Video & Transcript Research : 'parks and trails fund'
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MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The Parks and Trails Fund largely adheres to the 40-40-20-20-20-20-20-20-20.
- and Trails Legacy Fund.
- Legacy funds have been a game changer for the state and regional parks and trails of Minnesota.
- The state constitution dedicates the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund to parks and trails of state and regional
- As my colleague Lisa highlighted, the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund is a partnership focused on parks
Bills:
HF2563
Keywords:
HF2563, legacy finance bill, Legacy Amendment, outdoor heritage fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, arts and cultural heritage fund, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Clean Water Council, Minnesota legacy funds, habitat conservation, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, forest conservation, riparian buffers, water quality, groundwater protection, drinking water, septic systems, watershed planning
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the Parks and Trails Fund.
- This is the Parks and Trails Fund.
- and trails legacy fund, and we really appreciate the inclusion of the parks and trails legacy funding
- and trails legacy fund, and we really appreciate the inclusion of the parks and trails legacy funding
- and trails legacy fund, and we really appreciate the inclusion of the parks and trails legacy funding
Bills:
HF2563
Keywords:
HF2563, legacy finance bill, Legacy Amendment, outdoor heritage fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, arts and cultural heritage fund, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Clean Water Council, Minnesota legacy funds, habitat conservation, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, forest conservation, riparian buffers, water quality, groundwater protection, drinking water, septic systems, watershed planning
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Ways and Means Committee considers agriculture finance bill, HF2446 4/21/25
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- And then for the additional funding.
- <00:09:56.320>
and for more meat inspection uh funds and for more meat inspection uh funds - fund, and that occurs only in the first year.
- only<00:18:15.039>
in the general fund and that occurs only in the general fund and that occurs - And so, when people misuse those funds.
Keywords:
agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- ground, with the Parks and Trails Fund, $130 million to strengthen our parks and trail systems.
- On line 223 is the Parks and Trails Fund.
- parks and trails fund.
- And then line 251 parks and trails fund.
- Uh you'll of the parks and trails fund.
Keywords:
agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
HF2444, the veterans and military affairs finance bill, heard in Ways and Means Committee 4/21/25
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- The first is programs and services, which has a total general fund appropriation of 60.3 million, and
- Affairs and their total general fund Affairs and their total general fund appropriations<00:05:14.320
- fund spending, and the total spending for the division is $319.7 million in fiscal year 2026-27 and
- and we need to fund those to get them up.
- And that's fund those to get them up.
Keywords:
agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The other funds being Arts and Cultural Heritage, Clean Water, and Parks and Trails.
- , and Parks and Heritage, Clean Water, and Parks and Trails.
- cultural area, uh, parks and trails, uh, trails.
- c> doing<01:15:20.920>
you doing parks and trails, you're doing you doing parks and trails - receive the Parks and Trails funding: DNR, Metropolitan Council, and Greater Minnesota.
Bills:
HF3564
Summary:
The Legacy Finance Committee met to approve the prior meeting minutes and then heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its performance audit of the Department of Natural Resources’ administration of Outdoor Heritage Fund grants. OLA explained that the DNR generally complied with the criteria tested, but the audit identified two main problem areas: grant payments and grant monitoring. The audit covered 13 grants, mostly legislatively named grants awarded in fiscal year 2020, and reviewed agreements, amendments, payments, monitoring, and some site visits.
OLA reported that for three grantees, totaling about $400,000, invoices lacked enough detail to determine whether costs were allowable, and about $5,000 was paid to two grantees without sufficient supporting documentation. The auditors also said DNR lacked policies defining allowable costs and what “directly related to and necessary” means under state law. On monitoring, DNR missed required annual visits for six grants, made payments on current progress reports that were missing or not on file, and had weaknesses in closeout evaluations, including missing required elements, late completion, and two grants with no closeout evaluation at all. OLA recommended stronger documentation, clearer guidelines with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, timely monitoring and closeout, obtaining progress reports before payment, and improved internal controls.
