Carl Hager
Carl Hager
Area snowmobile and ATV clubs were mostly pleased with the January 15th funding announcements from André Fortin. The Pontiac Snowmobile Drivers Association (PSDA) received $100,000 to purchase a new snow grooming machine and $27,000 for operating expenses and the Club moto-neige Pingouin received $97,000 for trail maintenance. The $45,300 grant awarded to the ATV club was lower than expected, according to President Patrick Amyotte, considering the trails are used year round.
Wayne Venne, President of the Club moto-neige Pingouin said the grant reflects the large amount of trail clearing done last year. Alain Goulet, President of PSDA, said the club has five grooming machines, three of which are considered trail worthy and two older than the usual 15 year life span. Goulet said the grant money received from the government is not a gift, but is in fact a return on the
membership and licensing fees members pay each year.
The ATV club is about 560 members strong, and like the other presidents, Amyotte remarked that volunteers do all the work involved in maintaining the trails.
