(Dewey Beach, DE) - Gov. Jack Markell recently signed legislation that establishes a dedicated funding source for the state's waterway management operations. The bill will increase revenue from boat registration to the Waterway Management Fund to support the Delaware's waterway management operations.
Dale Brown has been navigating the Delaware waterways for years. Brown says "Obviously the bay, Rehoboth bay has some very wicked sand bars out here"
The new fund will help pay for dredging and channel marking.
Brown thinks "Boater registration is not that much and I don't know what they are going to increase it to. but there definitely needs to be dredging in the Rehoboth bay."
While some boaters will pay more in registration next year, some say it will be better for safety and save money on props and lower engine units.
Inton Mouynibog, a boat renter says "it's the props and many its to much low water in Rehoboth bay."
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control estimates the increase in boating registration fees will generate approximately $1.3 million annually.
Natural Resource officials said in a press release "That fishing is key to the state and local economies, but boaters have a difficult time navigating the states waterway."
Browns thinks it needs to be done. "It's absolutely needs to be done, I'm for it."
Boaters are willing to pay a little more out of pocket up front now to ensure safety and paying for boat repairs later. Boaters could see the increase as soon as next year.