New bill aims to prevent infestation of waters in Colorado

A new bill in Colorado would fund more programs to eliminate invasive species in bodies of water across the state.

The Mussel-Free Colorado Act would fund the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Aquatic Nuisance Species program more consistently. If passed into a law, a person living in the state would have to pay $25 for a stamp to prove that their boat has been inspected and is clean. A non-resident would have to pay $50.

That money would go toward CPW's inspection program.

"We all have a stake in this to keep these species out of Colorado, whether that's through a stamp or cleaning and draining and drying your boat or going through an inspection process,” said Mike Porras, a spokesperson with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The bill would also increase fines if someone is responsible for infesting any water. It's currently $150 dollars but the bill would change it to $500 dollars.

The bill will be heard next in the Senate Appropriations Committee.