March 1, 2005
Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act
I have been getting lots of questions about the subject Act. It was signed into law last November to replace the old Fee Demo Authority the Forest Service and Department of Interior agencies had - authority that was temporary but had been extended several times. The new Act does not include the Corps. We will continue to operate our recreation fee program in accordance with our existing authorities.

We do have legislation we submitted to Congress last year, as an official Administration proposal, with the concurrence of OMB. A similar proposal for this year is waiting clearance from OMB. Last year's proposal is attached FYI. It would give us authority to collect entrance fees and the authority to retain all recreation collections above a baseline of $37M. It would also allow us to keep the 25% of real estate receipts that currently go into the General Treasury, to fund real estate activities in support of the Corps recreation program. The remaining 75% that goes to the States in support of schools and roads, would not be affected.

The situation regarding fee legislation for the Corps is somewhat fluid right now. There are at least several Members who are preparing legislation - some with the assistance of our field folks - to change our authorities in various ways. This is not out of the ordinary, although it seems to be more active than usual. There are also several major interests that want to get the Corps added to the subject Act. And, there was also a provision in WRDA last year regarding the Corps fee program - not the Adminstration's proposal - that may resurface this year in some form.

This is all I have to share with you for now. I hope it is helpful and may serve to clear up some misinformation that seems to be out there.

Thank you,
Judy Rice

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