Photo courtesy of Chautauqua Visitors Bureau
ALBANY – This winter may have been trying for many residents and businesses, but it also proved to have a positive impact on the snowmobile industry. In fact, many are saying it was the best year ever for snowmobiling, which means that many local businesses, including restaurants, benefited from the surge in snowmobilers.
According to a report from the Buffalo news, 118,800 sleds were registered this season – up by about 3,000 over last year.
The economic impact of the sport in New York State is estimated at more than $860 million a year.
Snowmobiles must have liability insurance and be registered with the state Department of Motor Vehicles. It costs $100 to register a snowmobile in New York, unless the owner belongs to a local snowmobile club, then it is $45.
Most of the money from registration fees goes for maintenance of the trails, and this year the state awarded $4 million in grants generated from the registration fees.
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