction. The entire project is creating a water
resources attraction; the restored creek itself is an amenity. The City of Dubuque could have
chosen to build an underground storm sewer -not a creek. We chose to restore the creek .
Construction of the bridges is required with a creek instead of a buried storm sewer.
Work began in 2007 on environmental clearance for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project.
In 2008, an historic/architectural/archeological survey/evaluation of historic properties and other
cultural resources began in the project corridor. Public workshops on the design of the restored
open waterway and other public amenities were held in 2009. Appraisals, acquisition and
relocation of homes and businesses were undertaken in 2009-2010. In 2009-2010, the City
finalized the Section 106 mitigation plan. In 2010, work began on deconstruction of properties in
the project corridor. In 2010, dredging of the 16th Street detention basin was begun to prepare it
as the eastern terminus of the restored waterway. The entire project is to be completed in 2013.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT, RELEASE OF INFORMATION AND CERTIFICATION
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the application materials and administrative
rules including the provisions relating to security and contracts as noted above . Further, I give
permission to the Vision Iowa board or the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDEO)
to perform due diligence, perform credit checks, contact the organization's financial institutions,
and perform other related activities necessary for reasonable evaluation of this proposal. I
understand that all information submi tt ed relating to this application is a public record. I certify
that all representations, warranties, or statements made or furnished in connection with this
application are true and correct in all material respects. I understand that it is a criminal
violation under Iowa law to engage in deception and knowingly make, or cause to be made,
directly or indirectly, a false statement in writing for the purpose of procuring economic
development assistance from a state agency or subdivision .
Signature of applicant certifying office r or individual :
~~~~~~ _______ IDate : OJ a:; 2-D/O
Signature of co-applicant or subrecipient certifying officer or individual:
__________________________________________ ,Date: ____________________ __
7
RIVER ENHANCEMENT COMMUNITY ATTRACTION AND TOURISM PROGRAM
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
1) Applications should be bound or submitted in three-ring binders.
2) An executive summary and the completed application forms (cover sheet, financial forms)
should be placed in the front of the application. The executive summary should provide a
history of the project and cover highlights of requested information. Additional required
information should be provided with lettered tabs as noted below.
3) Check each tab below to indicate requirements are understood and are believed to be met
by the project.
THRESHOLD ELIGIBILITY
TAB A Applicant Eligibility _X_
-Must be a city, county, or public organization, or combination of these forming a 28E; or
a school district in cooperation with a city or county. Attach proof of nonprofit status for
public organization.
TAB B Local Support
Broad support must be demonstrated for the project. _X_
-Official resolution(s) from governing boards of participating local governments
required; other endorsement letters optional.
A minimum 50% match commitment must be made byapplicant(s)-See Tab I
-Enforceable commitments recommended.
-Adequate funding for completion is necessary.
-Non-financial resources (in-kind services) may comprise no more than 25% of the
applicant's match
TAB C Financial Need
Project demonstrates financial need after other sources are exhausted. _X_
RECAT funding should be "last dollar" needed for project to proceed. Requests should
be made to the city, county and private sources to financially support the project.
Successful and unsuccessful fund raising should be documented.
Prior CA T, RECA T or Vision Iowa funding ineligible as match. _X_
-If RECAT or Vision Iowa funds were previously received, demonstrate that this this
application seeks funds for a significant expansion of the project and neither RECAT nor
Vision Iowa funds nor match are counted as match for this project.
Has applicant received other state funds for this project? _X_
-If so, state funds and their match must be itemized and excluded from match for this
project.
TAB D Vertical Infrastructure
Project must be primarily a vertical infrastructure project? _X_
-Definition: land acquisition and construction, major renovation and repair of buildings,
all appurtenant structures, utilities, site development, and recreational trails. Detailed
cost estimates and project renderings should be included.
TAB E Benefits
Must commit to provide or pay for at least 50% of the costs of a standard medical
insurance plan for full-time employees working at the project after it is buill.
-Letter certifying this provision is adequate. _X_
8
RIVER ENHANCEMENT COMMUNITY ATTRACTION AND TOURISM PROGRAM
EVALUATION CRITERIA
TAB F Feasibility (0-25 points, 15-point minimum required) _X_
Is the project viable and sustainable? Are there sufficient resources to start and sustain
the operation? Project description, business plan, and personal financial statements on
principal owners and/or guarantors should be included.
TAB G Economic Impact (0-25 points, 15-point minimum required) _X_
Will the project have a positive impact on the economy? Measures should be based on
direct impact of the project, no multipliers or other estimates of indirect impact. May
include number of jobs, wages and benefits, taxes generated, or other positive
economic benefits to the community and state.
