Senate committee tables trails-grants bill after tie on allocation changes

HELENA The Senate Fish and Game Committee tabled Senate Bill 310, which would have expanded the state—s trails and recreational facilities grant program and established a trail stewardship grant, after a 6-6 tie on final passage and a subsequent voice vote to table the measure, committee proceedings show.

The bill—s sponsor described the measure as creating a new stewardship grant and adding additional project types that could qualify for grants. The sponsor also offered and won an amendment that would change how much of an awarded grant is advanced to recipients, raising the upfront payment to 75% with the remaining 25% released after program reporting or proof of expenditure.

Why it matters: The proposal would change how trail projects are funded across the state and how grant dollars are apportioned between motorized and nonmotorized uses. Supporters said the changes would speed project starts and enable a broader range of applicants, while opponents argued the allocation shift favored motorized interests and risked alienating nonmotorized stakeholders and local coalitions.

Bill details and amendment

The bill would expand the existing trails and recreational facilities grant program, add a new trail stewardship grant category, and list specific projects that could be eligible for funding. In committee discussion the sponsor summarized the measure as "an act amending the trails and recreational facilities grant program,…