SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 21
(By Senators Dittmar, Whitlow, Anderson, Bowman,
Craigo, Grubb, Macnaughtan, Miller, Ross, White,Wiedebusch, Deem,
Minear and Yoder)
[Originating in the Committee on Natural Resources]
Requesting the joint committee on government and finance to make a
study regarding the safe coexistence of recreational
watercraft and commercial watercraft in the use of this
state's navigable waterways and of the feasibility of
mandatory education and licensing for recreational watercraft
operators.
Whereas, Administration officials of the division of motor
vehicles and of the division of natural resources have expressed
their willingness and desire to conduct a study of the need for
mandatory education and licensing of recreational watercraft
operators; and
Whereas, Such officials have expressed a willingness to
provide relevant assistance to a legislative interim committee
study of the issue; and
Whereas, While pleasure boating on the navigable streams of this state is normally a safe and enjoyable activity, when it is
mixed with commercial barge traffic it can become a dangerous
pastime; and
Whereas, Since 1994, the division of natural resources has
received reports of seven accidents involving pleasure boats and
commercial tows which resulted in fourteen injuries and four
fatalities; and
Whereas, The division of natural resources annually offers
classes in boating safety to all pleasure boaters; and
Whereas, The division of natural resources has reported that
even though these classes are offered in areas of high boating
activity, these classes are not well attended; and
Whereas, The division of natural resources and the division of
motor vehicles have agreed in substance to form a committee to
study the need for a comprehensive boating education program,
whether it be voluntary or mandatory; and
Whereas, Both of the aforementioned divisions have expressed
a desire to work with any legislative interim committee which may
be authorized by the Legislature to seek a solution to the safety
hazards of mixing pleasure and commercial boating traffic on the
navigable streams of this state; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the joint committee on government and finance is hereby requested to review, examine and study the need for a safe
coexistence of recreation watercraft operators and commercial barge
operators on the navigable streams of the state and for mandatory
licensing and education for recreational watercraft operators; and,
be it
Further Resolved, That the joint committee on government and
finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1997, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the joint committee on
government and finance.