Senate committee hears bill to set 40/40/20 split for Montana Trail Stewardship grants and broaden eligible uses

Sen. Barry Usher introduced Senate Bill 310 to the Senate Fish and Game Committee, saying the bill would codify a distribution formula for the Trail Stewardship Grant Program and expand what the grants can pay for. "This bill does not raise any additional monies," Usher said, explaining the $9 opt‑out fee on license plate applications remains the primary funding source.

Supporters told the committee the bill is intended to guarantee a minimum share for both motorized and non‑motorized users while allowing unused shares to be applied for by the other group. "So we're not taking money away from anybody, but we're guaranteeing that each side gets their fair share of money," Fred Bailey, president of the Montana Snowmobile Association, said in testimony.

Tom Jacobson of the Montana Wildlife Federation urged caution. Jacobson said motorized applicants historically have not claimed the older 30% allocation: "In 2023, there were 43 applications, of which 8 were for motorized projects," he said, adding the total requested by motorized applicants that year was about $441,369, "just under 30%." Jacobson said questions about demand and federal funding trends mean the committee should consider whether changing the split is necessary.

Beth Shumate, assistant administrator at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), provided the committee with program history and data collection context. Shumate said the first grant awards were in calendar year 2021 and that FWP began tracking motorized vs. non‑motorized vs. multi‑use allocations in 2023. She told the committee that 2023 and 2024 application cycles show higher request totals from non‑motorized applicants and offered to supply detailed breakdowns, funding‑source information and project locations as follow‑up.

Committee members pressed FWP for year‑by‑year allocation data and for a list of awardees; Shumate said FWP issues a statewide press release when the grant cycle opens (typically November through January), publishes applications and provides technical assistance to applicants. Several senators asked how expanded eligible uses such as economic or feasibility studies or safety and ethics training would help motorized groups compete; Usher and proponents said the broader eligible uses were developed with stakeholders and could provide new pathways for motorized applicants to apply successfully.

The hearing record shows a "friendly amendment" was expected as stakeholders continued to refine the bill language. The committee closed the hearing on SB 310 and invited FWP to provide the requested historical allocations and funding‑source detail.

Next steps: the bill remains in committee pending any amendments and the supplemental data FWP agreed to provide.