This bill introduces a new funding mechanism for the maintenance of state-owned dams by imposing annual fees on properties with waterfront access. Specifically, properties with direct waterfront access will incur a fee of $100 per year, while those with deeded water access will be charged $50 per year. Municipalities will assess these fees and may retain an additional $5 for their management efforts. Properties classified as working farms or in current use are exempt from these fees. The collected funds will be deposited into the dam maintenance fund, which is designated for the operation, maintenance, and repair of state-owned dams. The bill also amends existing law, particularly RSA 482:77, to clarify that repair and reconstruction projects on dams can only be performed on properties acquired by the state with the necessary approvals.

Furthermore, the bill designates the Department of Revenue Administration to oversee the collection of fees, interests, and liens related to waterfront access. It is projected that the new fee structure will generate approximately $3 million annually, with an anticipated increase in state and local revenues and expenditures. The Department of Revenue Administration has indicated the need for additional resources to implement the new fee collection system, including a new collections staff position and modifications to the revenue information management system, which will incur costs that cannot be absorbed within the current budget. Local municipalities may face minor increases in expenditures for managing the collection of state fees, but these costs could be offset by an optional $5 processing fee that may generate an estimated $180,000 in local revenue. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 482:57
HB1655 text: 482:57