From: Mark J Tharp <kb7hdx@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Dec 22, 2021 at 12:10 PM
Subject: Fwd: FW: USDA Forest Service - Proposed Rule (Programmatic Administrative Fee for Communications Use Authorizations)
To: david davidsiddall-law.com <david@davidsiddall-law.com>
Cc: Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) <dminster@arrl.org>
From: Jahnke, Bart, W9JJ <w9jj@arrl.org>
Date: Wed, Dec 22, 2021 at 11:37 AM
Subject: FW: USDA Forest Service - Proposed Rule (Programmatic Administrative Fee for Communications Use Authorizations)
To: Tharp, Mark, KB7HDX (VD, NW) <mtharp@arrl.org>
Cc: Ritz, Mike, W7VO, (Dir, NW) <w7vo@comcast.net>
From: Karpiej, Elizabeth, KA1DTU <KA1DTU@arrl.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 2021 2:26 PM
To: Michael Elders <michael.elders@gmail.com>
Subject: RE: USDA Forest Service - Proposed Rule (Programmatic Administrative Fee for Communications Use Authorizations)
Dear Michael: Thank you for your email. It has been forwarded to the Regulatory Department.
Liz H Karpiej KA1DTU
Member Services Representative
ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio®
225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1400 USA
Tel: Toll Free (US) 1-888-277-5289 or (860) 594-0200
FAX: (860) 594-0303
web: www.arrl.org
email: ekarpiej@arrl.org
Hello Mark,
Last time one of these surfaced, you offered to reach out to the correspondent to share the current status and implications.
Might you do so again for this fellow (unless there’s something new regarding Forest Service repeater site fees and Amateur Radio)?
Thanks in advance and happy holidays!
73 Bart W9JJ
Bart Jahnke, W9JJ
Radiosport and Regulatory Information Manager
ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio®
225 Main Street
Newington CT 06111-1400
Telephone: 860-594-0272
Fax: 860-594-0346
From: Michael Elders <michael.elders@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 2021 2:14 PM
To: HQ Info <hq@arrl.org>
Subject: Fwd: USDA Forest Service - Proposed Rule (Programmatic Administrative Fee for Communications Use Authorizations)
Hello,
I am asking HQ to investigate this issue. The forest service is proposing an additional $1400 a year be placed on comm sites with USDA Forest Service authorizations. This would put us out of business on repeater sites. As you know allot of us put our own money up to provide repeaters and communications links for Amateur Radio. Without mountain top sites VHF and UHF communications would suffer, especially in the event of an emergency.
Your attention in this matter would be appreciated.
Thank you
Mike Elders AD7W
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Perry, Joey -FS" <joey.perry@usda.gov>
Subject: USDA Forest Service - Proposed Rule (Programmatic Administrative Fee for Communications Use Authorizations)
Date: December 22, 2021 at 11:43:11 AM MST
The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, is proposing to amend its existing regulations to charge a statutorily required annual programmatic administrative fee for new and existing communications use authorizations to cover the costs of administering the Agency’s communications use program.
The notice was published in the Federal Register today, with the comment period ending on February 22, 2022.
In summary, the Forest Service is proposing to charge an annual programmatic administrative fee of $1,400 per communications use authorization for wireless uses and $400 per communications use authorization for wired uses; the fees would be indexed annually for inflation. These fees represent the Forest Service’s estimated average cost of administering its communications use program, prorated among all authorization holders.
I will be out of the office until January 3, 2022. If you have questions, please contact me then.
Thank you,
Joey Perry (she/her)
Program Manager – Communications UsesForest Service
Washington Office, Lands & Realty Management
p: 530-251-3286
joey.perry@usda.gov1330 Bayshore Way
Eureka, CA 95501
www.fs.fed.us
Caring for the land and serving people
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