Four ATV Grants Awarded to 25th Senatorial District Organizations

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) this past week announced new grant funding totaling $955,500 for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and snowmobile facilities and trails in Pennsylvania.

The investments from the ATV Management Restricted Account and Snowmobile Management Restricted Account are used to support construction or maintenance of ATV and snowmobile trails and facilities.

Of the $955,500 distributed statewide, four grant recipients are located in the 25th Senatorial District: Elk County Riders Inc. received $444,100 for development of the Byrnedale ATV Connector Trail in Jay Township, Elk County; Majestic Kamp & Lost Trails, Inc. received $203,300 for purchase of equipment to maintain and construct approximately 67 miles of ATV trails at Majestic Kamp & Lost Trails in Otto, Keating and Foster townships, McKean County; Central Mountains ATV Association Inc. got $89,200 for the purchase of equipment to maintain and construct approximately 300 miles of the Central Mountains ATV Association trail system in Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Union and Warren counties; and the Potter County ATV UTV Club received $9,500 for the purchase of mobile youth ATV safety training equipment.

The department is allowed to award grants two times each year to municipalities and organizations (both for-profit and non-profit) for development of publicly accessible ATV and snowmobile trails and facilities, with the next grant round opening on Aug. 1 and closing on Sept. 30.

Proposed snowmobile and ATV related projects eligible for DCNR grants include: planning, land acquisition, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction, and development of educational programs related to snowmobile and ATV trails and facilities.

Each of these organizations are working together to capitalize on the growing community of riders and encouraging these riders to enjoy the natural beauty we enjoy in the 25th District. People are coming from out of state to utilize the trails these organizations are setting up and maintaining. This is resulting in a growing number of people spending nights at our campgrounds and hotels and enjoying the restaurants and small businesses in our region. It’s a billion-dollar industry and we are starting to reap the benefits of it because of the work of these organizations.

No match is required for this funding, but applications providing matching funding will be given additional consideration.