May 27, 2009, Long Lake, NY – NYSSA urges Congress to support the continuation of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Recreation Trails Program (RTP grants). These grants have provided necessary funding for development and maintenance of recreational trails throughout New York State since 1991.

• Continue RTP funding by insisting it be included in the federal transportation legislation.
• Increase the funding to $550 million over the next five years to accurately reflect the value of off-road highway fuel use and contribution.
• Fund a US DOT study of non-highway recreational fuel use.
• Adjust the allowable administrative expenses for the US FHWA to 1% of actual available annual funding.

 “Snowmobilers in New York are not asking for handouts; we willingly fund our sport.”, said Mike Fischer, NYSSA President, adding “We ask our elected representatives to the US Senate and House to allocate this funding- paid by off-road recreational users- back where it belongs and where it can benefit the millions of recreational trails users in the US.” Ensuring that recreational trail use continues to receive the support provided by the trail users’ purchase of fuel is a common-sense solution to provide the necessary funding to keep a vibrant trails infrastructure whole.

The efforts of NYSSA members to support development and maintenance of recreational trails, in conjunction with state and local agencies like the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), help all trail user groups support healthy lifestyles as well as providing a needed economic boost for the New York State tourism derived economy.

Founded in 1975, NYSSA is the voice of more than 100,000 snowmobilers in New York State, and provides support for the 230 local clubs maintaining over 10,000 miles of local snowmobile and multiuse trails.  Visit NYSSA online at www.nysnowmobiler.com

For more information:
Jim Jennings, NYSSA Executive Director
PO Box 612, Long Lake, NY 12847-0612
Tel. 518-624-3849, Fax 518-624-2441
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it