Richardville establishes Legislative Boating Caucus
The Michigan Legislative Boating Caucus, established by Sen. Randy Richardville, met for the first time Wednesday to discuss how the Legislature can provide additional assistance to the state's recreational boating industry.
"Boating is a vital part of our state's economic health," said Richardville, R-Monroe. "From manufacturers, dealerships, marinas, gas stations, party stores, and thousands of local businesses across the state, boaters and those employed in the industry provide millions of dollars to our state and local economies."
The Michigan boating industry contributes approximately $3 billion to Michigan's economy annually and supports more than 51,000 jobs statewide. Approximately 40 percent of Michigan residents are recreational boaters that spend millions each year on fuel and groceries. Michigan currently ranks third in the nation for the number of registered watercraft.
"We are very pleased that Senator Richardville has taken a leadership role in getting the boating caucus re-established at the Capitol," said Van Snider, president of the Michigan Boating Industries Association. "There are a number of important issues facing us, which are vital to the recreational boating industry and that benefit the entire Michigan economy."
Michigan has 3,121 miles of Great Lakes shorelines, 11,000 inland lakes and rivers, more than 7,000 miles of canoeable streams and 13,000 miles of trout waters, all of which are great for recreational boating activities.
The bipartisan, bicameral caucus will meet periodically to discuss issues facing the recreational boating industry in Michigan, such as dredging, invasive species, clean water issues and the economic impact of recreational boating.
Sen. Deb Cherry, D-Burton, Rep. John Proos, R-Berrien County, and Rep. Barb Byrum, D-Onondaga, will serve as co-chairs with Richardville on the boating caucus.
Posted: Thursday, June 28, 2007
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