Weber Times

Congressman Blake Moore of Utah has collaborated with Congressman Joe Neguse from Colorado to introduce the Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development (SHRED) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to allow local National Forests to retain a portion of the fees paid by ski areas operating on Forest Service lands. Senators John Barrasso and Michael Bennet have introduced similar legislation in the Senate.

Currently, 124 ski areas pay fees averaging over $40 million annually to operate on National Forest lands. The SHRED Act proposes that local National Forests keep a part of these fees to manage increased recreational use and support ski permit administration. It also provides flexibility for the Forest Service to allocate resources where needed.

"Utah is known for having the Greatest Snow on Earth, and skiing is a critical component of our local economy," stated Congressman Moore. "Our local government knows how to responsibly steward our resources, and the SHRED Act will help us do just that."

Congressman Neguse added, "The SHRED Act ensures revenue generated by Colorado’s world-renowned ski areas stays in these rural and mountain communities."

Senator Barrasso emphasized the importance of skiing in Wyoming's economy: "This money can be used for critical projects like facility and trailhead improvements." Senator Bennet highlighted the bill's role in supporting Colorado's outdoor recreation economy.

Michael Reitzell, President & CEO of the National Ski Areas Association, expressed appreciation for Senators Barrasso and Bennet's leadership: "Retaining ski area permit fees and reinvesting them locally...is key to boosting the agency’s capacity."

The SHRED Act is supported by various organizations including Ski Utah, National Ski Area Association, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Brighton Ski Resort, Alta Ski Resort, Snow Basin Ski Resort, Solitude Ski Resort, Colorado Association of Ski Towns, America Outdoors Association, Vail Resorts, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.