History: Since 1993, Hennepin County, in partnership with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the City of Minneapolis, has annually contributed $31,000 to support work of the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board, as managed by the Minnesota Historical Society. The St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board was established by the State Legislature in Laws of Minnesota, 1988, Chapter 684, Article 1, Sections 14-15 and through implementation of an overall plan for the St. Anthony District on the east and west banks of the Mississippi River, with the focus on integrating historical interpretation into the planning and marketing of the area. Two commissioners serve as Hennepin County representatives on the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. The annual budget and work plan for the St. Anthony District is approved by the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board.

Current Request: This request is to authorize Agreement A189347 with the Minnesota Historical Society to provide an annual funding contribution of $31,000 for calendar years 2019, 2020 and 2021 with the total not to exceed amount of $93,000.

Impact/Outcomes: Approval of this request will support the work plan of the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board which includes Water Works Park, and continued exploration of interpretation through a variety of delivery methods which support the goals as expressed in the Power of the Falls and Changing Relationships to the Power of the Falls interpretive plans.