Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act
Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act
Plain Language Summary
# Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act (HR 1084) - Summary **What it does:** This bill would allow national forests to keep more of the money they collect from ski resort operators who use federal land. Currently, these ski permit fees go into a general fund. The bill would redirect them so that 60-48% stays with the specific national forest where the fees were collected, to be spent on managing the ski area, providing visitor services, and preventing wildfires. An additional 20% would go toward maintaining Forest Service facilities, restoring habitats, and funding search and rescue operations.
The remaining fees could be used for these same purposes at any national forest. **Who it affects:** Ski resort operators and the communities near ski areas would likely benefit, since their local national forests would have more funding for maintenance and operations. Skiers and other forest visitors could see improved services and safer conditions. The bill also affects the Forest Service (part of the USDA), which would have more resources to manage recreation areas and emergency services. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colorado) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development ActThis bill allows National Forest System (NFS) units to keep the majority of ski area permit rental fees that were generated within their boundaries and outlines how revenues from those fees may be used. Such fees are collected by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from ski area operators on NFS land.Within the NFS unit where the fees were generated, USDA must expend (1) 60%-48% of the collected fees for activities such as administration of the ski area permit program, visitor information, or reducing the likelihood of wildfire in or adjacent to a recreation site; and (2) 20% of the collected fees for activities such as repair of a Forest Service-owned facility, habitat restoration, or search and rescue activities.The remainder of the collected fees must be expended by USDA at any NFS unit for any of the activities specified in this bill.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.