RENDELL SIGNS MOTORIZED TRAIL FUNDING BILL
PSSA Release
August 3, 2005
Contact Fred Brown

I am pleased to report that after many years of effort on the part of dozens of individual members and officers of the Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association, the General Assembly and the Governor's Office, legislation authorizing liquid fuels (gas) tax monies to be used for snowmobile use was signed by Gov. Ed Rendell.

Under the terms of Act 50 of 2005, DCNR is required to biennially calculate the amount of fuel consumed in the operation of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and 4x4's and to petition the Board of Finance and Revenue for a refund in an amount not to exceed $1 million. 

These funds will be used by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the improvement of roads and bridges, including DCNR and township roads and bridges, also used by snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. 

In addition to the passage of the authorizing legislation, PSSA was successful in securing the use of funding authorized during the 04-05 budget, but not here-to-for accessible by the Department. Funding was also included for a 05-06 budget year and beyond.

The bottom line is a  permanent authorization for DCNR to annually receive up to $1 million in liquid fuels revenues and $2 million for use in 05-06 budget year.

While PSSA was in pursuit of the liquid fuels issue other notable accomplishments occurred including: 

1.      Landowner Liability Reform 2004
2.      110 in. Wide Trailer
3.      Return of fines to Restricted Account
4.      Creation of Snowmobile ATV Advisory Committee
5.      $300K DCED Grant to PSSA
6.      Snowmobile Grant program
7.      Snowmobile Titling
8.      Liability Insurance
9.      $2 Million in additional funding budget years 00-01 and 01-02
10.    Increased fines for failure to register or carry insurance

PSSA’s legislative effort and has also preserved the right of young riders to ride with and under the adult supervision.  PSSA has also opposed legislation to confiscate snowmobiles after three violations and the requirement to obtain written permission was riding on private property. 

All in all not a bad list of accomplishments, but in looking back, we look forward to the opportunities presented in this new funding stream and the continued challenge presented by dynamic and growing user base. 

PSSA will continue to work with the Department and the SACC committee of to create a unified snowmobile trail system one in which the user knows where they are and where they’re going recognizing the need to designate where vital services may be obtained should they be needed.