West Virginia lawmakers discuss eminent domain concerns for new boat ramp access legislation
March 26, 2025 | 2025 Legislature WV, West Virginia
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The West Virginia Senate Natural Resources Committee convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss a bill aimed at enhancing public access to rivers and streams through the establishment of designated boat ramps. A key focus of the meeting was the potential use of eminent domain to acquire land necessary for these access points, which raised concerns among agricultural stakeholders regarding the impact on farming operations.
During the session, committee members debated the language of the bill, particularly regarding safety and practicality in determining the placement of access points. An amendment was proposed to ensure that any access point must be deemed safe, practical, and reasonable before being established. This amendment aims to protect both public interests and private property rights.
Dwayne O'Dell, representing the West Virginia Farm Bureau, voiced significant concerns about the implications of expanded right-of-way requirements for agricultural landowners. He highlighted the potential for increased liability due to trespassing if access points are not managed properly. O'Dell emphasized the need for protections for farmers, suggesting that designated ramps could help mitigate these issues by providing clear access points and reducing unauthorized crossings on private property.
The discussion also touched on the necessity of additional parking facilities at these access points, which could further complicate land acquisition and impact local farmers. O'Dell expressed a desire for a balanced approach that would allow for recreational opportunities while safeguarding agricultural interests.
The committee acknowledged these concerns and indicated a willingness to consider additional language in the bill to address them. The meeting concluded with a commitment to collaborate on signage and other measures that could enhance communication regarding access to personal property from state waterways.
As the bill progresses, the committee aims to strike a balance between expanding recreational access and protecting the rights and interests of West Virginia's agricultural community. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential revisions to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately represented.
During the session, committee members debated the language of the bill, particularly regarding safety and practicality in determining the placement of access points. An amendment was proposed to ensure that any access point must be deemed safe, practical, and reasonable before being established. This amendment aims to protect both public interests and private property rights.
Dwayne O'Dell, representing the West Virginia Farm Bureau, voiced significant concerns about the implications of expanded right-of-way requirements for agricultural landowners. He highlighted the potential for increased liability due to trespassing if access points are not managed properly. O'Dell emphasized the need for protections for farmers, suggesting that designated ramps could help mitigate these issues by providing clear access points and reducing unauthorized crossings on private property.
The discussion also touched on the necessity of additional parking facilities at these access points, which could further complicate land acquisition and impact local farmers. O'Dell expressed a desire for a balanced approach that would allow for recreational opportunities while safeguarding agricultural interests.
The committee acknowledged these concerns and indicated a willingness to consider additional language in the bill to address them. The meeting concluded with a commitment to collaborate on signage and other measures that could enhance communication regarding access to personal property from state waterways.
As the bill progresses, the committee aims to strike a balance between expanding recreational access and protecting the rights and interests of West Virginia's agricultural community. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential revisions to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately represented.
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