State Begins Collecting Sales Tax on Parking Fees at Hammonasset Beach

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that beginning this weekend – Saturday, July 18 – state sales tax will be added to parking fees at three shoreline parks where those fees are charged. Those parks are: Sherwood Island State Park, Hammonasset Beach State Park, and Rocky Neck State Park.

“To ensure a smooth transition as we begin this new procedure, the state is implementing the sales tax gradually, first at three shoreline parks and then with the addition of other state parks in the near future,” said Robert Klee, Commissioner of the DEEP. “Staff will be working to ensure visitors have a seamless entry to the park so they can enjoy the day relaxing and recreating with friends and family.”

Passed in the last legislative session, the 6.35 percent sales tax will now be added to parking fees at 25 of Connecticut’s 109 state parks. Residents attending shoreline state parks on weekends will pay $13.83 to park; $9.57 on weekdays. Nonresidents will pay $23.40 on weekends; $15.95 on weekdays. DEEP encourages park goers to have exact change if possible at the ticket booths, and to be patient as the staff work to educate visitors about the added sales tax.