S. 472 · On the floor · Public Lands and Natural Resources

Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act

What it does

Lets National Forest System units keep most of the ski area permit rental fees generated within their boundaries and sets how the revenue may be used.
Requires USDA to spend between 48% and 60% of the fees within the originating unit on permit program administration, visitor information, or reducing wildfire risk near recreation sites.
Requires 20% to be spent in that unit on activities such as repairing Forest Service-owned facilities, habitat restoration, or search and rescue.
Allows USDA to spend the remainder at any National Forest System unit on any of the specified activities.

Official summary

Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act This bill allows National Forest System (NFS) units to keep the majority of ski area permit rental fees that were generated within their boundaries and outlines how revenues from those fees may be used. Such fees are collected by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from ski area operators on NFS land. Within the NFS unit where the fees were generated, USDA must expend (1) 60%-48% of the collected fees for activities such as administration of the ski area permit program, visitor information, or reducing the likelihood of wildfire in or adjacent to a recreation site; and (2) 20% of the collected fees for activities such as repair of a Forest Service-owned facility, habitat restoration, or search and rescue activities. The remainder of the collected fees must be expended by USDA at any NFS unit for any of the activities specified in this bill.

Latest action

Feb 11, 2026: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 333.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources