MN HF297

Establishes a pilot regional dog park permit program administered by the Metropolitan Council, allowing permits valid for three years at a cost of up to $25 per person or family, with electronic application and renewal methods provided.

Creates a dog park matching grant program requiring the Metropolitan Council to distribute grant funding to local governmental units for establishment, expansion, or maintenance of dog parks, with a $40,000 maximum per park per fiscal year and a minimum 1:2 local matching contribution requirement.

Requires dog parks funded through the grant program to post minimum rules including leash requirements, dog licensing, and prohibition of dogs under four months of age, and to display signage crediting the 2008 constitutional amendment funding.

Appropriates $400,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $400,000 in fiscal year 2011 from the parks and trails fund for implementation of both the permit and matching grant programs.

Applies only to the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.