EP 1130-2-550
Change 3
15 Aug 02
CHAPTER 9 - RECREATION USE FEES
9-1. Purpose. This chapter establishes guidance for a Recreation Use Fee Program at civil
works water resource projects.
9-2. Authority. 16 USC 460l-6a provides that users of specialized sites, facilities,
equipment or services provided at Federal expense will be assessed fair and equitable fees.
Fee schedules will be based upon distinguishable differences among the facilities of the
Corps and those provided by other Federal agencies, non-Federal public agencies, and the
private sector in the same service area. In addition, Section 210 of the Flood Control Act
of 1968 (16 USC 460d-3) provides that no entrance fees shall be charged at US Army
Corps of Engineers recreation areas, but does allow for the collection of camping and day
use fees.
9-3. General Fees.
a. Fee Schedules. The District Commander will provide the proposed schedule of
use fees for the next two years to the Major Subordinate Command (MSC) Commander no
later than 1 August each year. The MSC Commander will approve or disapprove the
recommendations and respond back to District Commander no later than 1 September.
District Commanders will assess seasonal visitation patterns of individual fee areas to
determine the period during which a fee program will be in effect. It is anticipated that
fees will be charged at some areas throughout the peak recreation season, while at other
areas fees will be collected throughout the year. In order to assure consistency and sound
business practices, the MSC Commander will establish a procedure for periodic
review/audit of the districts' establishment of fee schedules. The MSC will review
comparability studies prior to approval of fee schedules. Information on approved use of
fee areas and charges will be submitted through Operations and Maintenance Business
Information Link (OMBIL). Corps of Engineers Financial Management System (CEFMS)
accounts will be established to record fee receipts by type, i.e., camping, day use, and
other. Guidance regarding the establishment of these accounts is contained in ER 37-2-10.
b. Setting Fees. Engineer districts whose boundaries coincide within a single state
will coordinate fee proposals on projects within that state, to assure comparable fees for
comparable facilities and services. To attain comparability between Federal and non-
Federal fee schedules and the private sector, the District Commander may recommend fees
below the minimum in Appendix M. Such recommendations will contain full justification
for deviation from the proposed minimum fees.
9-1
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