Land Trust News

Kelly Kountz Photo / Courtesy of Gallatin Valley Land Trust

Montana Parks and Trails Bill Headed to the Governor

SB 24, the bill that expands funding for Montana State Parks and for new trails passed the House last week 65-31 in the third reading floor vote and also passed the House Appropriations Committee by 16-6, and now awaits the Governor’s signature into law. The bill is expected to produce close to $2 million per year for state parks, fishing access sites and Virginia and Nevada cities. Also, within that $2 million will be close to $950,000 per year in trails funding. SB 24 was sponsored by Sen Terry Gauthier (R-Helena) and supported by a broad coalition that included Prickly Pear Land Trust and MALT. MALT extends its appreciation to Sen. Gauthier (right) and coalition leader Bob Walker for their strong leadership on this bill, to the entire coalition membership as well as the legislators who voted in favor of SB 24.