Rep. Schomacker receives legislator of distinction award

District 22A Rep. Joe Schomacker was honored Feb. 24 as a Legislator of Distinction by Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota during its advocacy day at the Harriet Island Pavilion in St. Paul. Several state park supporters as well as trail and bike enthusiasts from across the state were in attendance. Schomacker was one of four state legislatures honored at the event, highlighting his continuous support for the development of the Casey Jones state trail.

Additionally, Parks & Trails Council’s 2016 legislative agenda was discussed, as well as the impact that this year’s bonding bill may potentially have on parks and trails across the state. The Casey Jones state trail has requested $1.25 million to accomplish extensive work on the trail that many believe is well overdue. Out of 14 projects that requested funding in 2014, Casey Jones was the only trail project to go unfunded.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of Minnesota State Parks & Trails and the 50th anniversary of the Casey Jones state trail, the first legislatively authorized state trail in Minnesota.

With the legislative session set to begin next week, the Friends of the Casey Jones Trail are urging District 22 constituents to contact their representatives and let them know the Casey Jones state trail should be funded in the 2016 bonding bill. Likewise, constituents of neighboring districts who would like to see the trail advance or who have used the trail are also encouraged to contact their district representatives.