For Information Contact:
David Andrews
Community Services Coordinator
798-5800
EANNACE: COUNTY MUST ASSIST
WINTER TOURISM
|
|
"Oneida County's over 500 miles of snowmobile trails need to be readied for the upcoming season," Eannace said. "These trails are made possible only because of the community spirit of private landowners and the volunteers who prepare and groom these trails. The explosion in liability insurance costs this year threatens the existence of trails here and around the state for local residents and tourists alike."
C. Lee Hinkleman, President of the Oneida County Area Snowmobile Association, Inc., said the snowmobile clubs had no advanced warning of the dramatic increases in insurance costs until they applied for insurance several weeks ago. "Fewer and fewer insurance companies are willing to write this insurance," Hinkleman said, "and those that will provide coverage have hiked their rates substantially. The eleven clubs in Oneida County are faced with increases totaling almost $45,000."
Eannace noted that the State has increased New York fees this year to help with other problems of trail development and maintenance, and that he has discussed other state help earlier this week with Commissioner Bernadette Castro of the Office of Parks and Recreation and other state officials.
"The Oneida County Convention and Visitors Bureau says our county receives a $20 million economic impact from winter recreation," Eannace said, "and in addition to the 8,700 registered snowmobiles here in the county, there are thousands of people who come here every winter to ride our great trail system. The ripple effects of empty trails would be devastating. We would jeopardize our economy at a time when the small business people such as snowmobile dealers, restaurants, motels and other retail businesses can least afford it. This is also a necessary investment for our local economy and our tax payers since less than a $30,000.00 investment this year will prevent the potential loss of over $200,000.00 in sales tax".
County Legislator Ronald Conover (R-12), is the lead sponsor of legislation that will allow the transfer of funds from the Board of Legislators' contingency fund. "This legislative initiative which is being advanced by myself and my colleagues is intended to send a very clear message that Oneida County's trails will be open for business this winter season," Conover said. "Our economy, our business community and our visitors deserve nothing less."
County Legislator Brian Miga (R-9) is a prime co-sponsor of the legislation. "I have read the studies which clearly demonstrate the benefits of snowmobiling to our area," Miga said, "and this legislation is a wise investment to support a key component of our economy. I strongly support the snowmobile clubs that make this great winter activity possible."
Eannace said one-third of the funding will be returned to the county from the reimbursement the clubs receive for snowmobile registration fees.
Eannace said he is hoping the state will take action in the coming year to avoid a similar situation next year. "I am talking with State officials about pursuing legislation similar to liability legislation that was passed relating to downhill ski areas. Only by that type of action can we avoid these dramatic increases that could damage our winter recreation economy."