The National Park Service is proposing almost tripling the fee for drivers to get into Shenandoah National Park, raising the price per auto from $25 to $70 during peak times of the year.
The Park Service opened a 30-day public comment period until November 23. The proposed peak season for the Olympics would be May through September 2018; for Mount Rainier, June through October. The money would be used to pay for a huge decades-old backlog of maintenance. Entrance fees would still not be charged to visitors under 16 years of age or holders of Senior, Military, Access, Volunteer, or Every Kid in a Park (EKIP) passes.
"I know the national parks are having a hard time maintaining a quality experience for our visitors at certain times of the year", said Emily Monch from the Utah Office of Tourism.
The NPS is encouraging the public to comment on the proposal to implement the peak season entrance fees.
"The infrastructure of our national parks is aging and in need of renovation and restoration", Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke said.
The fee increases proposals come as the NPS faces proposed budget cuts.
"We're not against fee increases", Emily Douce, National Parks Conservation Association budget and appropriations director, told Washingtonian.
Golmaal Again team celebrates success with media over lunch
Golmaal Again earned plenty overseas as well with an earning of $3.17 million ( which is equivalent to Rs. 20.62 crores). Although Tuesday witnessed some dip in its collection, Golmaal Again managed to make good money on its fifth day also.
All of the funds will go towards improving park facilities, infrastructure, and visitor services. Federal law requires that 80 percent of all entrance fees collected at a national park be spent on maintenance at that park.
People watch as waves crash against rocks at Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park.
To submit comments electronically visit: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/proposedpeakseasonfeerates, to comment use the "document list" or "open for comment" project links in the left side navigation menu.
Admittance fees for seeing some of America's greatest natural wonders could reach $70 (£53).
The National Park Service is also proposing entrance and permit fee adjustments for commercial tour operators. The fees will also cover the administrative costs of receiving, reviewing, and processing CUA applications and required reports.
Written comments may be sent to National Park Service, Recreation Fee Program, 1849 C Street, NW, Mail Stop: 2346 Washington, DC 20240.
Comments