State Sen. Chip Campsen has introduced two pieces of legislation, Senate Bill 167 and Senate Bill 367, aimed at addressing the issue of abandoned boats and derelict vessels in South Carolina waterways. Senate Bill 167 creates a funding source to cover the high costs of removing these boats, while Senate Bill 367 allows for faster removal and imposes stricter penalties for those who abandon vessels.
Wounded Nature Working Veterans, a Charleston-based organization, is actively working to clear debris from waterways to prevent environmental harm. CEO Rudy Socha emphasizes the importance of preventing pollutants from endangering the area’s seafood population.
Senator Campsen has proposed a $3 annual user fee for boat owners to help fund the removal process, estimating that it could generate around $750,000 a year. Campsen’s legislation also aims to streamline the removal process for both private groups and government entities.
The bills have already been passed in the State Senate, with Senate Bill 167 introduced in the State House and Senate Bill 367 set for debate soon. Campsen stresses the importance of protecting South Carolina’s natural resources and the need to address the issue of abandoned boats in waterways.
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