Per Greg Robertson: Most of the bill deals with vehicles that use alternative fuels. These vehicles represent only a small fraction of the vehicles currently on the road (well less than 1%). So I don't think this has much interest. What does is the bicycle license tax. The bill as drafted imposes a one time fee of $15 for bicycle owners over the age of 18. The disappointing part of the bill is that all of the revenue generated goes into MDT's special revenue account. There is no revenue sharing provision with local government. I think its a baby step in the right direction, but will not put a dent in the maintenance costs of trails. I suppose supporting it is fine, but there isn't anything in it for local government.
Per Pat O'Herren: the bill has apparently been amended to remove provisions for registration of bicycles and for funding of bicycle trail maintenance. As a result, our concerns about equity, enforcement, etc. no longer apply. We will follow the bill to see if bicycles are reintroduce in the language, but our interest has diminished substantially with the loss of bicycle registration and trail maintenance in the bill.
Per Greg Robertson: Most of the bill deals with vehicles that use alternative fuels. These vehicles represent only a small fraction of the vehicles currently on the road (well less than 1%). So I don't think this has much interest. What does is the bicycle license tax. The bill as drafted imposes a one time fee of $15 for bicycle owners over the age of 18. The disappointing part of the bill is that all of the revenue generated goes into MDT's special revenue account. There is no revenue sharing provision with local government. I think its a baby step in the right direction, but will not put a dent in the maintenance costs of trails. I suppose supporting it is fine, but there isn't anything in it for local government.
ReplyDeletePer Pat O'Herren: Suggested to watch bill as it progresses. Missoula County does not need to weigh in at this time.
ReplyDeletePer Pat O'Herren: the bill has apparently been amended to remove provisions for registration of bicycles and for funding of bicycle trail maintenance. As a result, our concerns about equity, enforcement, etc. no longer apply. We will follow the bill to see if bicycles are reintroduce in the language, but our interest has diminished substantially with the loss of bicycle registration and trail maintenance in the bill.
ReplyDelete