Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act
- Bill Number
- S. 472
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-11: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 333.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act (S. 472) aims to create a dedicated funding mechanism for the U.S. Forest Service to retain and use fees collected from ski area permits on National Forest lands. This supports the management, maintenance, and enhancement of ski areas and related recreational facilities, promoting economic development in these areas without relying solely on general government appropriations.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of the Account: Creates a "Ski Area Fee Retention Account" in the U.S. Treasury to hold ski area permit rental charges (fees paid by ski area operators to the Forest Service for using National Forest land).
- Deposits and Availability: Fees collected by the Secretary of Agriculture (who oversees the Forest Service) are deposited into the account and can be used without needing additional congressional approval (appropriation). Funds remain available for four fiscal years after deposit.
- Distribution of Funds:
- 80% of fees from a specific National Forest unit (called a "covered unit") stay local: 75% for administrative activities (e.g., processing permit applications, staff training, visitor services, wildfire planning near ski areas) and 25% for maintenance and enhancements (e.g., repairing trails or roads, habitat restoration, law enforcement, parking expansion, search and rescue).
- 20% is used agency-wide across any National Forest unit for similar administrative or maintenance activities.
- If local needs are low, the local share can drop to at least 60%, with excess funds redistributed agency-wide (75% administrative, 25% maintenance).
- Expenditure Restrictions: Funds can only support listed activities related to ski areas and recreation, such as permit administration, wildfire risk reduction (but not active firefighting), and avalanche education. Prohibited uses include wildfire suppression or buying land for the National Forest System.
- Effective Date: Takes effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 701 of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 497c), which previously allowed the Forest Service to collect ski area fees but directed them to the general Treasury without retention for specific uses.
- Introduces fee retention and targeted spending rules, shifting from a general revenue model to a dedicated account that supplements (but does not replace) existing Forest Service funding.
- Preserves other laws, such as the Granger-Thye Act (which allows cooperative funding for National Forest improvements) and cost recovery rules for permit processing, ensuring no overlap or conflict.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Forest Service gains flexible, dedicated funding for ski area operations, potentially reducing backlogs in permit processing and improving maintenance without competing for broader agency budgets. This could enhance efficiency in managing over 120 ski areas on National Forest lands.
- On Citizens: Ski area visitors and recreational users may benefit from better facilities, safer access (e.g., improved roads, signage, wildfire preparedness), and expanded services like education programs, leading to a more enjoyable and secure experience.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic National Forest management; however, it could indirectly support U.S. tourism by bolstering ski resorts that attract international visitors.
- Broader Economic Effects: Encourages investment in ski areas, potentially boosting local economies in rural, mountainous regions through job creation in recreation and maintenance.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Forest Service: Primary beneficiary, as it collects and spends the fees on program administration and infrastructure.
- Ski Area Operators and Permit Holders: Pay the fees but gain from streamlined permitting and improved facilities that support their businesses.
- Local Communities and Economies: Near National Forests, especially in Western states with ski resorts, through enhanced tourism, jobs, and public safety measures.
- Recreational Users and Visitors: Taxpayers and outdoor enthusiasts who use ski areas, benefiting from funded improvements.
- Nonprofit Partners and Local Governments: Involved in activities like search and rescue or avalanche education, which can now receive support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces existing special use permit frameworks under the National Forest Management Act without altering permit holder obligations. The fee retention model aligns with similar "recreation fee" programs (e.g., for parks) but tailors it to ski areas, potentially setting a precedent for other recreational fees. No challenges to cost recovery or cooperative funding laws are introduced.
- Constitutional: Appears neutral; the bill involves congressional control over federal land fees and spending, which falls within Congress's authority over public lands (Article IV, Section 3). It avoids supplanting appropriations, respecting the Appropriations Clause.
- Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties, including Western states) highlights regional economic priorities for rural development and recreation. Could influence future debates on self-funding for federal land agencies amid budget constraints, but raises minor concerns about equitable distribution if funds concentrate in high-fee ski areas.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (13)
Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-11: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 333.
- 2026-02-11: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee without amendment. With written report No. 119-104.
- 2026-02-11: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee without amendment. With written report No. 119-104.
- 2025-09-11: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 2025-02-06: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text: CR S795-796)
- 2025-02-06: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act — issued 2025-02-06 — PDF (8 pages)
- Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act — issued 2026-02-11 — PDF (10 pages)