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Originally Posted by Airwaves
...I also wanted to point out the same thing LIforrelaxin posted. NH does get federal dollars for the inland waterways so while the state "owns" inland waters such as Winnipesaukee, federal dollars are involved...
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You are both correct, and I would venture to say that there are federal dollars involved in every aspect of recreation here in New Hampshire....from hiking to bird watching to snowmobiling and ATVs. The difference is when you receive federal funds specifically for roadways there are significant strings attached....a few threads away the debate on seat belt usage is a perfect example, the feds are withholding 3 million a year in highway safety funds until we mandate seatbelt usage.
There are no such strings attached concerning the funding we receive (or most other states for that matter) for many of our recreationtal endeavours.
Remember, while this is being called an educational sticker the bill clearly states that the purpose of the sticker is an access fee for out of state registered boats. The only educational aspect to this sticker is the fact that you will get an educational pamphlet when you receive the sticker. States can and do charge out of state visitors access fees at a different rate then residents. I see no federal or constitutional issues with this practice.
Don't be mislead by the name. This bill has little to do with education and everything to do with having an out of state access fee. It may be a horrible idea but it is a practice well recognized and well implemented throughout the country.