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Sunday, March 14, 2004
Rural business grants feed clubs' coffers
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Since 1998, Maine snowmobile clubs have received 34 grants totaling more than $850,000 that have been used to purchase equipment and supplies to help maintain the state's 13,000 miles of snowmobile trails. The number of trails grows every year. One of the largest grants, for $43,000, was given just a few weeks ago to Quad County Snowmobile Club, based in Springfield. The club is only a few years old but maintains more than 120 miles of trails. The money was used to purchase a snow groomer. Within the next few weeks, it is possible that even more snowmobile clubs will receive grants, said Mike Aube, the state director of Rural Development of Maine. "This is a rural business enterprise grant program, to help and sustain economic growth and opportunities in rural communities," said Aube. "From our perspective, snowmobile clubs are a contributing asset to the job base and investment opportunities in many of these rural communities. These snowmobile folks have a passion for the sport and volunteer their time to provide nicely groomed trails. They provide a great service for all those people from out of state and as well as in-state to enjoy the sport. You can go to any small town and see restaurants in the evening packed with snowmobilers eating, and (outside) waiting in line to buy gas at local gas stations." Snowmobiling is more than just fun — it makes good economic sense for businesses throughout the state. For instance, many towns in rural Maine would have a rough time during the winter months if it were not for snowmobiling. Since 1998, individual snowmobile clubs in Aroostook County — the largest and most sparsely populated county in Maine — have received almost half a million dollars in grants. "Were it not for the trails, you would have a limited amount of activity in many of these communities that would not have the new dollars. Those who participate in the sport are extremely active," said Aube. "We are seeing people coming from great distances to spend a week in Maine. We find it easy to justify these grants and investments to a wonderful group of people who keep the trails safe and enticing." According to the Maine Snowmobile Association, snowmobiling accounts for 3,300 full-time equivalent jobs in Maine. The industry generates more than $260 million annually. The trails on the weekends are busy — especially in the northern part of the state, where there has been a good snowpack. Yes, it is mid-March and in southern Maine, there is little if any snow to speak of. March did come in like a lamb, with gentle rains and above-average temperatures. There is always the hope that it will go out like a lion and give us just a few more weeks on the trails before the snowmobiles are put up until next season. If you are interested in applying for a grant for your snowmobile club, call 990-9161 or check out the rural development Web site for your area at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/me/.
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