H.R.1084 - Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1084, the Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act, aims to amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996. It proposes establishing a Ski Area Fee Retention Account within the Treasury. This account would retain ski area permit rental charges collected by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Expected Effects
The bill would allow the Forest Service to retain and reinvest fees collected from ski area permits. A significant portion of these funds would be directed back to the National Forest System units where the fees were generated. The funds are intended to improve ski area administration, visitor services, and infrastructure related to recreation.
Potential Benefits
- Improved ski area infrastructure and visitor services.
- Enhanced administration of ski area permits and related projects.
- Increased funding for wildfire planning and risk reduction in and around ski areas.
- Support for staff training related to ski area management and special use permits.
- Potential for economic development in communities near ski areas.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential reduction in funds available for other Forest Service programs if ski area revenues decline.
- Possible administrative overhead associated with managing the new account.
- Risk that funds may be disproportionately allocated to ski areas at the expense of other recreational activities.
- Limited scope, focusing primarily on ski areas and potentially neglecting other public land uses.
- The bill does not address broader environmental concerns beyond wildfire risk.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power under Article I, Section 8, which grants the power to collect taxes and duties to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The establishment of a special account and the allocation of funds for specific purposes fall within Congress's enumerated powers. There is no apparent conflict with any specific constitutional provision.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).