Bill > SB310

This bill revises Montana's trails and recreational facilities grant program, now officially renamed the "trail stewardship grant program," to expand its scope and funding allocation. The bill broadens the types of projects eligible for grants to include trail-related economic impact studies, safety and ethics education, trail data collection, and equipment purchases, in addition to the existing categories of trail construction, rehabilitation, and trailside facility development. The bill introduces a specific funding allocation formula, dedicating 40% of available funds each to motorized and nonmotorized trail projects, with the remaining 20% for projects serving both types of uses. Importantly, the bill allows for more flexible fund usage, permitting unused funds from one category to be reallocated to another. The legislation also introduces a new financial provision allowing grant recipients to request up to 75% of their grant funds upfront, with the remaining 25% to be released upon reporting expenditure of the initial funds. Eligible applicants remain diverse, including cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts, recreational clubs, and state and federal agencies. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and continues to require consideration of recommendations from the state trails advisory committee when awarding grants.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0628