Kwicherbichen
05-15-2004, 12:44 AM
Rumors are flying in Sacramento that the California Performance Review (CPR) process, sanctioned by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, is considering a proposal to eliminate the Department of Boating and Waterways, distributing the functions of the department to other agencies.
RBOC, the nonprofit organization that promotes and advocates the interests of boaters statewide before the legislative and executive branches of state and local government, is opposed to the move.
Since becoming a department in 1967, DBW has proven to be an effective, efficient, and model department.
DBW and its vital, boater-funded programs, are critical to -
• safety on the waterways for over three million California boating enthusiasts,
• environmental protection for the state waterways, and
• stimulation of the state’s economy through loans and grants for boating-facility construction.
DBW has a vital role in ensuring that CaliforniaÂ’s unique recreational-boating environments continue to be supported by a world-renowned recreational-boating infrastructure.
Indeed, DBWÂ’s programs are essential for the state to meet the demand for new and upgraded public-access boating facilities that will total at least $837 million over the next 16 years.
DBW does not receive monies from the stateÂ’s general fund. Rather, DBW activities are supported by boater-generated fuel-tax dollars, registration fees, federal gas-sales tax funds, and interest earned from loans of those funds.
The Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund receives $90 million dollars annually from the computed amount of gasoline tax that the recreational boater pays each year.
Of the $90 million boatersÂ’ gasoline tax, $26 million was diverted to the DPR this year - and last year - for what DPR says goes to the support of recreational boating in the state parks.
When asked to account for the $26 million, the DPR says it canÂ’t.
The funds are co-mingled with the funds they receive from the general fund and spent were they feel they are needed.
If the DBW were eliminated, this could possibly be the fate of all boater-generated gasoline tax. Recreational boaters would receive little or no direct benefit from their gas-tax dollars - and no accountability.
RBOC believes that it is critical that this stateÂ’s more than three million boating enthusiasts, who support a $17 billion per year boating industry, continue to have the leadership, accountability, and dedication that are ensured by a boating department with a director whose principal focus is boating.
RBOC requests that all recreational boaters stay apprised of and oppose the continual efforts that are made to eliminate the DBW and use the boater-generated gas tax monies to supplement other departments that receive funding from the general fund.
Bookmark the RBOC Web site on your browser - www.rboc.org - and stay informed on issues of interest to California recreational boating.
William Patton is president of the Recreational Boaters of California.
RBOC, the nonprofit organization that promotes and advocates the interests of boaters statewide before the legislative and executive branches of state and local government, is opposed to the move.
Since becoming a department in 1967, DBW has proven to be an effective, efficient, and model department.
DBW and its vital, boater-funded programs, are critical to -
• safety on the waterways for over three million California boating enthusiasts,
• environmental protection for the state waterways, and
• stimulation of the state’s economy through loans and grants for boating-facility construction.
DBW has a vital role in ensuring that CaliforniaÂ’s unique recreational-boating environments continue to be supported by a world-renowned recreational-boating infrastructure.
Indeed, DBWÂ’s programs are essential for the state to meet the demand for new and upgraded public-access boating facilities that will total at least $837 million over the next 16 years.
DBW does not receive monies from the stateÂ’s general fund. Rather, DBW activities are supported by boater-generated fuel-tax dollars, registration fees, federal gas-sales tax funds, and interest earned from loans of those funds.
The Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund receives $90 million dollars annually from the computed amount of gasoline tax that the recreational boater pays each year.
Of the $90 million boatersÂ’ gasoline tax, $26 million was diverted to the DPR this year - and last year - for what DPR says goes to the support of recreational boating in the state parks.
When asked to account for the $26 million, the DPR says it canÂ’t.
The funds are co-mingled with the funds they receive from the general fund and spent were they feel they are needed.
If the DBW were eliminated, this could possibly be the fate of all boater-generated gasoline tax. Recreational boaters would receive little or no direct benefit from their gas-tax dollars - and no accountability.
RBOC believes that it is critical that this stateÂ’s more than three million boating enthusiasts, who support a $17 billion per year boating industry, continue to have the leadership, accountability, and dedication that are ensured by a boating department with a director whose principal focus is boating.
RBOC requests that all recreational boaters stay apprised of and oppose the continual efforts that are made to eliminate the DBW and use the boater-generated gas tax monies to supplement other departments that receive funding from the general fund.
Bookmark the RBOC Web site on your browser - www.rboc.org - and stay informed on issues of interest to California recreational boating.
William Patton is president of the Recreational Boaters of California.