ATV Use Topic of Meeting

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EMPORIUM — Members of the Cameron County ATV/UTV Association visited the Cameron County Commissioners meeting on Thursday to report on progress made toward developing all-terrain vehicle riding opportunities throughout the county.

Approximately 23 miles of township roads have been identified for part of a trail that would connect Cameron County’s boroughs and townships for use by ATV riders, and members are attending township and borough meetings over the next few weeks to garner support for the move.

“Right now, we’re watching ATVs leave this county. They come in, drive through, and go out the other side,” said ATV Association president Jeff Snell, owner of the Bear’s Den restaurant and bar in Sterling Run. “Economic impact is a major part of this.”

Currently, members are working to connect portions of the identified route, as there are several gaps that must be filled in before the trail can run from Gibson Township, in southeastern Cameron County, to Shippen Township in the northwestern corner. If the trail is successful, members would like to see it expanded to link with trail systems in nearby counties, such as those in Elk, Potter and Clinton counties.

Snell said members are aware of the concerns of some residents, and a petition circulated and submitted to several townships. However, Snell reiterates the association is taking concerns into account during the planning phase, and the opening of an approved area for riders would eliminate a lot of the illegal riding that has been feared by opponents.

“Everyone talks about the 2 percent (of ATV riders who do not follow laws), but it’s actually 100 percent right now. Everyone is riding illegally. We want to designate and sign these roads, then we’ll deal with the 2 percent who still can’t follow the rules,” said Snell. “We love it here, too. We’re not out to ruin what we have. We’re just trying to make it better.”

Association members have been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), municipal authorities and other surrounding counties’ ATV associations to determine the best course of action and to attempt to work out problems before roads are opened to ATVs. They have also spoken with township officials from areas in Elk County where ATV riding has been permitted for more than a decade, and reported that very few problems arose after the first year due to ATV riders policing their own ranks.

Commissioner Lori Reed said she personally supported the action, as it was likely to positively impact the economy in Cameron County. The commissioners are working to write up a resolution or similar motion to officially recognize the ATV association’s efforts.

In other news, the commissioners approved a bid of $8,878 submitted by Bucktail Excavators for the demolition of a former residence located at 236 West Fifth St. in Emporium Borough.

A resolution was also approved by the commissioners. The resolution authorizes the recorder of deeds to charge an additional $15 fee on deeds and mortgages, with the money to be used for the continued demolition of blighted properties in the county.

Resolution 2017-2 was also passed, transferring the lot formerly occupied by the Jasper Harris & Sons building at 26 East Fourth St. to the ownership of Emporium Borough. The move “continues the intergovernmental cooperation with the borough on blighted properties.” The commissioners stated it made good fiscal sense to transfer the property, as the borough has the equipment and employees to care for the lot.

Due to the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, use of the lot is limited for the next few years.

Meanwhile, the commissioners approved an Act 13 funding application from the Cameron County School District in the amount of $7,410.

The funds will be used to install new drainage under the playground, which is used by the Family Center and children enrolled at Woodland Elementary, Pre-K Counts, IU9 Preschool and Head Start.

Also, the county was awarded a $3,778.35 safety grant to make employee safety improvements at the courthouse. The money will be used to repair downspouts and the awning over the handicap entrance, install new lighting and purchase an AED unit.

The next commissioners meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 16 at the courthouse in Emporium.

Article by Amanda Jones Bradford Era Correspondent