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HF 279

All-terrain vehicle trails and studies funding provided, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Burkel and 9 co-sponsors

HF 279 would fund the development, maintenance, and study of ATV trails and related infrastructure in Minnesota.

Author added Wolgamott
#naturalresourcesdepartment #parksandtrails
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Bill Summary · HF 279

Summary of HF 279 (Minnesota, 2025-2026)

Overview

HF 279 proposes funding for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails and related studies, along with appropriations to support development, maintenance, and assessment of ATV infrastructure and activities. The bill appears to focus on financing trail construction/maintenance, feasibility studies, and potential monitoring related to ATV use within Minnesota.

Main purpose and intent

  • To provide financial resources for the establishment, improvement, maintenance, and study of ATV trails.
  • To support state and possibly local initiatives that expand ATV access and infrastructure.
  • To fund research or studies examining ATV-related needs, impacts, and best practices.

Key provisions and changes (as suggested by the bill title and context)

  • Appropriations: The bill would authorize and appropriate funds specifically earmarked for ATV trail projects and associated studies. This could include capital expenditures (construction/renovation of trails), land acquisition or leasing costs, safety features, signage, and trailhead facilities.
  • Trail Development and Maintenance: Allocation of dollars toward planning, design, construction, resurfacing, and routine maintenance of ATV trails or trail networks.
  • Studies and Assessments: Funding for studies related to ATV trail usage, environmental impact assessments, economic impact analyses (e.g., tourism, local revenue), safety investigations, and potential regulatory or policy reviews related to ATV trails.
  • Potential Collaboration: The bill may contemplate coordination with state agencies (e.g., Department of Natural Resources) and local governments or tribal entities in the planning and execution of trails and studies.

Who is affected

  • ATV enthusiasts and users: Direct beneficiaries through expanded or improved trail access and safety measures.
  • Local communities and counties: Indirect beneficiaries via trail-related tourism, recreation economy, and potential job creation.
  • State agencies (e.g., DNR or equivalent): Responsible for administering funded projects, ensuring compliance, and conducting or overseeing studies.
  • Contractors and land management entities: Stakeholders in design, construction, and maintenance of trails.
  • Environmental and safety stakeholders: Beneficiaries or commenters in evaluative studies and impact assessments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and First Reading: February 10, 2025.
  • Committee actions: Referred to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy (initial), with subsequent steps to adopt and re-refer to Ways and Means (March 10, 2025).
  • Final disposition: As of the provided history, the bill has not yet become law; it is moving through the committee process with potential amendments and eventual floor votes in the relevant legislative chambers.
  • Potential appropriations timeline: Funding would be disbursed according to the enacted appropriations language, which typically aligns with the state fiscal year and budget cycles following passage.

Notes

  • The bill’s text would specify dollar amounts, programmatic match requirements (if any), grant eligibility, and reporting requirements. The summary above reflects the bill’s stated intent based on the title and action history.
  • The list of sponsors includes multiple lawmakers, indicating bipartisan or cross-member support in the chamber. The co-sponsors include Rep. Cal Warwas, Natalie Zeleznikar, Spencer Igo, Dan Wolgamott, John Huot, Isaac Schultz, John Burkel, Rep. Ripper Repinski, Roger Skraba, and Pete Johnson.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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