Many miles of new hiking and biking trails and the acquisition of nearly 300 acres to expand regional parks across the state are among the projects to be funded with the $7,049,000 in recently awarded Parks and Trails Legacy grants.

The City of Rochester received $250,000 for development of a multi-use path that connects to Quarry Hill Nature Center and Rochester's existing trail system.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Parks and Trails Legacy Grant program helps local governments acquire, develop and restore parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.