LANSING, Mich. – State Senator Jim Barcia (D-Bay City) today applauded the House of Representatives for passing Senate Bill 1490, which he authored, and Senate Bill 1489, sponsored by Senator Jason Allen (R-Traverse City). This package of legislation provides for more snowmobile trail maintenance and establishes a separate subaccount to buy more land or easements to create more trails.

“Snowmobiling is a vital part of Michigan’s economy and one of our most popular winter tourist attractions,” said Barcia. “Grooming expenses have increased tremendously over the past few years and through this legislation, we can keep our trails perfectly groomed and ready for riders..”

There are over 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails in Michigan and 70% of active snowmobilers have requested changes in the fees system to make sure these trails are appropriately maintained. Snow-mobiling currently contributes $1 billion to Michigan’s economy each year and supports more than 7,000 jobs.

Senate Bill 1489 increases the snowmobile registration fee and sets aside $8.00 of each registration fee for deposit in the Permanent Snowmobile Trail Easement Subaccount within the Snowmobile Account. Senate Bill 1490 establishes the Permanent Snowmobile Trail Easement Subaccount within the Snowmobile Account and specifies that the money be spent on purchasing land or securing easements, leases or permits for snowmobile trails and facilities.

The two-bill package received final passage from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and now head to Governor Jennifer Granholm to sign into law.

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