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Committee hears bill to add $5 rental fee for snowmobile grooming funds; FWP describes formula-based distribution

Senate Finance and Claims
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Summary

SB 165 would charge a $5 fee on snowmobile rentals and return proceeds to local grooming clubs through Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ existing grant formula; proponents said roughly $380,000/year would be available for high-use tourism areas while FWP explained annual allocation and reporting processes.

Senator Barry Usher introduced Senate Bill 165 to add a $5 fee to snowmobile rentals to raise funds for grooming trails that have seen increased wear from tourism. Fred Bailey of the Montana Snowmobile Association said tourism and rental volumes have grown sharply in some areas and that a $5 per rental fee would be “adequate to fund those high use areas.”

Proponents described the mechanics:…

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