The recently proposed Lake Access Keeping Economies Strong (LAKES) Act (H.R. 6906) is set to revolutionize the recreational boating and fishing sectors. Initiated by a group of bipartisan legislators including Bruce Westerman (R-Arkansas), Steve Womack (R-Arkansas), and Jared Huffman (D-California), this legislation echoes a similar bill introduced in 2023 by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota) and Martin Heinrich (D-Nevada). The focus of the LAKES Act is to significantly enhance key aspects of the recreational boating and fishing industry.
THE BILL
This groundbreaking bill aims to upgrade outdoor recreation amenities managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), one of the nation’s foremost providers of outdoor recreation, renowned for their extensive water-based activities and ranking just behind the National Park Service in terms of visitation. The bill’s objectives include creating avenues for public-private investments and granting more operational flexibility to local districts, fostering an environment conducive to resource reinvestment.
Frank Hugelmeyer, the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s president and CEO, commends Representatives Westerman, Womack, and Huffman for spearheading the LAKES Act. He highlights the bill’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing high-demand recreational infrastructure, which is frequented by millions of Americans. The legislation empowers the USACE to reinvest recreation fees back into the maintenance and development of access points, bolstering the outdoor recreation economy – a sector contributing over $1 trillion to the U.S. economy and a cherished activity for countless Americans.
LEGISLATION
Current legislation restricts local USACE managers from retaining revenues generated from recreation fees, a privilege granted to other federal agencies like the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The ability of these agencies to retain and reinvest fees is crucial for maintaining and operating high-yield recreational facilities, ensuring public access and safety. The LAKES Act proposes to remedy this by allowing the USACE to retain 80% of onsite collected recreation fees for local operations and maintenance, collaborate with local nonprofits, and manage partner-collected fees to reinvest in jointly managed recreation facilities.
For more information or any inquiries, please reach out to Callie Hoyt, NMMA’s Vice President of Government Relations, at choyt@nmma.org
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