SENATE REJECTS INCREASES IN HUNTING, FISHING AND BOATING FEES

Monday, March 12, 2001

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno today announced that the Senate will, in its budget resolution, reject an Executive Budget proposal to increase fees for hunting and fishing licenses and boat registrations.

"Hunting, fishing and boating play an important role in tourism in many parts of the state," Senator Bruno said. "The Senate Majority feels it is important that the licenses for these activities remain affordable so we will recommend in our budget resolution that fees not be increased."

The 2001-02 Executive Budget includes a proposal to increase the cost of fishing and hunting licenses by approximately 25 percent on average to raise $5.3 million in revenue in the next fiscal year and $9.6 million thereafter. The Senate's recommendation against an increase in hunting license fees includes all fees required for a resident to hunt all legal game.

The Executive Budget also proposes doubling boat registration fees, which would raise $700,000 in revenue in the 2001-02 fiscal year and $2.7 million thereafter. The Senate will recommend the fees stay at the current levels of $9 every three years for boats under 16 feet; $18 every three years for boats between 16 and 26 feet; and $30 every three years for boats over 26 feet.

"The Senate Budget Resolution will recommend that we use money from the projected revenue surplus to fully fund the programs that would have received money from the increases," Senator Ronald B. Stafford (R-C, Plattsburgh), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said. "Thousands of sportsmen will continue to enjoy the natural beauty of our state and pursue their favorite outdoor sporting activities without having to pay higher license fees."

Last year, approximately 260,000 New York State residents purchased one of the many hunting and fishing licenses sold by the State.

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