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Panel clears bill to broaden funding and permitting rules for Ocoee River board
Summary
Lawmakers approved HB 24-25, which would expand allowable uses of outfitters’ fees for marketing and partnerships, add the state parks director to the Ocoee River board, and seek to reduce permits by attrition to improve safety around the river.
Chairman Howe described HB 24-25 as a targeted change to the Ocoee River Recreation and Economic Development Board’s authority to use fees collected from outfitters. He said the change would let the board enter partnerships and sponsor festivals and would add the Tennessee State Parks director to the board.
Howe said the goal is economic development and safety: last year tourism increased "by I think, 11%" and the bill also seeks to reduce permits on the river gradually to lower crowding and improve safety. Members asked whether reducing permits through attrition would disadvantage established outfitters; the sponsor said viable businesses may sell or transfer permits and that permit reductions would occur through administrative rules rather than immediate revocations by the bill. The amendment was adopted and the bill moves to full committee (8–0 recorded vote).
