Governor Rell Signs Bill Into Law
That Reduces Fishing, State Park Fees
New fees take effect in time
for opening day of fishing season Saturday
Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced tonight that she has signed a bill that rolls back millions of dollars in fishing, state park and other outdoor fees – a move that comes just in time for the opening day of fishing season Saturday.
The reduced fees are part of the broad-based deficit mitigation bill that Governor Rell negotiated with the state Legislature to close a $371 million shortfall for this fiscal year. The bill was crafted with no tax increases and no cuts to municipal aid. Both the House and Senate overwhelmingly passed the legislation and within minutes of the Senate casting the final vote, the Governor signed it into law. The Governor said
“Tens of thousands of anglers, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy their hobbies, enjoy the great outdoors in Connecticut without having to pay higher fees/ Our state parks have been the getaways of choice for generations of families and we want to keep it that way,” Governor Rell said. “This bill was a product of much hard work and great compromise and I am grateful for the Legislature’s cooperation.:
The Governor said the new law changes nearly 50 different hunting and fishing fees. For example, a fishing that was $40 now costs $28. State park fees have been rolled back nearly 33 percent. In all, the new law reduces outdoor fees by more than $5 million.
The Governor said a complete list of the fee changes will be posted shortly on Web site of the state Department of Environmental Protection at www.ct.gov/dep
