Snowmobile club lands $252k grant

Eagle Times Staff
Claremont, NH

Snowmobile club lands $252k grant 

New equipment will groom 65 miles of trail

Eagle Times Staff

The Shugah Valley Snow Riders club in Claremont, NH, have received $252,190 in grants courtesy the Northern Border Regional Commission and U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. 

The Snow Riders will use their award to purchase new grooming equipment including a groomer, drag and trimming attachment. Modern groomers have almost double the horsepower and can safely navigate challenging terrain even in icy conditions, according to the club. The new drag is required because the trail systems are narrow and shared with ATVs and the trail trimming attachment will save volunteer hours and improve rider safety.

The award is part of $2.85 million in funding for economic-development projects in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont to support community-driven initiatives in each state with a particular focus on outdoor recreation, business support and workforce development efforts. 

Congress has supported the partnership since 2019.

“When we invest in economic development initiatives that are a priority for rural communities, we strengthen the entire region. This collaboration brings together two federal agencies, whose sole focus is on improving the day-to-day lives of people who live in rural America,” said Chris Saunders, federal co-chair of the Commission. “With this focus and knowledge of the region we are thrilled to announce this slate of projects that will create economic opportunity, increase access to health care and collectively positions the region for a strong future.”

“The Shugah Valley Snow Riders are grateful for the generous support of NBRC and USDA. These grant funds will help us buy a new groomer and replace our existing machine that is 26 years old. Without the grant funding, we would not be able to make this sort of investment,” said club President Roger Wright. “Thanks to NBRC and USDA, our 65 miles of trails will be well-maintained for multiple types of trail users, including snowmobilers, hikers, dog walkers, dog teams, and cross-country skiers, for many years to come, so we can all access and enjoy the trails during winter months.”

“We are proud to partner with the Northern Border Regional Commission across four states to help rural residents build their better future,” said Sarah Waring, state director for USDA Rural Development in Vermont and New Hampshire. “Organizations in the Twin States will provide more and better jobs for workers, modern recreational facilities for tourists and residents, technical assistance for employers, and 21st century learning opportunities for students. This funding is a reflection of the NBRC’s skill in making transformative impacts across a wide spectrum of community-development initiatives.”