Governor Walz recommends bonding money for local grant programs

The GMPT has made advocating for more money for local parks and trails grant programs a priority over the last several years. This year, we will be introducing a bill authored by Sen. Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point) and Rep. Dan Wolgamott (DFL-St. Cloud) to dedicate $4 million to local and regional parks and trails grant programs. We’ve also been encouraging Gov. Walz to include funding for these programs in his bonding bill, through meetings with his staff, letters from the GMPT Chair and Vice Chair, and countless emails and resolutions from many of you. We are thrilled to report that Gov. Walz has included $4 million for local and regional parks and trails grants in his proposed bonding bill, which he unveiled this week.

Inclusion in the governor’s proposed bonding bill is only the first step in receiving bonding money, but it is an important first step. We look forward to working with all of you to help push this request through the Legislature and to the governor’s desk for signature!