DEERFIELD — Oneida County snowmobilers will have a new trail crossing along Route 8 with Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s approval of new legislation.

The new law, drafted by Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-47, Rome, and Assemblyman Anthony J. Brindisi, D-116, Utica, allows a portion of the highway right-of-way along Route 8, portions of which are controlled access, to be designated for use by snowmobiles.

"Snowmobiling already provides significant economic benefits to many businesses here in the Mohawk Valley," Brindisi said in a statement. "Providing a safe trail system in one of the most scenic areas in our region will help the many businesses located near Route 8, and will enhance our region’s reputation as one of the best areas for snowmobiling in the Northeast."

"The people who live in and around the Deerfield area along Route 8, and the many people who use snowmobiles for recreational purposes, wanted a snowmobile trail to be able to cross a portion of State Route 8 in Deerfield. However, because that part of Route 8 is officially designated as a controlled access highway, the only way this could happen was for a law to be passed creating an exemption for this one specific location," Griffo explained.

Jim Rolf, state Snowmobile Association trail coordinator, said the new law is good for snowmobile safety and the local economy.

"The safe access issue is the most important factor here at this crossing and then the economic benefits this important trail means to the region are right there as well," Rolf said. "In our eyes, this new law does address both of these concerns."

The law adds a new subdivision 1-c to Section 25.05 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law allowing for the designation of a snowmobile trail along Route 8 in the town. The commissioners of OPRHP and state Department of Transportation will develop conditions for the safe use of the trail. The designation of such a trail will be for one year and can be renewed with the concurrence of the state DOT commissioner.