TAB H Leveraged Activity (oelO points, 6-point minimum required) _X_
Will economic growth and job opportunities be enhanced? How will OTHER recreational,
cultural, educational and entertainment opportunities be stimulated or developed, ideally
by private developers? Documentation of plans for other development should be
included.
TAB I Matching Funds (0-25 points, no minimum) _X_
Consider extent to which local resources have been dedicated. Higher ratings may be
given to those projects committing over the 50% required, or financially supported by
both public and private organizations. Other state funds or match pledged toward those
funds are not eligible as match for RECAT funding.
TAB J Planning Principles (0-10 points, no minimum) _X_
Planning principles should be described, including implementation of green sustainable
design principles; compliance with comprehensive plans, zoning and land use;
description of effective use of existing resources (land and buildings) to avoid costly
duplication or use; provisions for a variety of transportation choices; enhancement of a
unique sense of place; description of space conservation and environmental
preservation; promotion of safety, livability and revitalization of existing areas;
consideration given to all income levels.
TAB K Technology and Values (0-5 points, no minimum) _X_
Project should encourage technologies allowing regional or statewide access; enhance
education, wellness, and breadth to attract all ages; promote healthy indoor
environments promote fine arts, including landscaping.
RECAT EXHIBITS _X_
EXHIBIT I Connection to Water (0-5 points, no minimum)
Project should relate to, connect with, and enhance a lake, river, or river corridor.
Project must be located with a city.
EXHIBIT II Green Sustainable Design (0-5 points, no minimum)
Green sustainable design and construction practices should be described, including storm
water best practices and other green sustainable design principles.
9
11'~('ii \>t,:".;!RIV/:R.ENHANCEMENY:COMMt:JNi'r)'ATTRACTfoNAND.TOtJRISM·PROGRAM'; ;;ij\%;~i;,~)':;11
FINANCIAL FORMS
CONSTRUCTION I VERTICAL INFRASTRUCTURE COST ESTIMATES (Attach additional sheets
as necessary. If project contains components in separate geographic locations, please prepare a separate
financial form for each component):
1. Construction Cost Detail
Creek Construction Creek and associated floodplain $ 7,015,600
Bridges Four roadway & one railroad bridge over creek $10,158,400
Decorative Bridge Enhancement Limestone facade and spindle railings $ 361,300
Hike/Bike Trail System Asphalt path, along creek w/retaining walls $ 833,500
Amphitheater Outdoor amphitheater $ 382,000
Overlooks Plaza areas (2) with gazebos overlooking creek $ 1,008,600
Parking Lot Trail head parking lot with 17 spaces $ 45,000
Property Acquisitions Purchase buildings (5) for green/park space $ 355,000
Lighting, benches, water fountains, kiosks, way-
Fixtures finding signs, interpretive signs, trees, $ 1,511,100
playground equipment, etc.
Subtotal (A) $21,670,500
2. Professional Fees and Permits
Estimated Cost
Architectural Design $ 0
Engineering Design $ 0
Construction Administration $ 0
Legal and Bonding Fees $ 0
Subtotal (B) $ 0
3. Related Construction Costs
Estimated Cost
Real Property/Easements/Acquisition $ 0
Contingencies $ 0
Other (specify): Sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water main, roadway repairs, general $ 0 site work, dewatering, traffic control, erosion & sediment controls, etc.
Subtotal (C) $ 0
4. Total Vertical Infrastructure Cost Estimates:
Subtotal (A) + Subtotal (8) + Subtotal (C) = $ 21,670,500 (Include total on line "1" of
following page)
10
iYi ;C¥:ii:;XiRI\{E:FfE:NHANGEMEr'JTCOMMUNITYATTRACTIONANbTbURI$M·PR()C3RAMtiH{>;;~j'nl
SOURCES AND USES OF FUNDING
1. Project Activity (USES) (vertical infrastructure and other eligible project expenses;
attach additional sheets as necessary):
$ $
$ $ $
$ $ $
TOTAL (Columns A and C appear
on application cover B $ 7,160,000 $ 14,510,500 $ 21,670,500
should match total
2. Sources of Funds
(Itemize all funding sources, including in-kind amounts. Individual donors may be listed on a separate
sheet. All state funding sources and their match must be itemized separately and not included in the 50%
minimum match required for this RECA T application.)
Source(~) of Other Funds Listed in Tab B Above
Source Amount Where documented In application?
A. State Revolving Loan Fund $ 14,510,500 Tab I, Matching Funds
B. $
C. $
D. $
E.
F.
G.
TOTAL (Should match Column B $ 14,510,500 Above):
11