ACOE waives fees to honor veterans

David Poe Northwest Guardian

In honor of Veterans Day, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will waive “day-use” fees for veterans, active and reserve component servicemembers, and their Families on Veteran’s Day at all district recreation areas, as well as the more than 2,400 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide.

USACE’s Northwestern Division covers the entire states of Washington and Montana, as well as most of Oregon and Idaho, and extends across the Plains States as far as Missouri. In the Pacific Northwest, USACE has more than a dozen sites which will offer Veterans Day waivers this year.

Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, said whether it’s in the Northwest or nationwide, she encourages current and veteran troops to allow USACE to give back to those who gave or continue to give of themselves every day.

“More than 350 million visitors a year enjoy the outdoors at Army Corps of Engineers’ recreation projects,” Darcy said. “This Veterans Day we will continue the valued tradition of honoring our veterans, active and reserve servicemembers, and their Families with an invitation to visit one of the thousands of USACE recreation sites throughout the country, free of charge. As the Corps is an active member of this administration’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative, we hope that you will join us.”

USACE said verbal confirmation of eligibility will be all that’s needed for a waiver which will cover boat launch ramp and swim beach fees. It won’t apply to “camping and camping-related services” or “fees for specialized facilities such as group picnic shelters.” They also specify that other government agencies do manage facilities on USACE land, and while they’re encouraged to also offer this waiver, it’s not required.

To learn more To discover the USACE recreation areas nearest you, please visit http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/visitors.cfm