Cuyuna Lakes State Trail segment bond issue and appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session

Funds are authorized to design and construct a new $2 million multiuse paved segment of the Cuyuna Lakes State Trail in Brainerd, funded by bond proceeds.

Referred to Capital Investment

#appropriations #bonds #naturalresourcesandnaturalresourcesdepartment

Purpose and intent

The bill authorizes an appropriation and the sale of state bonds to fund the design and construction of a new multiuse paved segment of the Cuyuna Lakes State Trail.

The project aims to increase multimodal usage, safely connect existing trail networks, and improve accessibility for all users within Brainerd, Minnesota.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: Cuyuna Lakes State Trail

Subd. 1. Appropriation: The State Trill segment from the existing trail at the Northern Pacific Center to 28th Street Southeast in the city of Brainerd is allocated a appropriation of $2,000,000 from the bond proceeds fund. The funds are designated to cover the design and construction of the new multiuse paved trail segment under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.015, subdivision 24.
Subd. 2. Bond sale: The Commissioner of Management and Budget is authorized to sell and issue bonds up to $2,000,000 from the bond proceeds fund to finance the appropriation. Bond timing, terms, and administration are to follow the standards set forth in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 16A.631 to 16A.675, and constitutional provisions (Article XI, sections 4–7).
Effective date: The section becomes effective the day after final enactment.

Who/what would be affected

Design and construction activities: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would be responsible for design and construction of the new trail segment.

Financing: The Minnesota Management and Budget office would manage the bond issuance, with debt service funded by the bond proceeds fund.

Users and communities: Residents and trail users in Brainerd and the surrounding region would gain a new paved trail segment as part of the Cuyuna Lakes State Trail, improving multimodal connectivity, safety, and accessibility.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Legislative action: The bill has been introduced and referred to the Capital Investment committee for consideration.

Funding mechanism: Uses the bond proceeds fund to provide a $2 million appropriation, with bonds to be issued under existing state bonding statutes.

Effective date: Takes effect the day after enactment once the bill is signed into law.

Potential impact and considerations

Accessibility and safety: The new paved segment is intended to enhance accessibility for a broad range of users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized travelers.

Connectivity: By linking the Northern Pacific Center trail access point to 28th Street Southeast, the project aims to create a more cohesive trail network within Brainerd.

Fiscal impact: The project obligates $2 million in bond proceeds, with associated debt service costs consistent with Minnesota bonding statutes and constitutional provisions.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to nearby trail projects or outline potential environmental or community engagement considerations typically associated with trail bond projects.

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