Governor Signs Consensus Compromise on Trail Funding
New law balances trail funding between motorized and non motorized users
OLYMPIA - Last week, Governor Gary Locke signed into law (HB 2489) a bill that would, for the first time in thirty years, balance distributions of gas tax revenues earmarked for trail funding between motorized and non-motorized users.
Previously, motorized uses received 80% of trail funding from the State's Non-Highway Off-Road Vehicle Activities (NOVA) program, despite contributing only 20% of the revenues. This legislation codifies consensus recommendations for the State's NOVA program determined last year by a panel of representative stakeholders. The new law reallocates NOVA funds so that:
- 30 percent will go to non-motorized recreation, such as hiking, biking and equestrian use.
- 30 percent will go to general recreation facilities, such as campgrounds, toilets and scenic turnouts.
- 30 percent will go to go to motorized recreation, such as dirt bikes and 4x4s.
- 10 percent will be competitive to all three categories.
The Bill's prime sponsor in the House was Representative Mike Cooper (D-Edmonds). The Senate version's prime sponsor was Senator Bob Oke (R-Port Orchard).
"This legislation is a victory for all of those who use our incredible system of public lands here in Washington State. The State Legislature and Governor should be commended for embracing a fact-based solution to such a long standing and controversial issue." said Tom Uniack, Conservation Director for the Washington Wilderness Coalition. As a member of the Fair Trails Coalition, WWC has worked to support an equitable redistribution of NOVA funds for non-motorized trail maintenance and other projects.
The state Non-Highway Off-Road Vehicle Activities (NOVA) program was created in 1973 to finance motorized and non-motorized recreation facilities. Today the fund is one of the largest direct sources of trail funding in Washington State providing about $5 million each year. The program is funded by gas tax revenue generated on non-highway roads (Forest Service and National Park roads) and motorized trails.
In 2002, the State Legislature commissioned a NOVA Fuel Use Study conducted by an independent research firm. The study found that, of funds that flow into the NOVA program 50% comes from people driving on Forest Service and National Park roads to camp, fish, hunt, berry pick, birdwatch, and participate in other non-motorized activities. Another 30% comes from people hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding and goat packing. An additional 20% comes from people riding dirt bikers, quad riders and off-road vehicles.
Washington Wilderness Coalition is proud of helping form an alliance of recreation and conservation groups called the Fair Trails Coalition (FTC), along with the Washington Trails Association, the Mountaineers, Sierra Club Cascade Chapter, and Issaquah Alps Trails Club. Since the formation of FTC, we've been working with state lawmakers and agencies to develop a NOVA (Non-highway and Off-road Vehicle Activities) reform package. You can visit the Washington Wilderness Coalition's website at www.washingtonwilderness.org.
