When Gov. Tim Pawlenty releases his budget proposal on Jan. 27, it will mark the starting point for discussions and decisions on the investment strategies for the new Park and Trail Fund established under the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
Parks & Trails has been working with the governor's office, policy makers, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and other park agencies from throughout the state in trying to develop an allocation formula that would direct expenditures from this fund, which will receive 14.25 percent of the proceeds from the Legacy Amendment (approximately $39 million in fiscal year 2010-2011).
We are guided in this effort by a set of principles adopted by the Board of Directors:
- We recognize the people of Minnesota have provided a unique opportunity to dramatically enhance and support the state's park and trail system.
- We support developing funding strategies that demonstrate to citizens the benefits of the new funding through improved visitor services, enhanced facility maintenance, effective resource protection and new programs to reconnect Minnesotans to the outdoors.
Park and trail stakeholders agree that any allocation formula for the Park and Trail Fund should adhere to the following principles:
- The Park and Trail Fund alone is not sufficient to meet all of the needs of Minnesota's parks and trails.
- Park and trail projects are eligible for Outdoor Heritage Fund funding as long as they meet the qualifications established by the Lessard Heritage Council.
- When developing an allocation formula for the Park and Trail Fund, equity and balance between the needs and priorities of the three distinct park and trail systems must be recognized (state system, metropolitan regional system and Greater Minnesota regional system).
- The Park and Trail Fund should be used to meet the specific priority needs of each distinct park and trail system.
- The Park and Trail Fund must provide flexibility to meet future, unknown needs.
- The Department of Natural Resources should create a new grant program to deliver Park and Trail Fund money to Greater Minnesota regional parks and trails.
- The Park and Trail Fund must supplement, not supplant, current levels and sources of park and trail funding, including general fund appropriations, other "dedicated" funds, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, and capital bonding appropriations.
