[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 29 (Thursday, February 28, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S1013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BOOZMAN (for himself and Mr. Merkley):
  S. 400. A bill to amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act 
to include the Corps of Engineers as a Federal land management agency, 
and for other purposes; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
Works.
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today Senator Merkley and I are 
introducing the Corps of Engineers Recreation Improvement Act. This 
legislation enables the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reinvest 
recreation fees to improve facilities where the funds are collected. 
Our bill creates an incentive for the Corps to maintain good facilities 
and provide quality recreational opportunities on our public lands. The 
Corps currently collects recreation fees at many sites. This 
legislation would not change the way the Corps determines use fee 
rates. Existing law provides that users of specialized sites, 
facilities, equipment, or services provided by Federal expense shall be 
assessed fair and equitable fees. Section 210 of the Flood Control Act 
of 1968 also provides that no entrance fees shall be charged by the 
Corps. Our bill is not intended to and does not make any changes in 
that regard.
  In Arkansas, recreation on our public Corps-operated lands is an 
important driver of economic activity, job opportunities, and tourism. 
In fiscal year 2012, over $4.2 million in revenue was collected at 
Corps recreation sites in Arkansas. When citizens spend money at Corps 
recreation sites in Arkansas, Oregon, or other States, many of them 
expect that their money will be invested on-site to improve facilities 
and create recreation opportunities. Our bill would ensure those 
expectations are met.
  The Corps of Engineers Recreation Improvement Act would also enable 
the Corps to participate in the interagency America the Beautiful Pass 
program to allow customers an alternative payment option at sites where 
entrance or amenity fees are charged. This includes the distribution 
and sale of the passes and the retention of a portion of the revenue 
for the sales of those passes. It would also allow the Corps to 
distribute Military Passes. This will make it easier for our men and 
women in uniform and their families to acquire passes. The Corps 
currently honors these passes but the Corps is not allowed to 
distribute the passes. Providing the ability for the Corps to offer 
passes to customers is a commonsense solution that will encourage 
continued use of Federal recreation sites.
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