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Nichols FIles Bill to Help Control Hydrilla Infestation
Austin - State Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) today filed SB 825 which permits the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to address hydrilla and giant sylvania infestations of public waters by using funds already appropriated from fuel taxes on motorboats.
“The state must take action to control growth of noxious and nuisance plants such as hydrilla and giant sylvania which could destroy our lakes and waterways,” said Nichols. “The good news is that there is already a common sense way to provide the needed funding without creating a new tax.”
Every year the Comptroller estimates how much money is paid in fuel taxes used by motorboats. That money is then directed to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Last year that amount was roughly $13 million.
“If boaters are paying this tax, they should see some of the benefit,” said Nichols. “By controlling the rapid growth of these non-native aquatic weeds, we can make Texas lakes better places to boat, swim and fish.”
Hydrilla and other non-native, nuisance plants are often spread through motorboat use. The plants from one body of water get trapped on the motor blades of a boat and then spread to other waterways where the boat travels. The first signs of infestation are often seen around boat ramps.
Nichols stressed the need to take action now to control nuisance and noxious aquatic vegetation.
“The longer we wait to address this issue, the more challenging the solution will be,” said Nichols. “We need to take action today.”
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