Weber Times

Congressmen Blake Moore, Chris Pappas, and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans have introduced the bipartisan State Boating Act. This legislation aims to ensure that states can collect boating fees during the boat registration and certificate of numbering process. These fees are crucial for funding programs addressing aquatic invasive species, boating safety, search and rescue, among other initiatives. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Jim Risch (R-ID) have introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

Most boats operating on U.S. waters must have either a Certificate of Documentation (COD) or a Certificate of Number (CON). States like Utah have collected fees alongside these certificates for decades to fund important programs such as lake restoration and search and rescue efforts. Recently, however, the Coast Guard has prevented several states from collecting these fees alongside CON fees. The State Boating Act seeks to clarify that states can collect these fees during registration.

"In Utah and across the country, state fish and wildlife agencies work tirelessly to improve boater experience and safety," said Congressman Moore. "In many cases, those activities are directly funded by state boating fees. By taking this funding stream away, the federal government is hindering the important work these state agencies do to improve boater programs, conduct search and rescue operations, and protect waterways from invasive species. I’m glad to work with my colleagues Congressman Pappas and Congresswoman Kiggans to right this wrong and allow our states to access the funding they need to do their jobs."

"For decades in New Hampshire, fees collected during the boating registration process have allowed the continued success of critical programs like boating safety, search and rescue operations, and efforts to address invasive species," said Congressman Pappas. "I’m pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Representatives Kiggans and Moore that will cut the red tape for states to strengthen boating and water safety."

"Virginia’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways are home to more than 250,000 registered motorboats," said Congresswoman Kiggans. "In order for our local recreational boating industry to continue thriving, we need programs that address boating safety, search-and-rescue efforts, and invasive aquatic species. That’s why I joined Congressman Pappas in introducing the State Boating Act of 2024."

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Director Justin Shirley emphasized the importance of resources for preventing aquatic invasive species: "In Utah we know firsthand how important it is for state fish & wildlife agencies...to prevent detect & respond aquatic invasive species like quagga mussels." He added his support for Congressman Moore's introduction of this act.

Chuck Sykes from Alabama's Division of Wildlife noted: "For decades states used boating registration collect fees support vital programs improve access increase boater safety maintain healthy ecosystems." He thanked all involved congress members for supporting this act.

The bipartisan legislation has garnered support from various organizations including Association Fish Wildlife Agencies American Sailing Association Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation National Marine Manufacturers Association Pacific Northwest Economic Region.

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