New bill would generate millions of dollars for OHV management

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2/7/2007

New bill would generate millions of dollars for OHV management

PHOENIX — A bill that would raise more money for law enforcement, trail development, mitigating for damage and other costs associated with the management of off-highway vehicles in Arizona has passed its first hurdle at the state Legislature. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission commends the Arizona House of Representatives Natural Resources and Public Safety Committee for today’s passage of House Bill 2443. If passed, this bill would not only increase funding for OHV programs, but it would also cut registration fees for hundreds of thousands of people who enjoy off-highway vehicle recreation in the state.

    The off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation bill, sponsored by Dist. 12 Rep. Jerry Weiers, R-Glendale, was introduced to address the expanding popularity of OHV activities in the state. OHV recreational use has increased by roughly 350 percent since 1998. During this time, funding for off-highway vehicle recreation has grown by an average of only about 4 percent, not keeping pace with the dramatic increase in OHV recreation in Arizona.

   House Bill 2443 provisions include:

Additional funding to bolster resources for OHV management in key areas, including off-highway vehicle facilities, access, law enforcement, education and safety.

New laws that will better protect Arizona’s natural resources from inappropriate use of OHVs.

Improved safety standards, including a requirement for individuals younger than 18 to wear appropriate headgear.

An annual flat fee that replaces the Vehicle License Tax for the registration of all-terrain vehicles. This would:

	Reduce costs to consumers.
	Allow for “street legal” registration at no extra cost.
	Include all-terrain vehicles (ATV), all-terrain cycles (ATC) and utility vehicles (UTVs).

A dedicated funding source for OHV enthusiasts to protect opportunities to ride in Arizona for generations to come.

“The commission applauds the Arizona Legislature Natural Resources Committee for its commitment to protect Arizona’s natural resources,” said Arizona Game and Fish Commission Chairman Michael Golightly. “The expansion of the state's OHV fund would provide much-needed financial support for state agencies, user groups and local governments to protect wildlife habitat, while providing safe OHV recreation opportunities. Many OHV enthusiasts, sportsmen and wildlife conservationists appreciate this opportunity for Arizona to benefit from House Bill 2443.”

Members of the Off-highway Vehicle Legislative Workgroup, comprised of OHV recreationists and outdoor user groups, land management agencies, county and local governments, and Arizona Game and Fish, worked together with Rep. Weiers to develop House Bill 2443.

   “As a sportsman, I am very happy there is a piece of legislation that addresses the OHV issue,” said John Koleszar, a member of several conservation groups. “It addresses habitat preservation and law enforcement, as well as funding for trail development.”

   Apache County ATV Roughriders President Hank Rogers added, “This bill is an excellent opportunity to elevate the issue of dedicated funding for OHV management, and to point out the need to fund proactive trail development and educational opportunities and outreach.”

    To read the full text of House Bill 2443, visit the Arizona State Legislature Web site at azleg.gov. Also, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site, azgfd.gov, for more information on the bill and to sign up for OHV updates

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