Fee to control aquatic invasive species approved

Senators passed a bill Feb. 27 that addresses the potential impact of aquatic invasive species on local ecosystems and surface water.

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

The bill imposes a fee every three years on motorboat registrations, both new and renewal, of between $5 and $10. The collected fees will 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.

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

The bill passed on a 46-1 vote.