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| Date: | February 16, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Chris Van Guilder | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-1388 | | Contact Email: | christopher.vanguilder@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR INGEBRIGTSEN PARTICIPATES IN PARKS AND TRAILS LEGACY PLAN PRESENTATION |
(ST. PAUL) – State Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) participated in the Parks and Trails Legacy Plan Presentation Monday at the State Capitol. Led by Courtland Nelson, Chair of the Legacy Plan Steering Committee, the presentation focused on strategies for addressing issues, trends and needs facing the state’s park and trail system. Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr, Representative Denny McNamara (R-Hastings) and Clara Barton Elementary School students also participated in the presentation.
With the passage of the 2008 Clean Water, Land and Legacy Act, the Legislature requested that a plan be developed to provide direction for how the new revenues should be spent. The DNR was charged to lead the planning effort in collaboration with citizens, park and trail providers, and other non-government entities (source: Minnesota Parks & Trails Legacy Planning Committee).
Senator Ingebrigtsen, Chair of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee, stated Monday, “As legislators entrusted to allocate these Legacy Fund resources, we have an obligation and duty to explain the purpose and intent of each dollar spent. We take great pride in our outdoors, and its preservation and health is key to our way of life. By laying out a comprehensive plan, we can ensure that our youth, such as those here today, will enjoy outdoor recreation for years to come.”
A youth panel and question-and-answer session was held after the presentation.
The Parks and Trails Legacy Plan includes goals and measurable outcomes and a vision for Minnesotans of what the regional and state parks and trails will look like in 25 years. 14.25% of the funds generated from the 3/8% increase in the sales tax resulting from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Act will provide funding for regional and state parks and trails (source: Minnesota Parks & Trails Legacy Planning Committee).
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State Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen encourages and appreciates constituent input, and can be reached at 651-297-8063, by mail at 303 Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155, or via email at sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn.
