Committee advances bill to codify 40/40/20 split for trail stewardship grants

Senator Barry Usher told the committee that Senate Bill 310 would place the previously informal split of the Trail Stewardship Grant Program into law: 40% for motorized projects, 40% for non‑motorized projects and 20% for programs that benefit both. "This bill puts into law the split of the stewardship grant program," Usher said, adding the bill does not raise any new funds.

Fred Bailey and other proponents said past language left ambiguity about allowable uses, preventing some projects from receiving grants. Bailey told the committee the bill would explicitly allow equipment purchases, maintenance projects such as parking lots and trailheads, construction and latrines, safety programs, education, and feasibility and planning studies. He and others said the change would help motorized projects that previously scored poorly under the administrative rules used for grant review.

Beth Shumate of Fish, Wildlife and Parks explained the program’s funding sources: an optional state parks vehicle registration component (about $1.37 of a $9 optional day‑use fee) established in 2019 and a portion of marijuana tax proceeds added later. Shumate said the program initially generated about $900,000 and now totals roughly $2,000,000 a year with the additional marijuana tax funding. The program’s maximum grant award is $100,000.

Committee members asked whether motorized projects require greater maintenance; Shumate acknowledged higher equipment and operational costs for some motorized projects but noted the bill’s flexibility provisions allow unused allocations to be reallocated. After questions and sponsor closing remarks, the committee voted by voice with proxies recorded and advanced SB310 unanimously to the House floor; Representative Oblander was named carrier.