State funding for snowmobiles and other motorsports on public lands is always a hot topic of debate. The state of Pennsylvania looks like they may be headed toward reforming the funding of snowmobile and ATV trails.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives appears to be close to passing a law that would provide for equal funding for the state’s ATV and snowmobile trails. According to the following story posted on the Pennsylvania Business Daily website, the bill emphatically gained committee approval and will now be considered by the full House.
“Proposed legislation to bring equality to the disbursement of funds for winter recreational opportunities, specifically ATV and snowmobile use, gained a unanimous thumbs-up from the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee today.
Rep. Martin Causer, sponsor of the measure, said House Bill 970 would have Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) keep separate ATV management and snowmobile management accounts to guarantee balanced fund distribution.
“The number of trail miles on public lands for snowmobiles outnumbers those for ATVs by a 10-to-1 ratio,” Causer said. “People paying registration fees for their ATVs expect those funds to be used to maintain and develop trails for their use. Separating the accounts will help to ensure that is happening.”
In events leading up to this bill, last year Causer cited an example wherein Cameron County residents were paying ATV registration fees, yet could not ride on public lands in their jurisdiction.
“On more than 131,000 acres of forests, there is not one single trail on which people can legally ride their ATVs," Causer said. "It simply doesn’t make sense."
HB 970 also would update the Snowmobile and ATV Advisory Committee membership, and strengthen audit requirements for the funds.
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.”
For the full story, click here.
Post your thoughts in the Comments section below! What do you think of this idea? Do you know how your state funds are allocated between the different groups of outdoor motorsport enthusiasts?