FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: January 19, 2026
Time Requested: 04:17 PM |
| Agency: |
Natural Resources, WV Division of |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 2042 |
Introduced |
SB485 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Natural Resources |
|---|
|
FUND(S):
3204, 8707
Sources of Revenue:
Special Fund
Legislation creates:
Increases Revenue From Existing Sources, Increases Existing Expenses, Creates New Program
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
The purpose of this bill is to create the West Virginia Behavior-based E-Bike and Multi-use Trail Mobility Act which would establish regulations and enforcement relating to bicycles, electric bicycles, adaptive mobility devices, and other personal mobility devices operating on public multi-use trails. It would also require the purchase and installation of uniform signage at 30 state parks.
The estimated first year costs relating to this program are $6,518,280.00. This includes personal services and employee benefits for an additional 24 Natural Resources Police Officers and 3 administrative staff, and current expenses relating to administration of the program. It also includes one-time costs associated with the purchase and upfitting of 24 police vehicles and the installation of the required signage at state parks. Future year costs are estimated at $2,926,500.00 per year and include personal services, employee benefits, and current expenses relating to the continued administration of the program.
Estimated revenues relating to the program total $11,549.34 per year.
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2026
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2027
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
6,518,280 |
2,926,500 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
2,716,500 |
2,716,500 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
210,000 |
210,000 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
1,716,000 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
1,875,780 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
11,549 |
11,549 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
The current cost of providing oversight and enforcement at the Hatfield McCoy Trail was the basis used for the calculation of the following estimates:
2027 Fiscal Year
(Full Imp.)
Personal Services & Employee Benefits:
NRPOs (4 per district x 6 districts) @ $105,000.00 $2,520,000.00 $2,520,000.00
Administrative Staff – 3 full time @ $65,500.00 $196,500.00 $196,500.00
Current Expenses – 6 districts @ $35,000.00 $210,000.00 $210,000.00
Police vehicle – purchase
and upfitting for 24 @ $71,500.00 $1,716,000.00 $0.00
Totals $4,642,500.00 $2,926,500.00
The current number of prosecutions for violations at the Hatfield McCoy Trail, which is located in DNR District 4, was the basis used for the calculation of the following estimates:
Estimated Annual Revenues
SFY2025 District 4 Prosecutions 164
% of District 4 Prosecutions attributed to Hatfield McCoy 20%
Estimated prosecutions per district 33
Average penalty ($25 + $50 + $100)/3 $ 58.33
Total penalties per district $ 1,924.89
Total annual penalties for 6 DNR Districts $11,549.34
Recently, the Little Canaan WMA (a DNR property) received new signage meeting these requirements at a cost of $62,526. Based on the trails available at our State Parks, we estimate that 30 parks would require new signage to adhere to the intent of this bill, totaling approximately $1,875,780.00.
Memorandum
For additional information concerning this fiscal note, please contact:
Wendy Greene, Deputy Director
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
112 California Avenue
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
304-558-2754
Wendy.L.Greene@wv.gov
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Amy J. Smith
Email Address: amy.cowiesmith@wv.gov