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2017 SESSION

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SB 1355 Riparian owner; dredging a navigable channel, oyster or clam grounds.

Introduced by: Bill R. DeSteph, Jr. | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Riparian owner; dredging; oyster or clam grounds. Provides that the existing ability of a landowner to open a channel although he is not a lessee or riparian holder of suitable bottoms includes the actions of marking a channel, dredging a navigable channel for access to his property, and participating with a locality to dredge a channel outside his riparian area. The bill requires the Marine Resources Commission to consider a variety of factors when determining whether to grant or deny a lease for the use of state-owned bottomlands. Current law requires such consideration only for the granting or denial of a permit for such use. The bill also includes the use of state waters for navigation among the factors to be considered. Finally, the bill expands the area of state-owned submerged beds that are potentially off limits for oyster planting by including navigation projects that are authorized by the Commonwealth or by a locality among the areas where no lease shall be granted. Current law exempts navigation projects from leasing only when they are authorized by Congress. The bill contains technical amendments.


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