FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: February 08, 2017
Time Requested: 06:00 PM
Agency: Natural Resources, WV Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
1424 Introduced HB2189
CBD Subject: Natural Resources


FUND(S):

3265

Sources of Revenue:

Special Fund

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


There are 2,392 West Virginia residents who participate in the WV Division of Natural Resources camping discount program at WV State Parks and Forests offered to all persons with permanent and total disabilities. This represents approximately 0.69% of the population of West Virginia residents who have a disability. According to the WV Department of Veterans Assistance there are 33,341 veterans who receive compensation and pension payments. It would be logical to assume that 0.69% of the resident disabled veterans currently participate in the program, which would be 230 participants. Assuming each participant stays an average of six (6) nights each in the fall and in the spring and assuming an average camping rate of $20, the total loss of revenue would be $55,327 for residents. Approximately 69% of campers in WV State Parks and Forests are residents of West Virginia and 31% are nonresidents. If the loss of revenue is $55,327 for residents of the state who camp, then the loss from 31% campers who are nonresidents would be $24,857. The total loss of revenue would be $80,184 given no increase in campers by disabled veterans. However, an unrestricted and unregulated free camping program offered to disabled veterans would likely become so popular that other campers would be displaced. The popularity could grow, considering that disabled veterans from any state can participate, so that all current campers during the described season are displaced. West Virginia State Parks and Recreation Section camping revenues in FY2016 were $2,060,611. Approximately 25% of all camping revenues are received from Labor Day to four (4) days prior to Memorial Day which represents a potential loss of up to $515,153. The actual loss would be between $80,184 and $515,153 depending on the popularity of the program.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2017
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2018
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 515,153 515,153
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 -515,153 -515,153


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


The actual loss would be between $80,184 and $515,153 depending on the popularity of the program.



Memorandum


For additional information concerning this fiscal note, please contact: Samuel A. England, Chief DNR Parks and Recreation Section 324 4th Avenue South Charleston, WV 25303-1228 phone 304.558.2764 fax 304.558.0077 cell 304.613.9041 email Samuel.A.England@wv.gov



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Samuel England, Chief DNR Parks and Rec Section
    Email Address: samuel.a.england@wv.gov