Members reacted strongly to the findings, especially the repeated failures to follow grant procedures and the risks of legislatively named grants and advance payments. Representative Heintzeman and Vice Chair Skraba questioned whether the issues reflected broader problems in state grant oversight and asked about prepayments, follow-up, and whether more legislative action was needed. OLA officials said they do not rely on self-attestation, but instead retest agencies after 2 to 3 years, and noted a new annual update-report process that will track whether agencies implement prior recommendations. Judy Randall, the Legislative Auditor, said the laws and policies already exist and emphasized that the issue is ensuring agency staff follow them; she also said most recommendations in the recent update report had been implemented. No further committee action or vote was taken on the audit during this portion of the meeting.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I want to duty to fund them.
- And so there are no policy items in the bill. fund for the bienium is $435 million and fund for the bienium
- Co-chair Fischer and I work to fund.
- and confirm there is no general fund and confirm there is no general fund cost<01:12:24.480>
- And uh different fund. That's correct. And uh thank<01:12:28.960>
you, <01:12:29.120>Mr.
Keywords:
HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment Committee Meeting - 2025-03-27
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Some are closed, and some of the funds have already been awarded, and...
- Some of the funds have been awarded, and a grant contract signed, so the funds are encumbered.
- through this program, and while the funding is technically available and not spent...
- and municipalities access some of these funds.
- (DNR) and review funded projects annually.
Keywords:
HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- contract signed and so the um the funds contract signed and so the um the funds are<00:29:59.360
- resend those funds and use them for resend those funds and use them for another<00:30:41.760>
- receiving funds through this program and receiving funds through this program and uh<00:30:54.240
- >
funded <01:02:36.640>projects the DNR and review funded projects the DNR and review funded - <01:10:32.400>
and effectively delivering funding and effectively delivering funding and meeting
Keywords:
HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 17th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Keywords:
water management, bond issuance, eminent domain, regional authority, fee structures, local governance, environmental quality, oyster cultivation, coastal management, natural resources, marine ecosystems, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Water Development Board, guidance principles, flood plan, state water plan, rule review, infrastructure, water discharge, general permit
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- of Parks and Rec to install permanent pickleball nets and court lighting at the tennis courts at Kamilo
- County of Honolulu Department of Parks County of Honolulu Department of Parks and<00:40:09.960><
- <00:41:42.640>
and the full potential of the park and the full potential of the park and ensure - >> Chair, all reservations, just to consider HHFDC's concern regarding funding and staffing. >> Thank
- funding and staffing. funding and staffing. >> Thank<00:57:36.400>
you.
Bills:
SB2405, HCR19, HCR63, HCR85, HCR140, HCR166, HCR82, HCR98, HCR104, HCR106, HCR141, HCR165, HR20, HR57, HR77, HR132, HR156, HR74, HR90, HR96, HR98, HR133, HR155
Keywords:
agricultural workforce, housing, Hawaii, working group, zoning, land use, financial incentives, tax credits, water conservation, infrastructure, public health, March4Water, water access, sustainable resources, Honopou Bridge, emergency access, wildfire risk, public safety, structural integrity, community outreach
Summary:
The Water and Land Committee met on April 7 and heard testimony on several resolutions and one bill. SB 2405 SD1 HD2, relating to agricultural workforce housing, received support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, HFTC, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, and the committee later recommended passage as is; one member voted with reservations citing department cost and staffing concerns. The committee also heard HCR 19/HR 20 designating March as March for Water Month, HCR 63/HR 57 urging DLNR and DOT to clarify jurisdiction over Honouliuli Bridge, HCR 85/HR 77 on transferring parcels for the East Kapolei TOD project, HCR 140/HR 132 on vegetation management and fuel reduction in West Maui, HCR 166/HR 156 on identifying East Oahu lands for native Hawaiian tree planting, HCR 82/HR 74 on basic shelter standards for rapid deployment housing, HCR 98/HR 90 on a Honolulu housing pattern book, HCR 104/HR 96 on North Shore coastal trails, HCR 106/HR 98 on endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, HCR 141/HR 133 on Maui fire code enforcement, and HCR 165/HR 155 on permanent pickleball nets and lighting at Kamiloiki Community Park.
Testimony was generally supportive on most measures, with several agencies and organizations submitting written comments or appearing in support. HCR 82/HR 74 drew the most discussion: the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the intent but asked that accessibility be considered on the front end, while another testifier opposed the resolution, arguing it could turn temporary emergency shelters into permanent substandard housing and should be deferred. Committee members discussed temporary versus permanent housing standards and accessibility, and the chair later said the measure would be amended to require permanent units to meet appropriate code standards and to note accessibility concerns in the committee report. On HCR 140/HR 132, DLNR testified that firebreak maintenance on its Waianae lands would be costly, and members noted funding and staffing implications.
