Policy and Planning Report for 2024

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) has released its 2024 Policy and Planning Report. The report, due to the Legislative Legacy Committees by January 15 each year, includes a review of the Legacy grant recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2026 funding cycle, the criteria and selection process used, an overview of Greater Minnesota's regional system development, and milestone achievements for the calendar year.

The Chair of the Commission, Rick Anderson, introduces the report by describing the Commission and its processes as nimble.  He defines the descriptor as an approach that listens to and works with the designated facilities to find solutions that will work for the projects and the health of the system.  One aspect highlighted to this approach is to open the Environmental and Archeological Review Grant available all year instead of during a specific time period.

Partnerships are vital to the GMRPTC.  Working with our partners, GMRPTC kicked off the Minnesota Parks Artist in Residence (MNPAiR) program which will enhance the public's experience in the park facilities. GMRPTC has also received a contract with our partners at the International Mountain Bike Associations (IMBA) to host its mountain bike Trail Labs in Minnesota for the next three years.

This year, Greater Minnesota system continues to grow adding 3 facilities for a total of 80 regionally designated parks, trails, and special feature facilities across 80 Greater Minnesota counties.

The Commission recommends $13,492,038 in awards to 14 applicants across the State.  At least one project in each of the six districts was funded.  Emerging Opportunity grants were funded for 3 projects for a total of $1,914,033.
 
The full report is available for download here.