BoatUS.com: Government Affairs

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Click Here for Florida Anchoring Sheet 2011

Florida Anchoring Updates

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Alabama News

We do not have any current state alerts for Alabama at this time. If you have a boating related issue please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any current state alerts for Alaska at this time. If you have a boating related issue please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any current state alerts for Arizona at this time. If you have a boating related issue please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any current state alerts for Arkansas at this time. If you have a boating related issue please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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Contact the "Little Hoover" Commission, Governor Brown and your legislators about the reorganization of Cal Boating

A proposal has been made to eliminate the California Department of Boating and Waterways. Click here to weigh-in on this proposal.

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We do not have any current state alerts for Colorado at this time. If you have a boating related issue please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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Following significant input from boaters, the final state budget did not contain many of the onerous tax increases targeted at recreational boats. The only boating tax proposal by Governor Malloy that emerged from the legislature is the imposition of a 7% luxury/sales tax on the purchase of boats where the total price exceeds $100,000. For boat sales less than this amount the sales tax will be 6.35% on the total purchase price.

The Connecticut Legislature continues to consider taxes that could have a significant impact on recreational boating. While it appears that several of the tax increases contained in the Governor’s proposed budget have been dropped from consideration, including the extension of the personal property tax to boats, several still remain in play. In particular there are reports that a ‘luxury’ tax of 7% will be imposed on total value of the sale of boats greater than $100,000. Boat sold for less than this amount will continue to be taxed at the state sales tax rate, which is currently 6% of the total value of the sale.

Several legislative steps remain before these proposals are finalized. Boaters are encourage to continue to contact their legislators to express their views at www.boatus.com/gov/ctaction.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy has proposed significant tax increases for the marine industry in his 2012 budget. While we recognize that Connecticut, like many other states, is facing growing demands for services along with little to no increases in revenue, this proposal has the potential to have a devastating impact on the boating industry. In consultation with the Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA) we urge you to voice concern to your elected representative.

In addition to these significant tax increases, it is proposed to eliminate the state boating fund and divert boating registration fees to the general fund. Appropriations for programs the fund supports would have to come from the general fund, competing with all other state programs.

The economic burden being placed on recreational boating by these proposals has the potential to wreak havoc recreational boating. When the federal government imposed a luxury tax on boats in the early 1990s it had the effect of eliminating thousands of marine manufacturing jobs while raising an insignificant amount of revenue. For marine businesses such as mechanics and riggers, taxing their services will cause boaters to move the work (and their boats) to lower costs states such as Rhode Island. These tax increases will likely not raise the expected revenue while inhibiting the growth of boating

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We do not have any state alerts for Delaware at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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On March 13th, the FWC Division of Law Enforcement will be holding a public meeting to answer questions from the agencies and organizations specified in FS 327.4105 and the general public related to the participants’ proposed anchoring ordinances.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012
8:00 a.m. - 12 noon - St. Petersburg Ordinance
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. - Stuart/Martin Ordinance

Florida Public Safety Institute
FPSI Conference Center
75 College Drive
Havana, Florida 32333

When: Tuesday, January 24th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Karen A. Steidinger Auditorium
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approves local anchoring regulations in St. Augustine with important changes

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has given its approval to the City of St. Augustine's proposed anchoring regulations provided the City change a 10 day limit on anchoring to 30 days out of any 45 day period. Click here to see the FWC press release.

On November 3, the possibility of anchoring regulations for recreational boats will be discussed at a meeting hosted by city officials. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) says that the agenda will center on proposals to limit the number of days a boat can remain on anchor as well as to determine a “set back” limit on how many feet an anchored boat must stay from private or public land. BoatU.S. is urging boaters, cruisers and sailors, as well as those who benefit from visiting boater spending, to attend this public meeting to have their voices heard.

The meeting will be held Thursday, November 3rd, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the Commission Chambers at 1565 Front Street in Sarasota.

As part of its participation in the state's mooring and anchoring program, the City of St. Petersburg is holding two public meetings to get input on anchoring ordinances. We strongly encourage all area cruisers to participate in these meetings to ensure a reasonable approach is taken for responsible boat owners.

When: Wednesday, October 19th, 6:45pm to 9:00pm
Where: Karen A. Steidinger Auditorium
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

As part of their participation in the state's mooring and anchoring program, the City of Stuart and Martin County are holding two public meetings to get input on anchoring ordinances.

We strongly encourage all area cruisers to participate in these meetings to ensure a reasonable approach is taken for responsible boat owners.

When: Tuesday, October 4th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: The Lyric’s Flagler Center
201 SW Flagler Avenue, Stuart

When: Tuesday, October 4th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Blake Library
2351 SE Monterey Road, Stuart

Monroe County is hosting three stakeholder workshops around the Keys to hear public input and ideas for a new anchoring ordinance. We strongly encourage all area cruisers to participate in these meetings to ensure a reasonable approach is taken and that the Keys remain a boating-friendly area for responsible boat owners.

Monroe County is now one of five jurisdictions in the state’s mooring and anchoring pilot project. As part of this project, the County will be allowed to develop an ordinance that will regulate anchoring. Please attend one of the following meetings, and be prepared to summarize your own ideas regarding anchoring needs in the Keys:

Tuesday, June 7, 6 pm
Murray E. Nelson Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

Wednesday June 8, 6 pm
Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050

Thursday, June 9, 6 pm
Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 33040

For more background information on anchoring laws in Florida see the new BoatU.S. information sheet:

www.boatus.com/gov/pdf/GA005FLAnchoringPaper2011.pdf

For more background from Monroe County:

Monroe County Anchoring Presentation

Late yesterday, the City of St. Augustine notified BoatU.S. that the date and time for their workshop about new anchoring regulations has been rescheduled. Please share the word that attending this meeting remains very important, and now, the details are:

When: Thursday, May 26th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Where: The Alcazar Room in City Hall
75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

(There has been a string of incorrect information available on this meeting, including the 5/12 press release from the City which says the meeting is May 26 at 5 pm. At 10 am this morning, we spoke with the Director of General Services who confirms that the meeting is from 4-5 pm on May 26. Because of the continued evolution of this meeting, we recommend you call ahead (904) 825-1010 to confirm the latest meeting information.)

BACKGROUND:
At this workshop, the City of St. Augustine wants to receive public input and ideas for an anchoring ordinance, which they can develop as one of five cities participating in Florida’s mooring and anchoring pilot program. We strongly encourage all area cruisers to participate in this meeting to ensure a reasonable approach is taken and that St. Augustine remains a boating-friendly area.

To read the latest press release sent out by the City:

http://www.staugustinegovernment.com/the-city/featured-stories-archive/documents/PilotPgm-ReschA.pdf

On Thursday, May 19, 2011, the City of St. Augustine is holding a meeting to receive public input and ideas for an anchoring ordinance. We strongly encourage all area cruisers to participate in this meeting to ensure a reasonable approach is taken and that St. Augustine remains a boating-friendly area.

The City of St. Augustine is participating as one of five cities in the state’s mooring and anchoring pilot project. As part of this project, the City will be allowed to develop an ordinance to limit nearby anchoring.

When: Thursday, May 19th, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Where: The Alcazar Room in City Hall
75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

For more background information on anchoring laws in Florida see the new BoatU.S. information sheet:

(Please note that the City’s release incorrectly states the meeting is about the Harbor Management Plan. We have confirmed that the sole topic for this public meeting is a draft anchoring ordinance.)

This could be the only opportunity to provide input on this new local regulation.

The Florida Wildlife Commission is moving forward with its pilot mooring field program. For an update on this issue please click here

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We do not have any state alerts for Georgia at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Hawaii at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is reminding boaters to be on the watch for invasive species. To learn more about how you can help curb their spread, visit the BoatU.S. Foundation for Safety and Clean Water's invasive species information pages, http://www.boatus.com/foundation/cleanwater/invadespecies.asp

Another listening session regarding the proposed changes to the 3rd Street boat ramp in Coeur d'Alene will be held on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m., at Woodland Middle School, 2101 St. Michelle Avenue, Coeur d'Alene.

BoatU.S. has recently learned of a proposal for the development of the McEuen Field Park and the 3rd Street boat ramp in Coeur d’Alene (next to the Coeur d’Alene Resort) that would potentially eliminate the boat ramp and trailer parking area there. Nationwide, BoatU.S. is concerned about maintaining access to waterways. For this reason, we wanted you to know about a public meeting organized by the Coeur D’Alene Parks Department:

• This Thursday, January 6, 6 pm.
• North Idaho College Student Union Building, Lake Coeur d’Alene Room, 1000 West Garden Avenue, Coeur d’Alene

If you boat in this area, we encourage you to attend, and share your perspective at this meeting

Boaters should particularly note the following information from the Frequently Ask Questions section of the projects web page:

Why close the 3rd Street Boat Launch? Isn’t it one of the busiest launches in the state? Hasn’t it been the main link to the lake for boats on trailers forever? What alternatives for launching are now or will be available?

The Third Street Boat Launch was built around the 1950’s; some photos suggest it was here as early as the 1940’s. It was used for hydroplane launches and the seawall was constructed, expanded and bolstered to accommodate the many cranes needed to launch and retrieve the hydros for each race. A private boat marina, Inland Marine, was located on the east side of the ramp where the CDA Resort is now located. The Third Street Launch saw its peak use about 10 to 15 years ago when it was known as “the busiest boat launch in the state,” with approximately 7,000 boat launches per year. Since the opening of the Higgins Point Boat Launch (around 2002) and the BLM Boat Launch on Blackwell Island (around 2005), the Third Street launches have declined to 2,000 launches per year. To put this in perspective of numbers; the CDA City Park draws approximately 2,000 people per day during the peak season. The 5 launch lanes are served by 3 docks and there are a total of 48 vehicle-boat trailer spaces in the parking lot adjacent to the seawall next to the launches. (Design standards suggest 35 trailer spots are needed per launch meaning the currently limited trailer parking severely limits the launch use as a practical matter as well).

Increased activity in the downtown area and within the park in general has brought pedestrian and vehicle conflicts to the Sherman Avenue, 2nd Street, Front Avenue Street and 3rd Street areas leading to the boat launch. Special event activities to include a variety of runs, triathlons, bike events and walks have exponentially increased pedestrian traffic in this corridor making conflicting uses and safety serious issues. Vehicles with trailers also find it difficult to negotiate through the intersections in the core of downtown leading to the launch area adding to safety and congestion issues.

This site was once thought to be the best or only emergency access area on the lake. That is no longer the case as the nearest location to an accident is the best site for emergency access. If transportation of an injured person was necessary from the lake at the 3rd Street or Tubbs Hill location, that can still occur with or without a boat launch.
There are additional launch sites available on the east side and west side of the lake; some are in close proximity to the Third Street site. The lake recedes in the winter time and there is a need for a longer or deeper water launch ramp. Third Street has served to meet that need, however in December, January and February when the water is low the launch records show that only about three to ten boats are launched in any of those months. Higgins Point is also a deep water launch and can accommodate the launches during the low water times as can the BLM Mineral Ridge launch on the south side of Wolf Lodge Bay. There also is a high probability of a private marina being built on Blackwell Island that will also have year around launch facilities and may be able to accommodate winter launches for a fee. A private commercial launch with a crane pad is located at the former Lafferty (Foss Maritime-Brics Marine-No. Id. Maritime) facilities across from the Yacht Club and Blackwell Island is now owned by Murphy Marine Construction.

Options for removing the boat launch and replacing its +/-50 boat trailer parking spots include:
• Expand and/or reconfigure the Higgins Point Boat Launch parking lot managed by the Idaho Park & Rec. ITD owns property adjacent to this lot and they might entertain the idea of allowing an expanded parking lot or satellite parking. This is a year-around launch when snow and ice conditions permit.
• Expand the BLM Blackwell Island Parking lot. Discussions with BLM indicate there is room to expand to at least 12 more parking stalls, and recent studies show more usable property may be available. This launch is open in the summer months when the water level in the river allows enough depth and flows are safe.
• Encourage Kootenai County to resolve the property issues at Boothes Landing. This site can be used for year around launching. Paving and striping this lot for better parking organization has been delayed due to the dispute over ownership and use."

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We do not have any state alerts for Illinois at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Indiana at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Iowa at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Kansas at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Kentucky at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Louisiana at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Maine at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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Two bills of particular interest to Maryland boaters were not adopted during the regular session of the Maryland General Assembly. HB 1307, legislation that would have raised the registration fees for boats and HB 1345, imposing a luxury tax on the sale of boats greater than $35,000 were not passed before the legislator adjourned for the year.

Maryland House Bill 1345 would impose a luxury tax surcharge on the sale of new and used boats registered in the state. Click here to see a copy of the legislation.

A hearing has been scheduled on House Bill 1307 in the Maryland House Environmental Matters Committee for March 16th, 1:30pm.

Additional information regarding the proposed registration fee increases in Maryland

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The Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a hearing on HB 646. It was reported that no one spoke in favor of the bill, including its sponsor. Several members of the legislature spoke against the proposal, noting they had heard from a number of constituents on the subject.

Legislature considering bill to require everyone wear life jackets on boats under 20’

Currently in Massachusetts, life jackets must be onboard all boats, and worn by kids under 12, and worn by all who are water skiing, on personal watercraft, or in canoe/kayaks in the winter. Our understanding of this legislation, House Bill 646, is that it will require everyone on boats less than 20’ to wear life jackets year-round.

BoatU.S. is a strong supporter of safe boating practices. Many BoatU.S. members have expressed significant concern, however, about government mandating when and where adults must wear life jackets.

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We do not have any state alerts for Michigan at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Minnesota at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Mississippi at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Missouri at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Montana at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Nebraska at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Nevada at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for New Hampshire at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for New Jersey at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for New Mexico at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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The United States Environmental Protection Agency has proposed to designate the waters of Long Island Sound as a no discharge zone. This will prohibit the discharge of treated waste from Type I and II marine sanitation devices. The discharge of treated waste is already prohibited under the Clean Water Act.

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We do not have any state alerts for North Carolina at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for North Dakota at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Ohio at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Oklahoma at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Oregon at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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Pennsylvania Fish and Boating Commission considering mandatory life jacket wear during winter months

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boating Commission is asking for public comment on a proposal to require all boaters on boats less16' and all canoes and kayaks wear a life jacket at all times between November 1st and April 30th. Currently Pennsylvania only requires life jackets for children 12 years and younger on boat less than 20'.

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We do not have any state alerts for Rhode Island at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for South Carolina at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for South Dakota at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Tennessee at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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In a letter to Texas Governor Rick Perry, BoatU.S. has urged the Governor to exercise his line-item veto authority and reject legislation that would ban airboats on a particular stretch of the Brasos River. Click here to see a copy of the letter.

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We do not have any state alerts for Utah at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Vermont at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Virginia at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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In Olympia, plans are being made to divert funds that boaters pay for Washington’s boating programs to help balance the state’s budget.

As part of the larger state budget debate, a proposal to take $2.6 million from the Recreational Resource Account has surfaced. These funds come from state taxes that Washington boaters pay on fuel to support essential boating infrastructure, including public boat ramps and their parking facilities, docks, and mooring buoys.

It is important to note — and the powers-that-be in Olympia need to hear this — that these taxes are in essence voluntary because boaters can request a refund of fuel taxes paid for fuel used in their boats, but few ever do. (For additional information on how to apply for this refund, click here.)

You can easily send that message on this issue to your representatives and the Governor by clicking here.

Copper antifouling paint ban legislation passed by Washington State House and Senate

The Washington State Senate and House of Representatives have agreed on amendments to S. 5436 and have sent the legislation on to the Governor for signature. Under the legislation passed by both chambers it will be prohibited to:

Anyone found in violation of these requirements would be subject to fines of up to $10,000 per day.

Different versions of SB 5436 have passed both chambers of the Washington State legislature. The two bills will be reconciled and then sent on to the Governor for signature.

Legislation banning the sale of anti-fouling bottom paint containing copper has passed the Washington State Senate. The bill, SB 5436, would prohibit the sale of new recreational boats with copper anti-fouling paint after January 1, 2017. It would also ban the sale of any anti-fouling bottom paint containing more than .005% copper in the state after January 1, 2020.

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We do not have any state alerts for West Virginia at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Wisconsin at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for Wyoming at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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Washington D.C. News

We do not have any state alerts for Washington D.C. at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

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We do not have any state alerts for US Virgin Islands at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com