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Committee introduces bill to expand Parks Passport into Parks and Trails Passport
Summary
Representative James Petzke introduced RS 31907 to convert the Parks Passport into a Parks and Trails Passport, increase the passport fee from $10 to $16 to keep up with inflation and designate $4 of the fee for nonmotorized trail maintenance. The committee voted to introduce the request for statutory language (RS).
Representative James Petzke told the House Resources and Conservation Committee he will introduce RS 31907 to expand the existing Parks Passport into a Parks and Trails Passport and to increase the current $10 passport fee to $16.
"First thing that we're trying to do is to shore up the Parks Department's ongoing revenue stream for its maintenance and operations," Petzke said, explaining the state has invested in capital projects to reduce deferred maintenance but needs sustainable operating revenue for ongoing needs. He added the proposed change would also establish state funding for nonmotorized trail maintenance.
Under the plan presented, the increase from $10 to $16 would be allocated to cover inflation-adjusted operating support for parks (an increase to $16 is intended to approximate the $10 fee in today's dollars) with an additional $4 specifically set aside for nonmotorized trail maintenance, Petzke said. He described the change as a user-fee approach so users pay for maintenance rather than relying on the general fund.
Committee members asked questions about how the revenue would be routed and whether funds would be protected for maintenance versus operations. Petzke said all funds raised would be subject to appropriation and would appear in Parks and Recreation's budget for standard budget review; lawmakers could designate uses during appropriation. He said the OHV motorized-trail program already exists and is funded separately and that the Parks Department currently has no dedicated revenue stream for nonmotorized trails.
Representative Tanner and others raised concerns about ensuring funds are used for maintenance and not absorbed into ongoing operations over time. After discussion Representative Raybould moved that the committee introduce RS 31907; the motion passed by voice vote.
