Senate Bill No. [number] aims to revise the existing Trails and Recreational Facilities Grant Program by establishing a new Trail Stewardship Grant Program. The bill amends Section 23-2-109 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to specify the apportionment of grant funding, expand the types of projects eligible for funding, and allow for advance payments of grant funds. The new program will allocate 40% of funds to motorized projects, 40% to nonmotorized projects, and 20% to projects serving both uses. Additionally, it introduces new eligible project categories, including trail-related projects, economic impact studies, feasibility studies, safety education, and equipment purchases.

The bill also modifies the advance payment structure, allowing for an advance of up to 75% of the grant at the time of award, with a further 25% available once the first advance is spent and reported. Other provisions include allowing grant recipients to use up to 7% of the funds for administrative costs and stipulating that any unspent funds must revert to the department after three years. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 23-2-109
SB0310_1(1): 23-2-109
SB0310_1(2): 23-2-109
SB0310_1(3): 23-2-109
SB0310_1(4): 23-2-109
SB0310_1(5): 23-2-109
SB0310_1: 23-2-109
SB0310_2(1): 23-2-109
SB0310_2(10): 23-2-109
SB0310_2(2): 23-2-109
SB0310_2(3): 23-2-109
SB0310_2(4): 23-2-109
SB0310_2(5): 23-2-109
SB0310_2(6): 23-2-109
SB0310_2(7): 23-2-109
SB0310_2(8): 23-2-109
SB0310_2(9): 23-2-109
SB0310_2: 23-2-109