At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures it voted on. SB 2405 was passed with a reservation from one member; HCR 19/HR 20, HCR 63/HR 57, HCR 85/HR 77, HCR 98/HR 90, HCR 104/HR 96, HCR 106/HR 98, HCR 141/HR 133, and HCR 165/HR 155 were passed unamended, while HCR 140/HR 132 was passed with reservations and HCR 166/HR 156 and HCR 82/HR 74 were passed with amendments. The committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<00:08:53.440>
and local investment, federal funding, and local investment, federal funding - And I think that in this funding.
- And so um receivers of those funds.
- to stay and own the parks and to be able to stay and own the parks and deal<01:14:52.080>
with - And funding for this program is running out.
Keywords:
housing, sales tax, homeownership, rent assistance, community stability, education, counseling, financial assistance, housing development, culturally appropriate services, HF1417, manufactured home parks, manufactured housing, mobile home parks, housing development fund, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, infrastructure grants, infrastructure loans, affordable housing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This would allow state and local parks and recreation agencies or departments to promote recreational
- get active while enjoying the many parks and outdoor spaces that Texas has to offer.
- Public parks bear names like... Independence Park, Harmony Park, and Freedom Dog Park.
- of the Parks and Wildlife Department.
- I took it to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Director, and I said, hey.
Keywords:
SB 2801, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Parks and Wildlife Code, field trial permit, hunting dog field trial, coonhound trial, dog trial, squirrel hunting, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals, hunting license exemption, wildlife management, public land permit, private land hunting, game fish and water safety account, permit fee, commission rules, Parks and Wildlife Department, Unplug Texas Day, digital detox
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 4230 relates to a Hike and Bike Trail to be known as the Bicentennial Trail.
- They were extirpated from Texas in the early... 1960s, and by 2017, Parks and Wildlife had them restored
- The Event Trust Fund Program consists of three separate funds: the Events Trust Fund (ETF) and the Major
- Fund, and the Motorsports Racing Trust Fund.
- It allows Texas Parks and Wildlife to move vessel.
Bills:
HB2385, HB3349, HB3962, HB3883, HB4396, HB4811, HB5088, HB4588, HB4867, HB4895, HB5398, HB5616
Keywords:
NRA, funding, major events reimbursement, annual meetings, exhibits, events trust fund, Pan American Games, Olympic Games, motor sports racing, local control, event support contract, INDYCAR, Arlington, tourism, funding eligibility, sporting events, economic impact, local governments, American Performance Horseman, American Rodeo
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 4/14/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Keywords:
natural resources, motorboat, boating safety, personal watercraft, PWC, watercraft operator permit, boater safety exam, off-road vehicle, ORV, ATV, snowmobile, state trail pass, cross-country ski pass, horse pass, state park permit, game and fish, hunting license, fishing license, wildlife permit, invasive species
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , but they're going through Parks and Wildlife land.
- And in the future, the idea of consulting with Parks and Wildlife is probably a good idea.
- Parks and Wildlife could intervene; they can't anymore.
- Having Parks and Wildlife...
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Keywords:
construction, wildlife impact, height restrictions, national wildlife refuge, environmental regulations, HB 3887, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Parks and Wildlife Code, performance bond, payment bond, contractor bonding, public works, construction contracts, public building, procurement, bid security, subcontractors, suppliers, contractor payment protection, project completion
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks - Room 210, 25 March, 2026; 1:00 PM
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
Transcript Highlights:
- Cruise, welcome, and we'll let you have the floor and tell us about yourself.
- So, basically, I live to hunt and fish and spend time outdoors and take other people with me as much
- I wanted to commend all of you that have put it together, and Caitlin and Ricky, and putting together
- <00:04:16.280>
follow going and they can follow up and follow going and they can follow up - And and I do appreciate are sustainable.
Summary:
The committee heard from Allison Cruise of Canton, Mississippi, a nominee for the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund. Cruise described her personal background as an avid hunter and angler and expressed support for expanding outdoor access and conservation opportunities across the state. Senator Wicker, who said he was one of the authors of the legislation creating the fund, asked about her views on conservation and how the program could better serve the public. Cruise praised the board’s structure, said she valued the requirement for matching funds and project guidelines that emphasize hunting, fishing, and broad public access, and encouraged continued outreach so projects come from all regions of Mississippi.
