5.__Duties.__The committee shall:

A.__Approve the criteria and specifications for what constitutes safe access from roadways and bridges for recreational purposes and fishing, giving consideration to the proximity of fishing or other recreational resources, practical physical concerns and public safety;

B.__Review all bridges and sections of roadways under the responsibility of the State, not including controlled access highways, under the criteria established pursuant to paragraph A for the purpose of identifying roadways and bridges suitable for recreational access measures;

C.__Work with staff and other experts and interested parties in developing specific designs and changes for existing state roadways and bridges, as well as state roadways and bridges proposed or under construction, that would practically meet the criteria developed in paragraph A; and

D.__Direct appropriate measures to the Commissioner of Transportation that provide for safe and practical access for recreationalists on state bridges and roadways, both existing and proposed, that are proximate to recreational water resources.

6.__Meetings.__The committee shall meet at the call of the chair but no less than quarterly.

7.__Compensation.__Committee members are entitled to reimbursement of expenses pursuant to Title 5, chapter 379.

SUMMARY

This bill creates the Recreational Access Committee to provide direction to the Commissioner of Transportation to make improvements to state roads and bridges to allow for safe access for recreation and fishing.