Contact Congress about S. 472: Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act

This bill lets the Forest Service keep ski area permit fees instead of sending them to the general federal budget. Most of the money would go back to the forests where it was collected for trail maintenance, visitor safety, and permit processing.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act is a Senate bill waiting for floor action. The latest recorded action: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 333.

Latest action on S. 472: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 333.

Who this affects: This bill primarily affects ski resorts that operate on national forest land, the Forest Service staff who manage those permits and facilities, and the communities and visitors who use forest recreation areas near ski hills. It also affects local governments and nonprofits that partner with the Forest Service on search and rescue and avalanche safety.

Why this matters: Ski area permit fees currently flow into the general federal budget, even though the forests where they are collected often need investment in roads, trails, safety, and permit processing. This bill would create a direct connection between where fees are earned and where they are spent, which could improve conditions at popular ski and recreation areas across the country.

Key provisions in S. 472

• Creates a Ski Area Fee Retention Account in the U.S. Treasury for ski resort permit fees collected on national forest land.
• Ski area permit fees become available for the Forest Service to spend without yearly congressional approval, and the money stays available for four fiscal years.
• Normally 80% of fees collected at a given national forest must be spent at that same forest — 75% on ski program operations and 25% on recreation, safety, and resource work.
• The remaining 20% of collected fees can be used at any national forest for the same kinds of activities.
• The Forest Service can reduce the local share to as low as 60% if a forest's fee revenue exceeds its reasonable needs for the year, sending the rest to other forests.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 472

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 472

What is S. 472?

This bill lets the Forest Service keep ski area permit fees instead of sending them to the general federal budget. Most of the money would go back to the forests where it was collected for trail maintenance, visitor safety, and permit processing.

How do I support or oppose S. 472?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 472?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 472 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.