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Lawmakers introduce measure to expand Parks Passport into Parks and Trails Passport, add funding for nonmotorized trails
Summary
Representative James Petzke introduced RS 31907 to raise the Parks Passport fee from $10 to $16 and earmark $4 for nonmotorized trail maintenance and parks operations, creating a dedicated funding stream for trail maintenance; the committee voted to introduce the request.
Representative James Petzke (R‑District 21) asked the House Resources and Conservation Committee to introduce RS 31907, which would expand the state Parks Passport into a Parks and Trails Passport and adjust the fee structure to provide ongoing funding for park maintenance and the first state funding mechanism for nonmotorized trail maintenance.
Petzke said the Parks Passport was originally $10 when created and that raising the fee to $16 would restore purchasing power lost to inflation; he said $16 would go to parks and recreation operating needs and an additional $4 would be dedicated to nonmotorized trail maintenance. "No one here likes the fee increase," Petzke said, "but this is users paying for the services that they use rather than pushing that burden onto the general fund."
Committee members asked about the fiscal allocation. Representative Manloring asked whether the current $10 fully goes to operations; Petzke replied that the current fee goes to operating revenue and said the new split was designed to approximate inflationary adjustment while carving out money for nonmotorized trail maintenance.
Representative Tanner and Representative Pesky asked whether the additional money would be protected for maintenance versus general operations; Petzke said all funds are subject to appropriation and become part of Parks and Recreation Department funds and budgets, which are then subject to standard budget processes. He also noted that motorized trail maintenance is already funded through an existing OHV program and said the Parks and Trails Passport is aimed at supplementing maintenance for volunteer‑dependent nonmotorized trails.
After discussion, the committee voted to introduce RS 31907; the chair announced the ayes had it and the request will be introduced.
