Subdivision 1.Establishment.

The commissioner of natural resources shall administer a program to provide grants from the parks and trails fund to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance. Grants shall not be made under this section for state parks, state recreational areas, or state trails.

Subd. 2.Priorities.

Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 85.535

In awarding trails grants under this section, the commissioner shall give priority to trail projects that provide:

(1) connectivity;

(2) enhanced opportunities for commuters; and

(3) enhanced safety.

Subd. 3.Grant amount.

A grant amount is not subject to a maximum grant award limitation. Additional consideration shall be given to applicants who provide a nonstate cash match.

Subd. 4.Rule exemption.

The commissioner is not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 in implementing this section, and section 14.386 does not apply.