Wicker also stressed the need for careful attention to the application process, asking what applicants can do to make projects more feasible for consideration. Cruise responded that applicants should be audited entities with staff able to answer trust fund questions so the board can track money and ensure projects are sustainable. Wicker noted that many counties still have no funded projects and urged the board to remember that Mississippi is a large state and funding should not be concentrated only in certain corridors.
A committee member later noted that Cruise’s portal looked good but mentioned a missing statement of economic interest, which Cruise said she had filed. The committee then moved to advise and consent, approved the motion without opposition, and reported the nomination to the floor.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks - Room 210, 18 March, 2026; 1:30 PM
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
Transcript Highlights:
- And it was the state put those out on the state trace park. And they migrated to my property.
- the parks and the ball fields and all the parks and the ball fields and all that,<00:24:10.960>
we're - And we need to share this funds across the state as well.
- this funds across And we need to share this funds across the<00:26:11.679>
state <00:26:11.960 - And I just have concerns about going in there and building full-blown parks. Okay?
Summary:
The Wildlife, Fisheries Committee met to consider several Senate nominations to the Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund board. The nominees included Richard Webster, Peyton Locky, Josh Ragio, and reappointee Van Ray. Each nominee briefly described his background and connection to the outdoors, conservation, or related business experience. Committee members repeatedly emphasized that the board should focus on projects that improve public access and advance conservation, while also considering projects across all regions of Mississippi, including north Mississippi.
Members also raised concerns about the use of trust fund money for land purchases, noting that buying land can remove property from county tax rolls. Several senators urged the nominees to favor projects that maximize public benefit, avoid overemphasis on city parks or ball fields, and consider leasing land instead of purchasing it when possible. The nominees generally agreed that projects should be judged on merit, public access, and conservation value. One nominee, Webster, was reminded to file a statement of economic interest with the Mississippi Ethics Commission before floor consideration.
The committee voted to advise and consent on Senate Nominations 2, 51 and 52, 53 and 54, and 89, moving all of them to the floor. The votes were taken by voice vote with no opposition recorded. Van Ray also discussed the committee’s earlier work creating procedures for the program and said the board had already supported many projects statewide, with a moratorium on land purchases currently in place.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 3:00 P.M.
Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
Transcript Highlights:
- The Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee will come to order.
- Uh, the way it was worded, it was kind of going to the wildlife department's general fund, and they were
- Uh, the way it was worded, it was kind of going to the wildlife department's general fund, and they were
- <00:38:15.839>
and <00:38:16.079>they department's uh general fund and they department's - uh general fund and they were<00:38:16.400>
going <00:38:16.480>to <00:38:16.640>have
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 2664, which would amend the lifetime hunting license program so anyone under age 18 could buy the license for a $500 fee. After a brief explanation and no questions, the committee adopted a motion for title sufficient and do pass, and the bill was reported.
Members then considered Senate Bill 2436, described as a step toward establishing a black bear hunting season in Mississippi beginning with the 2027-28 season. The bill would require the department to set rules based on black bear population data, use a lottery system for tags, create one annual governor’s tag, delay nonresident tags until at least 2032-33, cap those tags at 10%, and add penalties for violations. The committee again moved title sufficient and do pass with a committee substitute, and the bill was reported.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 2420, which would clarify last year’s hunting-season extension so that if a season ends on Friday or Saturday, it would continue through Sunday. That bill received a do-pass motion and was reported. Senate Bill 2659, creating a voluntary lifetime conservation legacy license for Mississippians over 65 for a one-time $250 fee, also passed the committee and was reported.
Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2660, the catfish bill, with testimony from a guest and department officials. Supporters argued the bill was needed to curb commercial harvesting of trophy catfish from the Mississippi River, protect the resource, and support tourism and events such as the Vicksburg catfish tournament. Department staff said a possible approach would be to prohibit transporting live catfish over 34 inches, which they said could help stop the practice without affecting farm-raised catfish. Members discussed concerns about impacts on local fishermen and clarified that the bill was aimed at Mississippi River waters; the committee did not reach a final vote on this bill in the portion provided.
MS