The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 1116, aims to provide significant funding for the maintenance and improvement of state-owned soft-surface trails managed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Specifically, the bill proposes an appropriation of thirty million dollars from the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to be used for capital improvements, including necessary repairs, upgrades, and enhancements to ensure the trails meet public use standards. Furthermore, the bill allocates an additional three million dollars for each subsequent fiscal year for ongoing maintenance of these trails.
The primary objective of this legislation is to enhance the quality and accessibility of outdoor recreational spaces by ensuring that the trails are well-maintained and safe for public use. The bill does not include any deletions from current law but introduces new funding provisions to support the DEEP's efforts in maintaining these important natural resources.