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The bill below is aimed at supporting funding to fight cyanobacteria:
HB 1477-FN: Establishing a permit program for anchored seasonal floating platforms
What this bill does: HB 1477 would require anchored seasonal floating platforms on public waters to obtain a $50 permit from the NH Department of Safety, Marine Patrol. Permit revenue would be split evenly:
- $25 to the Navigation Safety Fund to support marine patrol operations and boating safety enforcement
- $25 to the Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund
Why it matters: This bill creates a sustainable funding source to help communities address harmful cyanobacteria blooms.
The Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund—created by the Legislature in 2023—has already helped lake and watershed associations respond to blooms. But the fund is nearly depleted, even as more lakes experience cyanobacteria outbreaks each year. There is currently no other dedicated state funding source to help communities fight toxic cyanobacteria blooms in our lakes.
Without new funding, the burden of managing these harmful blooms in the state’s water will fall on local communities and taxpayers.
The Department of Safety estimates the program would require two additional staff to administer. Importantly, revenue from registering platforms across New Hampshire’s roughly 1,000 lakes is expected to more than cover the department's costs.
On February 5, the full House supported the Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee’s unanimous recommendation that this bill represents good policy. Because the bill includes a fee, it must also be reviewed by the House Finance Committee.
Next Step: The full House Finance Committee will consider the bill on Tuesday, March 17, at 10:00 AM
Take Action: Email the House Finance Committee and urge them to support HB 1477.
A short message with a personal story about why cyanobacteria is a concern to you can make a big difference. If your lake has experienced blooms, share why state support is critical to protecting New Hampshire’s lakes and public health.
Copy and paste the following email addresses into the "to" line of your email:
kweyler@aol.com; Dan.McGuire@gc.nh.gov; Gerald.Griffin@gc.nh.gov; Keith.Erf@gc.nh.gov; maureen.mooney@gc.nh.gov; Jose4NH@comcast.net; Daniel.PopoviciMuller@gc.nh.gov; Joe.Sweeney@gc.nh.gov; Gary.Daniels@gc.nh.gov; brian.seaworth@gc.nh.gov; mcguire4house@gmail.com; Rich.Nalevanko@gc.nh.gov; Samuel.Farrington@gc.nh.gov; Walter.Spilsbury@gc.nh.gov; mjwallner@gc.nh.gov; prleishman@aol.com; Kate.Murray@gc.nh.gov; Karen.Ebel@gc.nh.gov; Laura.Telerski@gc.nh.gov; Mary.HakkenPhillips@gc.nh.gov; Jerry.Stringham@gc.nh.gov; David.Preece@gc.nh.gov; Rosemarie.Rung@gc.nh.gov; Eileen.Kelly@gc.nh.gov; Chris.Muns@gc.nh.gov
And, please cc Andrea LaMoreaux (alamoreaux@nhlakes.org) on your email.
Thank you for your support!
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