The Minnesota Senate this week approved final passage of a comprehensive, bipartisan Legacy Finance bill that provides key funding to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, the Clean Water Fund, the Parks and Trails Fund, and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Included in this legislation is language authored by Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater) that appropriates $128,000 in funding to the Disabled Veterans Rest Camp on Big Marine Lake in Washington County. This grant will provide landscape improvements around the new cabins, a retaining wall around a water drainage holding pond, and security fencing.  

“Big Marine Lake has always been a special spot for our local veterans, and I’m so glad we were able to get this funding included in the Legacy bill so the camp can continue maintenance and improvements,” said Sen. Housley. “Twelve years ago, the park was experiencing only 3,000 annual visitors, and now they’re up to over 35,000 visitors per year! The work they’ve put into this camp so far has really paid off, and this grant money will ensure its future growth.”

Currently the only Yellow Ribbon Campground in the USA, Big Marine Lake is open to members of the military, military retirees, veterans, veteran families, and sponsored guests. In 1926, this Camp was started from a local farm that was donated to help disabled veterans recover from World War I and became a Yellow Ribbon Campground in January of 2010. As a non-profit organization, grants are the driving force behind funding updates and camp improvements.

The Legacy bill passed the Senate with unanimous bipartisan support. The bill now awaits final signature at the Governor’s desk.