Panel forwards funding bill to support Prospector Loop and Voyager Country ATV trail systems

The committee re‑referred House File 281 to the Ways and Means Committee after testimony from trail groups and county officials seeking funding from the ATV dedicated account to support the Prospector Loop and Voyager Country ATV trail systems.

Chair Heintzeman introduced HF281 as a bipartisan bill to allocate funding from the ATV dedicated account to support projects in the Prospector Loop (a roughly 167‑mile system connecting Ely, Babbitt, Embarrass, Tower and Soudan) and the Voyager Country ATV trail system (connecting Crane Lake, Cook and surrounding areas). Representatives and testifiers said the funding would support sustainable trail development, maintenance and key first‑phase work to connect Couchiching County with International Falls.

Nick Wagnum, representing the Prospector Loop Alliance, described four “Connect 4” connections the group is pursuing, including rebuilding a former railroad grade and reusing a bridge moved from another site if bonding funding is approved; he listed multiple funding sources used historically including local tax dollars, the Federal Recreational Trails Program, bonding and manufacturer grants. Tom Doherty of the Voyager Country ATV club described the system’s role in tying state forests, county lands and public access points and said connectivity improves tourism and local economies.

DNR staff and county testifiers said projects undergo environmental and permitting review and that grant agreements would govern use of any state funds. Representative Heintzeman invited members to participate in a fall ride to inspect the trail systems.

The committee chair renewed the motion to refer HF281 to Ways and Means; the committee voted by voice and the motion carried.