HF279

Purpose

Provide a one-time infusion of funds from the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) account in the natural resources fund to support ATV trail projects in St. Louis County and to fund a Duluth-area ATV route study. The appropriation is available for a limited time (through June 30, 2028) and does not represent ongoing funding.

Main Provisions

• Sec. 1 — St. Louis County

  • Total appropriation: 752,000 in fiscal year 2026, from the ATV account in the natural resources fund, to the commissioner of natural resources for a grant to St. Louis County for ATV trail projects.
  • Project allocations:
  • Alborn Dirt Devils Club: 75,000 to engineer, obtain permits, and acquire right-of-way for the County Road 166 to Ostman Road ATV trail.
  • Ranger Snowmobile/ATV Club: 480,000 to engineer and construct the Seven Beavers ATV trail.
  • Twig Area Trail Riders: 100,000 to permit, design, engineer, and acquire right-of-way for the Lumberjack to Brookston ATV trail.
  • Quad Cities ATV Club: 97,000 to engineer, survey, test, and design the club trailhead project.
  • Timing: This is a one-time appropriation, available until June 30, 2028.

• Sec. 2 — City of Duluth area study

  • Amount: 200,000 in fiscal year 2026, from the ATV account in the natural resources fund, for a grant to the City of Duluth and Head of the Lakes ATV Riders.
  • Purpose: Conduct a Duluth-area ATV route study to establish connectivity to and through the western part of the city of Duluth.
  • Timing: This is a one-time appropriation, available until June 30, 2028.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds targeted, one-time funding from the ATV account to support local ATV trail expenditures and a route study. It does not appear to change existing statutory programs or regulations; rather, it provides specific grants for listed local projects and planning efforts.

Potential Impact

• Expands ATV trail infrastructure and planning within St. Louis County and Duluth, potentially improving recreational access and local economic activity related to ATV use.
• Supports specific clubs and the City of Duluth in planning, permitting, engineering, and trail development, as well as a connectivity study to integrate trails with urban areas.

Relevant Terms - all-terrain vehicle (ATV) - ATV trails - natural resources fund - all-terrain vehicle account - one-time appropriation - June 30, 2028 (availability deadline) - St. Louis County - Alborn Dirt Devils Club - County Road 166 to Ostman Road ATV trail - Ranger Snowmobile/ATV Club - Seven Beavers ATV trail - Twig Area Trail Riders - Lumberjack to Brookston ATV trail - Quad Cities ATV Club - trailhead project - engineer, permit, right-of-way - City of Duluth - Head of the Lakes ATV Riders - Duluth-area route study - connectivity to and through the western part of Duluth