NYSSA helps avert another possible trail fund raid

NYSSA and it’s lobbyist, the Capitol Group, discovered that an early version of this years NYS budget included a proposed increase in the registration fee portion of each snowmobile registration.

The proposed registration amount of $12.50, a $2.50 increase if passed, would have resulted in about $350,000 less money in the snowmobile trail maintenance fund next year.  The proposal would not have changed the current snowmobile registration cost to owners, however it would have reduced the amount of the registration revenue that is directed to the snowmobile trail maintenance reimbursement fund.

The impact would have been more than a $20 per mile reduction in trail funding for the 09-10 trail fund year.  The proposed change would have caused the average snowmobile club about a $1500 reduction in trail maintenance expense reimbursement.

Our lobbyists discussed the proposed change with NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, leading to a response that the change would be removed.  The proposed increase is gone in the latest version of the NYS budget.

“NYSSA is working diligently to represent snowmobilers in NY. Thanks to the efforts of our Governmental Affairs committee and our lobbyists, we were able to achieve a favorable outcome on the registration fee issue,” said Mike Fischer, NYSSA president, adding, “The NYS DMV has proven to be an important partner for NYSSA, and we are grateful for their response to our concerns.”