MOBILE, Ala. - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mobile District announced on January 1, 2016, the recreation day use fees charged for boat launches and swimming beaches managed by USACE will change to a simpler fee structure. 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 earlier this year 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 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 12) will be charged per bus or commercial vehicle.
•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. The public will also be able to obtain Interagency America the Beautiful Passes at more than 240 USACE projects across the country. These passes may be purchased for $80, 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, receipts from the sale of the Interagency America the Beautiful Passes are available to maintain, repair and enhance recreation facilities at the project they are purchased. Participating agencies for the interagency pass are Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, and USACE.
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 (10-49 boats - $50), Mountain Bike Races ($75-$150), Boat Dock Construction and Oversized boat launching /retrieval on Allatoona ($10/linear ft), Boat Dock Construction on Lanier ($100-$500).
For information on the new fee structure, visitors should contact their local USACE recreation project. A directory of project offices is available at www.CorpsLakes.us.