Minnesota Budgets $13M for ATV Trail Upgrades and Expansion

Minnesota has allocated $13 million for ATV trail development and improvements over the next two years. Powersports Business reports that the state’s Department of Natural Resources has made the investment after the prolonged impacts of COVID-19, which has caused ATV registrations to skyrocket.

The funding comes in support of a 36 percent increase in registrations from the number 15 years ago, back when the sport had its last boom. Realizing the benefit that supporting trail systems can provide for local economies, the Minnesota legislature has responded accordingly. The $13 million is slated to go toward trail development statewide and will help increase the mileage of legal trails available for riding as well as help to maintain and improve existing trails.

Further, Powersports Business reports that additional funding has been given as well. $955,000 has been given to the City of Ely for bridge improvements; St. Louis County received $950,000 to expand the Voyageur Country ATV Trails; $1.3 million went to Lake County for the Prospectors Trail; and $1.9 million was granted to St. Louis County for the upcoming Iron Range Trail.