Legislation has been introduced into the state Assembly to redefine small utility vehicles with side-by-side seating as a kind of all-terrain vehicle so they can be used in the state like other recreational vehicles.

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, Republican from Black River representing the 122nd “Foothills” Assembly District, would redefine an all-terrain vehicle to include the configuration of what are called UTVs, or utility vehicles with side-by-side seating, under 1,500 pounds.

Blankenbush says that “that would allow more owners of recreational vehicles to take advantage of our trail system” with their owners and riders “eating in our local restaurants, shopping in our stores, and staying in our hotels.”

Blankenbush says the state has missed out on those tourism dollars, along with registration fees and sales tax revenue.

“Another thing we can do is allow ATVs to travel on certain public highways and roads in order to gain access to nearby trails,” Blankenbush says.

“While the trail system in the North Country is well connected, there are areas that do not link up.”