WOZNIAK: USE LIQUID FUEL TAX TO BOOST RECREATIONAL TRAILS

HARRISBURG, July 5 – Under an amendment proposed by state Sen. John N. Wozniak, Pennsylvania’s recreational trails would receive extra funding, through liquid fuels tax proceeds paid by drivers of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

          “Tourism and recreation are important sources of revenue for Pennsylvania, but we’ve got to make the initial investment,” Wozniak said. “For every dollar invested in tourism and recreation projects, such as ATV trails, the state sees a sevenfold return.”

          Wozniak introduced the amendment to House Bill 489 on Monday. The Senate voted 48-2 in favor of the amendment, and the Senate approved the amended bill by a 46-4 vote Tuesday.

          Wozniak’s amendment would allow the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to utilize approximately $1 million of the nearly $6.4 million in liquid fuels tax revenues generated by snowmobiles, ATVs, off-road motorcycles and 4x4s to improve, enhance and maintain roads and bridges designated for use by motorized recreational vehicles.

          More than 257,000 snowmobiles and ATVs alone are registered within the Commonwealth, according to DCNR data. These vehicles, along with motorcycles and 4x4s, use more than 54 million gallons of gasoline each year.

          “Pennsylvania ranks near the top of the list when it comes to ATV sales,” Wozniak said. “To keep the ATV boom going, we’ve got to secure more land, and a more permanent funding stream.”

          Wozniak noted that DCNR recently purchased 6,000 acres in northern Cambria County as a riding area for snowmobiles, ATV and motorcycles, in addition to other forms of passive recreation.

          “DCNR officials hope to set up at least four more riding areas across the state, similar to the one in Cambria County,” Wozniak said. “Funding from the liquid fuels tax would help to make this a reality.”

          In addition to providing for the liquid fuels tax designation and several changes in the state’s Vehicle Code, House Bill 489 would establish three specialty license plates for automobiles and light trucks: the Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran plate, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) veteran plate, and a general veteran plate. Each plate would require a one-time $20 issuance fee, in addition to the annual registration fee.