Purpose

This bill would allocate new, one-time funding from the state’s all-terrain vehicle (ATV) program to improve ATV trail infrastructure in St. Louis County. The goal is to support planning, land access, permitting, and construction of two specific trail projects within the Voyageur Country ATV trail system and the Prospectors Loop trail system.

Main Provisions

• Voyageur Country ATV Trail
  • Appropriation: $380,000 in fiscal year 2026.
  • Use: Grant to St. Louis County administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for design, right-of-way acquisition, permitting, and construction of trails within the Voyageur Country ATV trail system.
  • Timing: One-time funding; available until June 30, 2028.
• Prospectors Loop Trail
  • Appropriation: $175,000 in fiscal year 2026.
  • Use: Grant to St. Louis County administered by the DNR for design, right-of-way acquisition, permitting, and construction of trails and a new trail bridge within the Prospectors Loop trail system.
  • Timing: One-time funding; available until June 30, 2028.

Financial Details and Timing

• Total funding: $555,000 (one-time).
• Source: All-terrain vehicle account within the Natural Resources Fund.
• Availability: Funds must be used by June 30, 2028.

Administration and Recipients

• The grants would go from the commissioner of natural resources to St. Louis County to support the specified trail projects.

Changes to Existing Law

• This bill does not make broad changes to existing law; it authorizes two specific, one-time appropriations from the ATV account to fund designated trail design, land access, permitting, and construction activities in St. Louis County.

Significance

• Aims to advance recreational ATV infrastructure and access in northern Minnesota, potentially improving outdoor recreation opportunities and local tourism around the Voyageur Country and Prospectors Loop trail systems.

Relevant Terms - all-terrain vehicle account - Natural Resources Fund - commissioner of natural resources - grant - St. Louis County - Voyageur Country ATV trail system - Prospectors Loop trail system - design - right-of-way acquisition - permitting - construction - trail bridge - one-time appropriation - fiscal year 2026 - June 30, 2028