Corps of Engineers Increase Swimming, Boat Launch Day Use Fees

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Cartersville, GA -- On Jan. 1, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District implemented changes to its recreation day use fees charged for boat launches and swimming beaches managed by the agency.

The fee for the USACE annual pass to these facilities will also change. Some locations may also see a change in camping fees and the fee for a Special Use Permit, which covers events, facilities and activities.

USACE conducted a review of its fee structure in 2015 and determined that fee changes “are needed to ensure USACE fees remain comparable and fair to those charged by other local providers for similar facilities and services,” the organization said.

The day use fee structure at USACE-managed facilities will vary depending upon the comparability study conducted by each USACE project, but the minimum day use fees will be as follows:

• Minimum day use fee of $5 (previously $4) will be charged per private non-commercial vehicle;
• Minimum day use fee of $2 (previously $1) per adult for walk-in or bike-in;
• Minimum day use fee of $20 (previously $4 per vehicle up to 4 people, plus $1 per person over age of 12) will be charged per bus or commercial vehicle; and
• Children under the age of 16 are not charged a day use fee.

Payment of the day use fee entitles the user to launch a boat or use any developed swimming beach at a USACE-operated recreation area for that day.

The USACE annual day use pass may be purchased for $40, which permits the holder and accompanying passengers the daily use of facilities managed by USACE for one year from the month of purchase.

Citizens will also be able to obtain Interagency America the Beautiful Passes at more than 240 USACE projects across the country. For $80, the passes are valid for one year from the month of purchase and cover entrance or standard amenity fees (not parking, camping or other expanded amenity fees) for participating agencies.

Additionally, proceeds from the sale of Interagency America the Beautiful Passes will be used to maintain, repair and enhance recreation facilities at the project they are purchased.

Along with the Corps of Engineers, participating agencies for these passes are Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service and the National Park Service.

Special Use Permit fee structure for USACE managed recreation areas will be as follows:

• Special event permits (includes large fishing tournaments 50 boats and over): $75 minimum;
• Special facility permits: $30 - $175; and
• Special activity permits: hunting permits ($15-$25); regattas, weddings, small fishing tournaments (10 to 49 boats - $50); mountain bike races ($75-$150); boat dock construction and oversized boat launching/retrieval on Allatoona ($10 per linear feet); and boat dock construction on Lanier ($100-$500).

Resident should contact their local Army Corps of Engineer recreation project for additional information on the new fee structure. A directory of project offices can be found online.

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Image via U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Allatoona Lake Project’s Facebook page