House passes invasive species sticker hike
Courtesy photo An Idaho license plate that was dipped in quagga mussel-infested Lake Mead in Nevada and left there for six months is covered with the mussels.
The fight to keep invasive quagga mussels out of Idaho’s waters is a step closer to having more muscle behind it.
With bipartisan support, the Idaho Legislature’s House of Representatives passed House Bill 211 Monday with a vote of 65-4. The proposed legislation, introduced by Rep. Mat Erpelding, D-Boise, would raise the invasive species sticker fee for out-of-state boaters from $22 to $30. The fee would remain $22 for Idaho boaters.
The extra money from the increased out-of-state fee would go toward programs to combat invasive species like the quagga mussel, which have infested waterways in surrounding states like Montana and Nevada.
“Invasive species, particularly quagga mussels, are an enormous threat to Idaho’s economy and way of life,” Erpelding said, in a news release. “If we do not address this growing danger now, it will wreck our tourism industry, damage our hydroelectric facilities and permanently foul our most treasured water resources. Idaho must sustain our efforts to protect this great state from invasive species. I’m glad my colleagues had the foresight today to plan for the future.”
Late last year, larvae-stage aquatic mussels were discovered in water samples from two Montana reservoirs: Canyon Ferry near Helena, 300 miles from Lake Coeur d’Alene; and Tiber Reservoir, 400 miles away.
It is estimated quagga mussel infestation in Idaho could cost the state $94 million per year in lost economic activity and cost taxpayers millions of dollars a year in infrastructure repairs.
Invasive species stickers are required for any boat registered in Idaho or another state, and any non-motorized canoe, kayak, raft or drift boat. Non-motorized inflatable vessels under 10 feet in length are exempt.
Currently out-of-state invasive species tags generate $218,000 per year. The total expected revenue from the out-of-state fee increase is estimated to be $70,000 to $80,000.
Last month, the Idaho Legislature’s budget-setting Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved an emergency $710,000 appropriation to add three new boat inspection stations near the border to intercept and de-mussel boats coming from Montana.
The only “no” votes came from Reps. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard; Steven Harris, R-Meridian; Ron Nate, R-Rexburg; and Mike Kingsley, R-Lewiston, reported Betsy Russell on her Eye on Boise blog.
The measure must now pass the full Senate.