Bill > HB1019

This bill appropriates approximately $62 million for the Parks and Recreation Department and the International Peace Garden for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027. * **Parks and Recreation Department:** Receives a total of $58,997,886 from various funds, including the General Fund, special funds, and federal funds. This includes appropriations for administration, parks operations and maintenance, recreation, and a pool for new and vacant full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. * **International Peace Garden:** Receives $3,093,829 from various funds, including the General Fund and other funds. A significant portion of this funding ($1,967,500) requires matching funds from the province of Manitoba. * **One-Time Funding for Projects:** Approximately $21.7 million is allocated for specific one-time projects, including equipment, deferred maintenance, comfort stations, technology enhancements, sewer projects at Lake Metigoshe State Park, matching grants for state parks, and various projects at the International Peace Garden. These funds are primarily from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund and other funds. * **Transfer from Game and Fish Department:** $122,000 from the Game and Fish Operating Fund is transferred to the Parks and Recreation Department for boat ramp operation and maintenance. * **New State Park Creation/Renaming:** A new provision requires legislative assembly approval before any state agency or official can create a new state park or rename an existing one. * **Exemption for Unexpended Appropriations:** Certain unexpended appropriations from previous biennia are allowed to continue into the 2025-2027 biennium, covering various projects and maintenance needs, including significant funding from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund and the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund.