The fee would spread the costs to all users of the lake, defraying cleanup costs, as well as programs like weed control, dredging, channel marker maintenance, on-the-water patrols and boat ramp repair.
Reservoir officials estimate the annual cost associated with boating recreation to be $1.36 million, the newspaper reports.
The proposed annual fee would be $35 for all vessels under 30 feet, $50 for 30 feet and above, as well as a $10/10-day permit. This would raise between $336,000 to $656,000, depending on what percentage of the 36,586 boats registered the surrounding counties purchased the boat decal.
Similar fees are charged at other public lakes, such as National Forest Service lakes and all lakes under the authority of the state of Mississippi.
