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make your own assessments. i am happy to be getting a 23 footer. it just hurts to see the state wanting money and mo money. no wonder many people don't fish as much as they use. they can't afford it.

gENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSES FISHING LICENSE/BOAT REGISTRATION PACKAGE

Legislation Heads to Governor for consideration

By a 46-1 vote, the State Senate last night passed legislation that would increase operating revenues for the Commonwealth’s fishing and boating programs. The measure – House Bill 2155 – has already passed the House and now goes to Governor Edward Rendell for signature. When signed into law, the increase will go into effect January 1, 2005.

The bill provides much-needed operating revenue for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) through modest increases in the fees charged for fishing licenses and boat registrations. HB 2155 also includes new forms of licenses and permits including a Lake Erie stamp, a combo Lake Erie/Trout stamp and charter boat/fishing guide permits.

Unlike most state agencies, the PFBC does not receive General Fund tax revenues for its day-to-day operations, relying instead almost exclusively on the revenues generated from registration and license sales.

PFBC Executive Director Douglas Austen hailed passage of HB 2155 as a major victory for the state’s anglers and boaters. “Members of the General Assembly listened to their constituents when they said funding for preserving fishing and boating programs was important to them. In fact, this new fee structure was originally developed by a consortium of fishing and boating groups working with the chairs of the House Game & Fisheries Committee, Representative Bruce Smith and Representative Ed Staback. They recognized the financial needs of the Commission and actively worked together on this legislation as part of the solution.”

The fee structure established in HB 2155 evolved from the input of the state’s major sporting and boating organizations, including the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Pennsylvania Boating Association of Southeast PA, Pennsylvania Trout, Pennsylvania B.A.S.S., Pennsylvania Boating Association of Southwest PA, Coalition of Concerned Anglers and Unified Sportsmen of Pennsylvania.

“Nobody likes to pay higher fees for anything, but once again the state’s sportsmen have made it clear they are willing to pay reasonable prices for the programs and services they enjoy,” noted Austen. “By not only agreeing to pay slightly more, but actively pushing for a fee increase, anglers and boaters indicated they recognize the quality of the aquatic resources in Pennsylvania and they want to see the programs to manage and protect those resources continue to flourish.”

Fishing license fees in Pennsylvania have not changed since 1996. Some permits, like the Trout Stamp and boat registrations have remained unchanged since 1991. Even the most basic costs of doing business have risen dramatically over that timeframe, however. The PFBC stretched its limited resources through tight budgeting, delaying equipment purchases and trimming staff.

The Commission will continue this history of wise fiscal management. The revenue increase will enable the PFBC to maintain programs and undertake new initiatives including a customer-friendly computerized license sales system, payment of debt service on top priority projects, completing a Waterways Conservation Officer school, and fisheries management efforts. The PFBC will be able to continue to grow and stock fish, keep law enforcement officers on the water, show people how and where to fish and boat safely. Some of the new Boat Fund revenue can be used to support improvements to launch ramps and dams, as well as enhanced boating programs.

While HB 2155 addresses the pressing need for revenues for the PFBC’s daily operations, the question of funding for state-owned infrastructure managed by the agency continues to loom large. There is an estimated $110 million (and growing) backlog at state lakes, fish hatcheries and boat launches managed by the Commission. A separate dedicated, long-term source of funding – not license and registration dollars – is needed to address these issues.

“HB 2155 will enable us to continue managing the state’s fisheries, create improved fish habitat, keep waterways conservation officers on patrol, maintain boating safety programs, provide aquatic education programs and much more,” said Austen. “But it’s not a magic pill. It doesn’t overcome all the challenges that fishing and boating face in Pennsylvania. We’re thankful that the Legislature took prompt action on the fee package. We look forward to working with the members to find practical, long-term solutions to address the needs at lakes, hatcheries and boat launches.”

The fee package in HB 2155 is as follows:

Fishing Licenses

License Category
Price

Resident
$ 21.00

Nonresident
$51.00

Resident Senior (annual)
$10.00

Resident Senior Lifetime
$50.00

7-day tourist
$33.00

3-day tourist
$25.00

1-day resident (after May 1 only)
$10.00

Trout Stamp
$8.00

Lake Erie Stamp
$8.00

Combo Lake Erie Stamp
$14.00

Boat Registrations

Category
Price (2 yrs)

Unpowered
$ 18.00

Less than 16'
$26.00

16' to 20'
$39.00

20+' to 40'
$52.00

40+' to 65'
$52.00

More than 65'
$52.00

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PLEASE NOTE: A copy of this release with links to additional information will be posted on the PFBC's web site under "Latest News."

Dan Tredinnick
Press Secretary
PA Fish & Boat Commission

OUR MISSION: To provide fishing and boating opportunities through the protection and management of aquatic resources.