Two bills recently passed that will have a major impact on snowmobilers.
First, the Highway Bill has passed out of conference committee and is expected to be signed by the President next week. That bill includes $370 million in funding for the Recreational Trails Program, which helps in the maintaining and creation of trails.
According to the American Council of Snowmobile Associations, the funding breaks down as follows:
• $60 million in 2005
• $70 million in 2006
• $75 million in 2007
• $80 million in 2008
• $85 million in 2009
ACSA says that's an increase of about 64%, which was less than had been requested. But in a tight budget year, it's better than some might have expected.
Also, a rider was successfully attached to the Interior Appropriations Bill directing the National Park Service to authorize the use of up to 720 snowmobiles a day in Yellowstone National Park for this winter. According to the ACSA, this, in effect, blocks the federal courts from barring the use of snowmobiles this winter.
ACSA also has a letter available at
www.snowmobilers.org that they'd like you to print out, sign, and send in to your legislators supporting the continued use of snowmobiles in Yellowstone.