Corps of Engineers to rethink huge dock permit fee increase

Rep. Doug Collins

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) said he is encouraged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers response to his concerns about a proposed increases in dock and land-based facility permit fees.

On June 6, the Corps announced it would increase the cost of permits in the South Atlantic Division effective Jan. 1 2019. Under the revised fee schedule, permits would have increased from $400 to $835 and re-issue permits would have increased from $175 to $835.

On Aug. 26, Collins sent a letter to the Corps demanding a thorough explanation of the anticipated cost increases. It was the second time the Hall County Republican had registered his objection to such a large increase.

Now, the Corps has announced it will pause and reassess the increase along the shorelines of Federal reservoirs and waterways in the South Atlantic Division.

Collins issued the following statement Monday: “I’m very encouraged that the Corps took our concerns seriously and made the decision to hold off on increasing permit fees. Residents of the Ninth District living on or near Lake Lanier and Lake Hartwell — and those throughout the southeast living near Corps waterway — will no longer be hit with significant and unexpected fee increases come January.

“I want to thank Major General Holland for meeting with me today to discuss my concerns and explore ways in which the Corps could accomplish their intended goal without placing an undue burden on individuals and families living throughout the southeast. I look forward to continuing to engage with the Corps as they study this issue.”

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Bill Johnson