Our 30 Jan 2021 letter follows:
Dear Mr. Chairman,
I am writing to you on behalf of 228 members of the Colorado Motorcycle Trail Riders Association, a 501(c)3 organization.
We are aware, once again, of JBC discussions regarding removing money from the Off Highway Vehicle fund which is under the purview of Colorado Parks & Wildlife. The Off Highway Vehicle fund generates some $4.5 million per year from user fees paid for by OHV and off-road motorcycle recreationists. A $25.25 fee, per vehicle, is paid to CPW each year by trail enthusiasts, like our members.
The user fees collected by CPW and administered by a citizen subcommittee are supposed to go towards maintaining, improving and expanding trail opportunities statewide. The program, administered under the auspices of the State Trails Committee, has been in existence since 1991. In times of budget shortages, the General Assembly has raided this fund and has never replenished the swept monies. Such was the case last year when the Legislature swept $5 million from the OHV fund.
Our members agree with the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition in that we oppose any further sweeps of funds from the program. However, we disagree with COHVCO in that our members strongly believe the $5 million should be returned to the OHV fund, as soon as possible. And, we support full spending authority in the upcoming Fiscal Year so that necessary trail maintenance, construction and safety measures can be made to improve the environmental sustainability of Colorado’s popular multi-use trail systems.
Please know that CMTRA and its members will be following the State budgeting process with great interest all the way to the final day of the current session.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Mark Reimler
President
CMTRA
(612)309-3709
cc: Hon. Members of the Joint Budget Committee
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We received the following acknowledgement:
From: Dominick Moreno <moreno.dominick@gmail.com>
Date: January 30, 2021 at 4:49:46 PM MST
Subject: Re: JBC consideration of CPW user fees, restoration of prior swept funds
Thanks for reaching out and sharing your thoughts.
Best,
Dominick Moreno
State Senator, Adams County