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MERCHANT MCINTYRE FEDERAL FUNDING WOR K SHOP June 9 , 202 6 City Hall – Council Chambers Council m embers Present : Mayor Alison Page , Sean Downing , Diane Odeen, Rose Walker, Michael Page, Todd Bjerstedt , Mei Mei Abdouch Absent : Nick Carrow City Staff Present: City Administrator Scot Simpson, IT Specialist Jon Smits, Chief of Staff Jennifer Smith, Assistant to the City Administrator Jason Rohloff, Community Development Director Amy Peterson, Office Support Specialist Brenda Randleman, Police Chief Gordon Young, City Engineer Todd Nickleski, Assistant Director of Community Development Emily Shively, Utility Director Kevin Westhuis Presenters: Associates from Merchant Mcintyre Tristan Southard and Fiona McLeod Mayor Alison Page opened the workshop at 5: 30 p.m. City Administrator Scot Simpson introduced the two presenters from Merchant McIntyre – Vice President Tristan Southard and Government Relations Associate Fiona McLeod. Southard explained that Merchant McIntyre has been assisting the City of River Falls with identifying and securing federal funding applicable to the City ’s priorities since December 2022. Southard then outlined the workshop agenda: Situation Analysis in Washington D.C.; Federal Funding Strategy Overview; and Strategy Discussion with Question & Answer session. Merchant McIntyre Associates presented an update on the City's federal funding strategy, focusing on surface transportation, public safety, economic development, and the Kinnickinnic River Corridor. Southard reviewed the partnership's results to date, including more than $6.16 million secured and over $50 million in pending grant requests. Current applications for the Main Street project were summarized, including a $24 million BUILD Grant request and a $21.9 million Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Implementation Grant request. Expected award timelines are anticipated later in 2026. Southard explained that the surface transportation funding strategy is centered primarily on two federal programs: the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program and the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program. Implementation of the Council Workshop Minutes June 9 , 202 6 Page 2 SS4A Grant Program is planned for late 2026. Southard noted that the BUILD Grant Program provides both planning and implementation grants for transformative surface transportation projects with significant local or regional impact, with award amounts capped at $25 million. The BUILD program remains a primary funding vehicle for the Main Street Project. Staff and consultants will continue to track ongoing applications and deadlines for federal funding opportunities to ensure timely submissions. Discussion then centered on the Kinnickinnic River Corridor project. Council reviewed the completed feasibility phase, the request for $1.85 million in Congressional Directed Spending for project cooperation and early design, and the likely local match requirements. It was noted that the federal funding cap had increased from $10 million to $15 million; however, the City would still likely need to assemble approximately $6 million to $7 million in local or state-supported funding to complete the project. The discussion emphasized that once a Project Cooperation Agreement is signed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would control project timing, contractor selection, and construction phasing. Council discussed the importance of maintaining communication with congressional representatives regarding funding requests and appropriations for the Kinnickinnic River Corridor project. Continued engagement with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was also encouraged to explore potential funding opportunities for dam removal and to clarify whether grant funds may be used to satisfy local match requirements. Additional updates were provided by McLeod regarding public safety and economic development initiatives. The City has secured $430,000 in FY26 Congressional Directed Spending for police portable radio equipment and $1.4 million in FY24 funding for fire station renovations. Staff and consultants continue to monitor opportunities related to a regional dispatch center, including potential federal and state funding sources for a feasibility study. Additional grant opportunities are also being explored for fire station renovations through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Program and for a Water Tender through FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Economic development efforts remain focused on identifying and pursuing additional grant opportunities to support small businesses in conjunction with downtown redevelopment projects. Staff will continue to monitor available funding programs and resources that can strengthen downtown business growth and revitalization efforts. Abdouch questioned whether affordable housing grants or funding opportunities were available. Southard discussed the challenges facing housing development nationwide and noted that direct federal housing funding opportunities remain limited, with stronger prospects currently available at the state level. The discussion highlighted a strategy of pursuing infrastructure-related grants, including water and sewer improvement funding, that could indirectly support housing affordability and future development. Staff will continue monitoring federal and state grant opportunities related to affordable housing and will remain attentive to HUD and Rural Development housing assistance programs that may benefit the Housing Authority. Council Workshop Minutes June 9 , 202 6 Page 3 Council comments reflected support for maintaining focus on the City's major priorities, particularly the Main Street Project and Kinnickinnic River Corridor initiatives, while recognizing the lengthy timelines and complexity associated with federal funding partnerships. Council also discussed the importance of maintaining a strong working relationship with Merchant McIntyre Associates and continuing communication regarding long-term projects, funding strategies, and anticipated timelines. Additional discussion included consideration of whether hiring a state lobbyist could enhance the City's ability to secure state funding opportunities and legislative support for local government projects. Council also noted community concerns regarding road maintenance needs and potential traffic increases associated with annexation and future development, emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and planning to address these issues. Mayor Page adjourned the workshop at 5:57 p.m . Respectfully submitted, Brenda Randleman , Office Support Specialist