City considers MOU and Trails Plus grant application to build riverwalk trail

City staff explained a memorandum of understanding that would make the city the program manager for a proposed riverwalk trail and strengthen a regional Trails Plus grant application. The project described would build a concrete riverwalk at Ralph Edwards Park from the boat dock around the skate park and toward the riverbed, and staff recommended using some Turtleback Trails signage as an in-kind match.

Staff noted the Trails Plus grant has tiered awards (up to $100k, $500k, $1,000,000) and that tier-two and tier-three applicants should demonstrate regional collaboration. Commissioners discussed the MOU's roles and responsibilities (construction standards, grant accounting, reporting to the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division) and agreed that county participation would strengthen the application's chances. The commission moved and approved the MOU and supported staff pursuing tiered funding.