FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: February 03, 2022
Time Requested: 04:18 PM |
| Agency: |
Natural Resources, WV Division of |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 1405 |
Introduced |
SB579 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Professions and Occupations |
|---|
|
FUND(S):
0265
Sources of Revenue:
General Fund
Legislation creates:
Creates New Program
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
SB579 creates a new application, permitting, inspection, and enforcement process for commercial jeep tours modeled after the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Guidebook on Outfitting and Guiding (USDAGO). Here is a summary the WVDNR’s responsibilities under this bill:
• Licensing agency should complete a needs assessment plan for the needs of outfitters, public comments, land usage, and environmental impact.
• The outfitter application and permitting process outlined in the USDAGO the WVDNR would need to manage the application, inspection, and interview process to issue a permit. The WVDNR would also be responsible for the collection and evaluation of an annual or five-year Operating Plan, Annual Itinerary, liability insurance, performance bonds, and Actual Use Report to likely be completed after each trip.
• The USDAGO outlines an on-going inspections process to ensure all terms of permit are met. This includes an on-site inspection at least annually of facilities and equipment. This also would include an inspection of camps being used for overnight excursions.
• The USDAGO outlines a minimum fee schedule of $75 annually per permit along with $150 annual fee for per campsite utilized in guiding.
• Total estimated operating cost of $465,661.49.
• Total estimated revenue of $45,375.00.
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2022
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2023
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
465,662 |
0 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
340,662 |
0 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
125,000 |
0 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
45,375 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
• The WVDNR is completing the new Trout Management plan with similar components for a cost of $75,000.
• To facilitate the application process, the WVDNR would need to create a new permitting website. A similar web-based platform was built for Commercial Whitewater Rafting in 2012 for $75,000.
• The administrative support required for the WVDNR to collect and maintain the records associated with this permitting would be $42,542.32 annually.
• The personnel costs associate with annual inspection and enforcement activities to meet the guidelines outlines in the OSDAGO would be $273,119.17. This is based on similar activities currently taking place on the Hatfield McCoy Trail system by the WVDNR.
• The estimated revenue is calculated by assuming every one of the 121 registered outfitters and guides in the State of West Virginia would each have this permit and maintain two campsites.
Memorandum
For additional information concerning this fiscal note, please contact:
Brian Bolyard
Chief of Administration
324 4th Ave
South Charleston, WV 25303
Office: (304)352-5119
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Amanda Morris
Email Address: amanda.l.morris@wv.gov