Representative Petzke introduces Parks and Trails Passport proposal to add nonmotorized trail funding

Representative James Petzke introduced RS 31907 to expand Idaho’s Parks Passport into a Parks and Trails Passport and to increase the current $10 fee to $16. Petzke said $16 would help the parks program keep pace with inflation and that $4 of the fee would be dedicated to the first state funding mechanism for nonmotorized trail maintenance.

“By taking it to $16 we’re basically trying to catch them up with inflation,” Petzke told the committee. He described the additional $4 as “the part that's set aside specifically for nonmotorized trail maintenance,” and estimated total revenue from the proposal would be less than $2 million annually.

Members asked how the fee split would be enforced and whether the additional revenue would be protected for maintenance rather than absorbed into broader operating budgets. Representative Manloring asked whether the current $10 fee all goes to operating revenue; Petzke replied that currently the fee goes to Parks and Recreation operating funds and that the proposed split would allocate $16 with the specific $4 set aside for nonmotorized trails. Petzke also noted that all funds are subject to appropriation through the normal budget process.

Representative Tanner expressed concern that without statutory or appropriation language protecting the maintenance allocation, the money could be used for other operating expenses in future budgets, and said he preferred a designated maintenance fund. Petzke responded that revenues become part of Parks and Recreation’s budget and would be subject to appropriation but that lawmakers can set designations at the appropriation stage.

A motion to introduce RS 31907 was offered and approved by voice vote; the resolution will be introduced for further consideration in the legislative process.