Minersville, PA – September 11, 2025 — Minersville Borough’s ATV tourism initiative drew the attention of state leaders on Thursday, as Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Michael Carroll visited the community to see firsthand how the program is revitalizing the local economy while ensuring public safety.
The event, hosted by Minersville Mayor Sean Palmer began at the Minersville Water Authority building, where state and local officials gathered to discuss the initiative’s success and operational model. Among those in attendance were Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), Reps. Tim Twardzik (R-123), Jamie Barton (R-124), JoAnne Stehr (R-107), Minersville Police Chief Jeffrey Bowers, representatives from the offices of Congressman Dan Meuser, Sen. Dave McCormick, and Sen. John Fetterman, as well as leaders from Famous Reading Outdoors and local emergency services.
Mayor Palmer, who initiated the high-profile visit with a formal letter, explained that the borough recognized off-road recreation as a growing sector for Pennsylvania. Partnering with Famous Reading Outdoors (FRO), one of the state’s largest off-road parks, Minersville sought to reverse economic stagnation by drawing ATV riders into its downtown business district.
Since its launch two years ago, the program has expanded from weekend-only riding to a full seven-day operation. Businesses have seen a steady increase in customers, with visitors from Pennsylvania and neighboring states filling restaurants, gas stations, and stores. Some establishments have gone as far as building dirt parking lots and ATV wash stations to better serve riders. The economic impact has also reached residential neighborhoods, as visitors have begun purchasing and renovating homes in areas.
Revenue from the program is directed toward community projects, including recreation complexes, playgrounds, and children’s facilities. Chief of Police Jeffrey Bowers reported strong compliance and safety outcomes, noting, “We have not had an issue as far as our department with any since it’s been in conception.” To support enforcement and emergency response, FRO has donated a side-by-side vehicle to the police and a six-seater rescue ATV to Minersville Fire and Rescue.
PennDOT Secretary Carroll praised the initiative and acknowledged the department’s evolving stance on ATV use on certain state roads. He explained that while high-volume highways like Route 61 remain off-limits, PennDOT is now open to local applications for ATV access on low-volume routes. He cited Tioga County’s Route 49 as the first approved state road for side-by-side use and highlighted a new crossing light at Route 61 and Dark Water Road that will link trail systems and bring more riders into Minersville.
“If it’s working in Shamokin and it’s working in Minersville, I think we can all learn from their experience,” Carroll said. Senator Argall echoed the sentiment, commending the borough’s proactive attitude: “Minersville said, ‘Hell yes,’ when other communities were hesitant.”
Following the discussion, officials toured the borough’s business district in off-road vehicles before heading onto Famous Reading Outdoors land for a six-mile ride, which included a stop at the site known as “the Incline” for a group photo.
Looking ahead, Famous Reading Outdoors plans to expand its trail network with new land leases, while the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is developing a similar project in Hazleton, expected to open by spring.
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