Fee to control aquatic invasive species advanced

Senators gave first-round approval Feb. 5 to a bill that would address the potential impact of aquatic invasive species on local ecosystems and surface water.

LB142, introduced by Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz, would create the Nebraska Aquatic Invasive Species Program to prevent and mitigate the damage caused by species such as the zebra mussel and silver carp.

“These species have proven destructive to the ecosystems and usability of surface waters in surrounding states and steps must be taken to prevent their establishment in Nebraska,” Schilz said.

The bill would impose a fee every three years on motorboat registrations, both new and renewal, of between $5 and $10. The collected fees would be used to:
• monitor and sample waters for aquatic invasive species;
• hire personnel;
• purchase equipment to inspect and decontaminate water;
• provide additional enforcement, education and research relating to aquatic invasive species; and
• conduct aquatic invasive species projects as needed.

Omaha Sen. Rick Kolowski spoke in favor of the bill, saying that the infestation of Lake Zorinsky in Omaha by zebra mussels had a devastating effect on the lake’s ecosystem.

“[Lake Zorinsky] went through an 18-month period of having to entirely drain the lake and let it sit bare for an entire winter to freeze out and kill the zebra mussels,” he said. “It was a mess for quite a while, but it has kept the lake free from additional invasive species.”

Owners of motorboats registered outside Nebraska would be required to purchase an annual aquatic invasive species stamp for between $10 and $15. These fees would be remitted to the state Game Fund.

Senators adopted a technical committee amendment 34-0 and advanced the bill to select file on a 36-1 vote.