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For Immediate Release
November 22, 2005
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Senate Approves
White Snowmobile & ATV Bill to Encourage Tourism,
Economic Development
Harrisburg - The state Senate has approved
legislation sponsored by Senator Mary Jo White
(R-Venango) to boost local tourism and economic
development. Senate Bill 995 authorizes the
issuance of three-day, special event passes to
non-resident snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle
(ATV) riders who have not registered their vehicle
in Pennsylvania.
White explained that in June, Ohio passed
legislation ending its reciprocity agreement with
ATV and snowmobile riders from PA. As a result,
out-of-state riders were required to obtain a
Pennsylvania registration every two years at a cost
of $20.
"The added inconvenience and time needed to
obtain a registration caused many out-of-state ATV
and snowmobile riders to cancel participation in
organized events in my district and other areas
bordering Ohio, " White said. "Constituents told me
that they were losing a significant number of
tourists as a result, and the problem was negatively
impacting the economy in some smaller communities."
Noting that many out-of-state riders come to
Pennsylvania for events, White worked closely with
the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
(DCNR) to develop a solution to the issue.
To help "save this snowmobile season," her
legislation would:
- Authorize DCNR to issue three day, special
event passes for organized ATV or snowmobile
events to non-resident riders who have not
registered their vehicle in PA
- Authorize DCNR to collect $10 per pass, which
will be deposited in the ATV/snowmobile restricted
account
- Require event organizers to provide DCNR with
15 days notice prior to event
- Require out-of-state riders to prominently
display on their vehicle the special event pass
and home-state registration and provide proof of
liability insurance to the event organizer.
To respond to concerns raised by ATV and
snowmobile riders seeking more venues to register
their vehicles, Senator White agreed to a sunset
provision in her legislation of June 30, 2006.
"This will provide a short term solution to the
problem, but we also need to look at other ways to
make it easier for riders to register, including
providing more outlets and allowing for online
registration," she said. "Our goal is to encourage
recreational opportunities in Pennsylvania and
attract more tourists to our area."
Senate Bill 995 now moves to the House of
Representatives for its consideration.
Contact:
Patrick Henderson
(717) 787-9684
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