Boating Improvement Program -- New Legislation

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With the passage of House Bill 132 by the 2001 Legislature, more options are now available for FWP to provide funding for motorboat improvement projects statewide. All Montana boatowners who register their motorboats pay a fee in-lieu of tax of which 20% goes for boating improvements, such as boat ramp rehabilitation, latrines, buoys, and related items. The remaining 80% remains in the county where the fee was paid. Prior to this year, all funds generated by this program were required to be expended on FWP controlled or managed sites. The revision to the law now provides the opportunity for a portion of the funds to be expended on appropriate motorboat sites managed by county, local community, or by other governmental agencies. Details will follow as criteria for the allocation of the funds are developed.