This bill aims to fund the operation, maintenance, and repair of state dams through new fees imposed on boat registrations and waterfront properties. Specifically, it amends RSA 270-E:5, II to introduce a $5 registration fee for each boat processed by authorized agents, with the revenue directed to the newly established dam maintenance fund under RSA 482:55. Additionally, it amends RSA 482:8-a to implement an annual fee of $1.58 per foot of linear shoreline on all taxable waterfronts maintained by state-owned dams, which will also contribute to the dam maintenance fund. The bill outlines that the annual registration fees for dams will vary based on their hazard classification, with revenues collected to be used for dam inspections.

The fiscal impact of the bill is projected to generate approximately $8,030,000 annually for the Dam Maintenance Fund, with $7,500,000 expected from the shoreline fee and $530,000 from the boat registration fee. To manage the new shoreline fee program, the Department of Environmental Services anticipates needing three additional full-time staff positions, resulting in estimated expenditures of $303,000 in FY 2026, increasing slightly in subsequent years. While the bill does not foresee any significant impact on county or local revenues or expenditures, there may be minor local costs associated with data collection for the shoreline fee program. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 270-E:5, 482:8-a