The proposed legislation allows the DEQ to continue to collect application fees for aquatic nuisance control permits until October 1, 2003. Fees are needed to support the program staff processing aquatic nuisance control permit applications in order to meet the established processing time frame. Without fees or state General Fund dollars to replace them, program staff would be reduced to one-half its current level and permit application processing time would increase substantially. Availability of fees to support program staff reduces the need to use state General Fund monies. The proposed bill does not impose additional fees or requirements beyond those currently in place.
Local governments are subject to the same application fees as other permit applicants.