MontanaSB 31069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Revise the trail stewardship grant program

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

More groups can get trail grants

Beginning July 1, 2025, Montana runs the Trail Stewardship Grant Program. Cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts, recreation clubs and organizations, and state and federal agencies can apply. Grants can fund new trails, repairs, and shared-use paths. They can also cover trailhead facilities, signs, safety and ethics education, economic and planning studies, trail data collection, and equipment purchase and upkeep.

Grant funds split by trail use

Beginning July 1, 2025, the department splits available grant money: 40% for motorized projects, 40% for nonmotorized projects, and 20% for projects serving both. Unused money in one group can be moved to another group. The department must consider advice from the state trails advisory committee when making awards. The department may set detailed procedures by rule.

New payment and spending rules for grantees

Beginning July 1, 2025, a grantee can request up to 75% of a grant up front. The remaining up to 25% is paid after the first advance is spent and reported. You may spend at most 7% of the award on administrative costs. Any grant money not spent within three years of the award returns to the department’s account.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Barry Usher
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Greg Oblander
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 264 • No: 33

Senate vote • 4/1/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 32 • No: 17

Senate vote • 3/4/2025