SB 801 — Creating WV Public Waterway Access Act

WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 801 ByBYSENATOW SenatorOODRUM Woodrum [Reported March 26,27, 2025, from the Committee on NaturalGovernment Resources]Organization] CS for CS for SB 801 A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §20-3C-1, §20-3C-2, §20-3C-3, and §20-3C-4, relating to creating the West Virginia Public Waterway Access Act;

and requiring Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Division of Natural Resources, to develop guidelines to implement West Virginia Public Waterway Access Act.

(a) The purpose of this article is to ensure public access to the state's rivers and streams for recreational purposes.

ThisThe articleLegislature recognizes the importance of outdoor recreation to the health and well-being of West Virginia's residents and visitors.

(b) The Legislature finds that river access points provide several benefits:

(1) Recreational opportunities:opportunities.

— They serve as launch facilities for boats or other watercraft, allowing people to engage in recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming;

(2) Economic impact:impact.

— They can boost local economies by attracting tourists and recreational enthusiasts,enthusiasts who contribute to the local economy through spending on goods and services;

(3) Environmental Education:education.

— They provide opportunities for people to connect with nature, fostering a greater appreciation and understanding of the environment;

(4) Health and Well-being:well-being.

— They offer spaces for outdoor recreation, which has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including stress reduction and improved physical health;

and CS for CS for SB 801 (5) Community Engagement:engagement.

They—They can serve as community gathering spots, fostering social interaction and community engagement;engagement.

and(c) (6) The thoughtful planning and design supportedof byriver theaccess planningpoints guide will greatly benefit the public.

River users will also will benefit from an enhanced recreation experience shaped by mindful 1 CS for SB 801 planning and design.

The Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the DivisionDepartment of Natural Resources, shall develop guidelines for the implementation of this article.

These guidelines shall include standards for the design and location of access points and approvedand approved access features for fences.