Dan Kildee: “I want to thank the House of Representatives for passing my amendment yesterday, which will help preserve access to the…”

“I want to thank the House of Representatives for passing my amendment yesterday, which will help preserve access to the National Forest System lands for snowmobiles in Michigan and across the Nation, the same access that has long been granted for responsible snowmobilers. In Michigan, snowmobiling has long been an important part of our State's heritage. Half of my home State's 6,300 miles of snowmobile trails are on public land. Each year, families in my district head into the woods to partake in this winter recreational activity. Snowmobiling supports our economy, particularly in northern Michigan. Each year, snowmobiling pumps over $200 million into my State's economy, supporting thousands and thousands of jobs. Nationally, it is even greater: $26 billion in economic activity annually, and over 100,000 jobs directly related to the snowmobile industry and the over 225,000 miles of groomed trails that people ride on. My amendment supports these jobs, promotes conservation, and ensures snowmobilers that they will be able to continue to enjoy our incredible winters while preserving the natural beauty of our national forests. ____________________”