Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Snowmobile Insurance Coverage Secured - Ed @ 19:29 EST

This is the best news in a while....
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 21, 2003
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT FOR SNOWMOBILE TRAILS

Snowmobile Insurance Coverage Secured to Keep Trails Open this Season

Governor George E. Pataki today announced that the state has reached an agreement with New York State Snowmobile Association to secure insurance coverage for the snowmobile organizations whose members provide regular maintenance on the 9,000 mile state-designated trail system. The agreement provides a long-term solution for liability coverage for the entire state trail system.

“New York is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts offering some of the best snowmobiling in the country,” said Governor Pataki. “By making it easier for clubs to get insurance and maintain the trails, we are creating a safer environment for this exciting and popular cold-weather sport. Friends and families can look forward to enjoying the great outdoors knowing that we are working hard to keep the state’s vast network of trails in the safest condition possible.”

Last year, the coverage was jeopardized and trails were temporarily closed when the insurance policies for trail groups were cancelled or not renewed. The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the state Insurance Department, Office of General Services and Department of Environmental Conservation staff, along with the New York State Snowmobile Association and representatives from the insurance industry quickly worked out a short-term solution to provide coverage and reopen the trails for the duration of last season. Under the terms of the new agreement for the upcoming season, NYSSA will secure and administer a blanket policy through the COOL Insuring Agency Inc., funded by state trail grant monies supported by snowmobile registrations.

State Parks Commissioner Castro said, “With the support of Governor Pataki, we have taken important steps to make the snowmobile trails safe for outdoor winter enthusiasts who enjoy the scenic terrain and exceptional weather the Empire State offers. As a result of our successful efforts to address the coverage issue with the Insurance Department and the Snowmobile Association, the agreed upon policy will provide a long-term solution to keep trail systems open and well-maintained. Improved trails help highlight New York as an outstanding destination for snowmobiling, generating many tourism opportunities for our local communities.”

A SUNY Potsdam study of the economic contribution of snowmobiling estimated that the sport now contributes over $500 million annually to New York’s economy. New York State ranks fourth in the nation in total snowmobile registrations, with more than 172,000, and is among the leading states in state-sponsored trail mileage.

Senator James Wright said, "I am very appreciative of Governor Pataki for recognizing snowmobiling as an industry and its importance to the regional economy. His efforts in each of these past two seasons has allowed snowmobiling to continue. His leadership should be commended."

Senator Ray Meier said, "This agreement is great news because it guarantees snowmobile trails will be open this winter. Snowmobilers and their families spend literally millions of dollars in the 47th district and throughout upstate New York. Once again, Governor Pataki has come through for the people of New York. I thank him for his hard work in preserving this vital piece of the state's economy."

Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava said, "I am relieved to have this situation resolved in such a timely and satisfactory manner. The snowmobile enthusiasts of the North Country bring a great deal of revenue to our local economies during the long winter months and many of our businesses rely on their support. I appreciate Governor Pataki's efforts in this matter and am pleased with the agreement made regarding insurance for our clubs."

“As the winter season approaches, it is important that snowmobilers be assured that questions of availability of insurance coverage will not hinder their access to the State’s trails. This policy ensures that all who wish to enjoy New York’s scenic snowmobile trails will be able to do so and be protected by proper insurance coverage,” said Superintendent Serio. “Today’s announcement is the result of a continuation of last year’s collaboration between the Insurance Department and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to assist the New York State Snowmobile Association in procuring insurance coverage for the snowmobile clubs.”

Hal Fleischman, President of the New York State Snowmobile Association, said, “We are pleased that with this important coverage in place, snowmobile clubs across the state will be better able to help groom and maintain New York’s network of trails. We would like to thank the New York State Insurance Department and the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation as well as the NYSSA Insurance Committee for their many months of cooperation and effort in making this possible.”

The Governor also announced that he signed into law legislation to lower the threshold of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) from .10 percent to .08 percent for snowmobiling. The new safety measure reduces the BAC for snowmobile operation consistent with the new stronger standard for driving and boating. The new .08 law goes into effect November 1, 2003. As recently as 2001, data reported to the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation indicated that alcohol consumption by snowmobile operators contributed to at least 10% of all accidents and was a factor in 55% of all incidents that resulted in fatalities.