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HF 3213

Becker County; Heartland State Trail appropriation amended.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Krista Knudsen

The bill adds 2.95 million dollars in new funding to expand Heartland State Trail improvements, including a Detroit Lakes–Frazee segment and a new Itasca State Park to Heartland co

Introduction and first reading, referred to Capital Investment
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Bill Summary · HF 3213

Summary of HF 3213 (2025-2026) – Becker County; Heartland State Trail appropriation amended

Bill overview

  • Purpose: Amend an existing appropriation for the Heartland State Trail in Becker County to modify the allocation and project scope for capital improvements, environmental review, design, and construction. The bill is limited to adjusting funding details within the Heartland State Trail project accounts.
  • Jurisdiction: Minnesota
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Introduced by: Rep. Knudsen (co-sponsor listed)

What the bill would do

  • Amend prior appropriation language: Recasts section 7, subdivision 18 of Laws 2023, chapter 72, article 1.
  • Total Heartland State Trail appropriation (subd. 18): Set at $2,950,000 for capital improvements related to the Heartland State Trail.
  • Breakdown of funded activities (subd. 18(a)):
    1. $550,000 allocated for the construction of a trail segment between Detroit Lakes and Frazee. The remaining funds in this tranche are to be used for:
      • Environmental review
      • Preliminary engineering
      • Design of the Heartland Trail from:
      • West Becker County line to Detroit Lakes
      • Detroit Lakes Park Rapids to Osage
      • Osage to Frazee
    2. $2,400,000 allocated for the following related to a paved, multi-use trail intended to connect Itasca State Park to the Heartland State Trail:
      • Environmental review
      • Predesign
      • Design
      • Construction
      • Project path described starting at the park contact station, extending to the park’s southeast boundary, then through a Phase 1 tunnel to be constructed under marked U.S. Highway 71, continuing for about two miles from there.

Relationship to prior appropriations

  • The new appropriation is in addition to existing Heartland Trail funding from:
    • Laws 2017, First Special Session, chapter 8, article 1, section 6, subdivision 6.
    • Laws 2020, Fifth Special Session, chapter 3, article 1, section 7, subdivision 12.
  • This indicates the bill adjusts and expands previously authorized funding rather than replacing it.

Key provisions and details

  • Purpose of the funds:
    • Direct capital improvements on the Heartland State Trail.
    • Facilitate environmental review, design, and construction tasks.
  • Specific project components:
    • Detroit Lakes–Frazee trail segment construction (with remaining funds directed to planning and design for adjacent segments).
    • A paved, multi-use trail connecting Itasca State Park to the Heartland State Trail, including a Phase 1 tunnel under U.S. Highway 71.
  • Geographic coverage:
    • Becker County region (including segments from Becker County line to Detroit Lakes, Detroit Lakes Park Rapids to Osage, and Osage to Frazee).
    • Itasca State Park linkage to the Heartland State Trail.

Timeline and process

  • Legislative action as introduced: The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Capital Investment (April 21, 2025). No specific construction start or completion dates are provided in the bill text; timelines would be governed by subsequent appropriation administration, project planning approvals, and environmental review milestones.

Potential impact

  • Connectivity and recreation: Enhanced trail connectivity between Itasca State Park and the Heartland State Trail, plus expanded segments within Becker County, potentially improving outdoor recreation access and tourism.
  • Environmental review and design focus: Emphasizes upfront environmental review and design work, suggesting a planning-first approach before or during construction.
  • Funding scope: Adds a total of $2.95 million in new capital funds for these Heartland Trail improvements, supplementing existing allocations from prior appropriations.

Who/what is affected

  • Directly affected: Heartland State Trail projects in Becker County, including specific segments and the Itasca State Park linkage.
  • Stakeholders likely impacted: Local governments in Becker County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or relevant state agencies managing state trails, environmental and engineering consultants, and trail users.

If you’d like, I can add a glossary of terms (e.g., environmental review, predesign, Phase 1 tunnel) or a comparison to the prior appropriation amounts for clearer context.

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

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