DWR Boat Ramp Access Fees (language only)

Item 382 #1s

Language

Page 461, following line 25, insert:

"Notwithstanding § 29.1-113, Code of Virginia, access permit fees at boat ramps owned or managed by the Department of Wildlife Resources shall not be assessed prior to July 1, 2022, pending a study by the Department on the costs and benefits of such fees and the impact of said fees on recreational users in Virginia.  As part of this study, the Department shall convene a stakeholder group for the purpose of developing and providing recommendations on access permit fees, various alternatives, and other issues related to the use and maintenance of Department-owned boat ramp facilities. The stakeholder work group shall be composed of representatives of registered boat owners, paddlecraft liveries, outdoor outfitters, and other non-registered vessel recreational users of such boat ramps, or other affected parties the Department deems necessary. The Department shall report the study findings, conclusions and recommendations to the Governor and Chairs of the House Appropriations and Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committees and the Chairs of the Senate Finance and Appropriations and Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committees by October 1, 2021.”