Duncan on Corps Permit Fee Increase Delay

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) released the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) announced a delay in the implementation of dock and facility permit fee increases for the South Atlantic Division (SAD).

"The announcement that residents on Lakes Hartwell and Thurmond won't experience a steep permit fee increase in January is great news. I have been working with the Corps for months on this issue, and I'm pleased they have listened to my concerns and issued a delay. I want to thank Brig. Gen. Diana Holland and the Corps team for working with me, and I remain committed to staying engaged with them on further steps that may take place."

In June, the Corps announced the implementation of a revised fee schedule for dock and land-based facility permits in the South Atlantic Division (SAD). Under the revised fee schedule, which would go into effect on January 1, 2020 (before the announced delay), new dock or facility permits would increase from $400 to $835 and re-issue permits would increase from $175 to $835.

Earlier this year, Congressman Duncan submitted an amendment to the appropriations bill in Congress to prohibit the fee increase. Unfortunately, the amendment was not made in order to be voted on in the House of Representatives.

In June, Congressman Duncan sent a letter to the Corps requesting a thorough explanation of the planned increase. You can read the letter HERE.

Congressman Duncan sent a second letter, after an insufficient response from the Corps, raising further questions into the abrupt decision. You can read the letter HERE.