Bill Text: WV SCR49 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requesting study of funding options for ATV and off-highway recreational vehicle trail development
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-02-25 - Referred to Rules [SCR49 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2016-SCR49-Introduced.html
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 49
(Senators Karnes, Maynard, Ashley, Boso, Leonhardt, Takubo, Beach, Facemire, Laird, Miller, Snyder and Williams)
[Originating in the Committee on Natural Resources; Reported on February 25, 2016]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study funding options for all-terrain vehicle and off-highway recreational vehicle trail development, establishing an ATV and ORV Recreation Commission and identifying state and federal lands that may be developed for ATV and ORV adventure trails.
Whereas, A great number of West Virginia residents and visitors enjoy participating in all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and off-highway recreational vehicle (ORV) recreational activities; and
Whereas, The Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Area has proven to be a very successful model for ATV trail development and has spurred legislation to permit the formation of other regional recreation areas for ATV and ORV trails and economic development; and
Whereas, There is little public access to ATV and ORV trails other than the Hatfield-McCoy trail system; and
Whereas, It is estimated that the average adventure traveler will spend over $200 per person per overnight visit, which will spur economic development in rural areas perfect for ATV and ORV adventure trails; and
Whereas, Other states have used ATV and ORV vehicle registration fees, apportionment of gas taxes, ATV and ORV parking permits and other means to raise funds dedicated to ATV and ORV trail development; and
Whereas, Other states have tasks forces and commissions developing ATV and ORV trail systems, managing dedicated funds, awarding grants for development and establishing websites and guidebooks for adventure travelers to promote ATV and ORV adventure trails; and
Whereas, Other states have dedicated state and federal lands for ATV and ORV trail systems, which provides more permanent trail systems than voluntary leases that can be cancelled; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study funding options for all-terrain vehicle and off-highway recreational vehicle trail development, establishing an ATV and ORV Recreation Commission and identifying state and federal lands that may be developed for ATV and ORV adventure trails; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2017, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with any drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.
