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Senator Susan M. Collins joins USDA Rural Development in Announcing $411,365 to Five Maine Snowmobile Clubs

Name
Emily Cannon
Email
emily.cannon@usda.gov
Phone
207-990-9175
City
Hermon ME
Release Date


Maine Snowmobile Association Shares Impact of Industry on Maine’s Economy

USDA Rural Development State Director Timothy P. Hobbs and Maine Senator Susan M. Collins have announced $411,365 in grant funds to five Maine snowmobile clubs. Mike Grass, President of the Maine Snowmobile Association, joined the event today to share the important economic impact of the snowmobile industry on the state. The announcement took place at the Penobscot Snowmobile Club, which received USDA funding ($75,000) in 2012 for a groomer that has served the club for many years.

USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Timothy P. Hobbs said, "The impact of Maine's snowmobile industry on the state's economy is immense. Today's investment in equipment for snowmobile clubs by the Trump Administration is vital to supporting Maine's economic future. I am so pleased that Maine Senator Susan Collins could make this announcement, which will have a lasting impact on our rural communities, supporting at least 25 businesses, and helping to retain an create jobs in rural areas."

In Maine, five snowmobile clubs will receive Rural Business Development Grants totaling $411,365:

  • Slippery Sliders, in Roxbury, has received a Rural Business Development Grant in the amount of $99,000. This Rural Development investment will be to purchase snowmobile trail grooming equipment. This equipment will replace an old and maintenance-heavy trail groomer, and will allow continued access to area businesses during the winter months. It is estimated that this funding to Slippery Sliders Snowmobile Club will support 5 area businesses.
  • Wassookeag Snowmobile Club, Inc., in Dexter has received a Rural Business Development Grant in the amount of $49,002. This Rural Development investment will be used by Wassookeag Snowmobile Club, Inc to purchase snowmobile trail grooming equipment. This equipment will supplement an old and maintenance heavy trail groomer. This equipment will allow continued access to area businesses during the winter months. It is estimated that this funding to Wassookeag Snowmobile Club, Inc. will support 6 area businesses.
  • The Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club, Inc., in Portage Lake, has received a Rural Business Development Grant in the amount of $65,000. This Rural Development investment will be used by the Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club to purchase snowmobile trail grooming equipment. This equipment will replace an old and maintenance heavy trail groomer. This equipment will allow continued access to area businesses during the winter months. It is estimated that this funding to Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club will support 4 area businesses.
  • The Town of St. Agatha has received a Rural Business Development Grant in the amount of $98,463. This Rural Development investment will be used by the town of St. Agatha to purchase snowmobile trail grooming equipment to lease to the local snowmobile club, the Red Arrow Snowmobile Club. This equipment will replace an old and maintenance heavy trail groomer. This equipment will allow continued access to area businesses during the winter months. It is estimated that this investment in the Town of St. Agatha will support 5 area businesses.
  • The Town of Fort Kent has received a Rural Business Development Grant in the amount of $99,900. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase snowmobile trail grooming equipment to lease to the local snowmobile club. The Fort Kent Snowmobile Club will benefit. This equipment will replace an old and maintenance heavy trail groomer. This equipment will allow continued access to area businesses during the winter months. It is estimated that this investment in the Town of Fort Kent will support 5 area businesses.

A comprehensive report on the snowmobile industry, “The Economic Contribution of Snowmobiling in Maine,” created by the University of Maine, estimates that through indirect and induced economic activity, the contribution of snowmobiling to Maine’s economy was over $606 million during the 2018-2019 season. Nearly 60,000 snowmobiles were registered in Maine by resident snowmobilers, and over 25,000 snowmobiles were registered by non-residents according to this report.

USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grant Program provides grants to entities such as towns, communities and nonprofits for economic development. For more information please contact Brian Wilson, Business Programs Director, at (207) 990-9168 or brian.wilson@usda.gov.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities  and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business  development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and  high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/me.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.