Greenway grant planning advances

The Grand Forks council gave the green light last night (Monday) to go after a $7 million dollar grant to fund improvements in the Greenway.

The money would target amenities south of DeMers Avenue to include: an entry monument…playground…sloped law amphitheater…terracing for river access…as well as covered shelters and benches.

Water Works Director Melanie Parvey says the money would come via the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program.  “That initial application goes to the North Dakota Park Service.  It has to be accepted in and for the city to be asked to submit a full application.”

The grant requires a one to one match meaning the city would be on the hook for upwards of $3.5 million dollars.

Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski says the city’s number one priority is the flood protection system – but the Greenway is a huge asset.  “I like the fact that we can change scope as needed and potentially do nothing…do something…at least if we do we have paired funds and have that option.”

The deadline to submit the pre-application is April 30th. The city should know by November if it has made it through the first round.

Construction would not begin until 2026 — or later.