Associated Press - November 27, 2009 2:25 PM ET
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - Zebra and quagga mussels that can clog up power plants and hydroelectric dams are the target of a new fee for Oregon boaters going into effect with the New Year.
Until now, only boats with motors had to pay to register their craft.
But the threat of waterborne invasive species prompted the Legislature to authorize a new fee for all boats over 10 feet long.
Registered boaters will pay $5, owners of non-motorized boats such as canoes will pay $7, and out-of-state boaters will pay $22.
The estimated $3 million to be raised every two years will pay for teams to travel around the state looking for the unwanted creatures, and hose them down with hot water to kill them.
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