Senator Gallivan Supports Funding for Snowmobile Trail Maintenance & Grooming

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) says the state will provide $4.2 million for snowmobile trail maintenance and grooming across New York State. The funding includes more than $1.1 million for snowmobile trails in Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region.

The state has also designated the weekend of January 25-27 as a free snowmobiling weekend for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers. During this promotional weekend, the requirement to register in New York is waived for properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts wishing to explore New York's snowmobile trails.

"Thousands of residents and tourists alike embrace our winter weather and enjoy the wide variety of snowmobile trails available across the state,” Senator Gallivan said.  “By maintaining our trail system and encouraging more people to participate in snowmobiling, we promote our local economies and the natural beauty that New York has to offer.”

New York State is providing $4.2 million for snowmobile trail maintenance to local communities in New York this winter, a five percent increase from last year. The trail grants support 10,400 miles of designated trails across the state. The local grants program is funded by snowmobile registration fees collected by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and deposited into the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. County and municipal governments distribute the grants to about 230 snowmobile clubs across the state, which in turn groom and maintain the trails.

The following is a breakdown of regional funding:

Western New York

 Allegany                   $111,348

 Cattaraugus               $153,204

 Chautauqua               $229,176

 Erie                           $186,096

 Niagara                     $21,840

Finger Lakes

 Genesee                     $72,576

 Livingston                 $18,144

 Monroe                      $37,584

 Ontario                      $31,032

 Orleans                      $42,336

 Seneca                       $7,896

 Wayne                       $64,512

 Wyoming                  $146,376

Trail conditions vary depending on snowfall amounts and other factors. Check the websites of area snowmobile clubs for information on trail conditions, including the status of grooming. The New York State Snowmobile Association website has information about snowmobiling and snowmobile clubs.