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Lawmakers consider inspection expansion and fee increases to prevent invasive mussels
Summary
House Bill 21‑70 would allow local districts to partner in operating watercraft inspection stations; companion funding proposal HB 29‑82 would raise boat fees to expand inspections, decontamination and detection. Witnesses said prevention is far cheaper than post‑infestation containment.
The House committee took extended testimony on proposals to expand Oregon's watercraft inspection and aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention program.
House Bill 21‑70 would allow irrigation districts and other local entities to partner with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the State Marine Board, and the Department of Agriculture to staff and operate additional watercraft inspection and decontamination stations. The companion funding proposal, House Bill 29‑82 (also referred to in testimony as HB 2,982), would raise motorized and nonmotorized boater fees and remove the current exemption for nonmotorized boats under 10 feet to increase funding for the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund.
ODFW presented data on interception activity and inspection…
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