Senate clears higher boating fees to fund aquatic invasive species prevention, cites zebra mussel threat

The Senate on Thursday approved House Bill 29 82, a bill to raise several boating‑related fees administered by the Oregon State Marine Board. The increased revenue is slated to support aquatic invasive species prevention, boating access facility grants and statewide improvements to boating infrastructure.

Sponsor Senator Jeff Golden said the measure updates fees including nonresident aquatic invasive species permits and motorized boat registrations and removes a 10‑foot minimum for certain access permits. "Revenue from these increased fees will support invasive species prevention, facility grants, and improvements to boating access statewide," Golden said on the floor.

Senators and witnesses cited the threat posed by zebra and quagga mussels, invasive freshwater species that can foul intake systems, damage hulls and require costly infrastructure replacement. Senator Alan Frederick noted neighboring states' large eradication or mitigation budgets and the potential costs of an unchecked infestation. "Washington has estimated that if quagga or zebra mussels got into their waterways, the damage would be about $100,000,000 per year," Frederick said.

The measure also clarified regulatory treatment for small nonmotorized craft used in whitewater recreation and adjusted livery fees for commercial operators. Supporters emphasized the relative affordability of prevention compared with eradication and infrastructure replacement.

The joint committee on Ways and Means recommended approval and the Senate roll call certified the bill passed with the constitutional majority required. Sponsors said the fee increases are narrowly tailored to fund prevention work and avoid larger downstream costs to communities and water systems.