Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Snowmobile and ATV alliance warns of funding shortfalls, cites Trego bypass safety issue
Summary
A representative of the Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV Alliance told the committee declining registrations and trail-pass sales are reducing state funding for trails; the group also flagged an unsafe crossing at a Trego bypass roundabout.
Don Rotek, speaking for the Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV Alliance, told the Natural Resources Committee that recent low registration counts and low trail-pass purchases at the state level are reducing funding available for grooming and trail maintenance.
Rotek said this season has better snow than the previous year, but statewide declines in registered machines and trail-pass purchases create a funding shortfall for snowmobile and ATV trails, which rely on DNR-administered registration and gas-tax funds and trail-pass revenue. He said a significant share of statewide trail funds goes to bridge projects and that many aging bridges in Wisconsin need replacement.
Rotek also raised a local safety concern involving a Trego bypass: he said highway work installing a roundabout did not include arrangements for snowmobile and ATV trail crossings, leaving groomers and users with an unsafe crossing of a four-lane highway. He asked that the alliance be placed on future agendas so the group can report regularly and that the committee consider safety fixes for that crossing.
Rotek identified himself as affiliated with the Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV Alliance. The committee did not take action during the public-comment period; staff and members acknowledged the issue and noted ongoing coordination with regional planning groups working on trail problems.
