WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Arkansas’s House delegation today joined forces to introduce key legislation that would result in millions of dollars of annual reinvestment in state recreational facilities.

Rep. John Boozman (R-AR03) today introduced H.R. 4304, the “Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Improvement Act,” which would require a minimum of 80 percent of collected recreational user fees to be reinvested at the Corps of Engineers projects where they were collected. Rep. Marion Berry (D-AR01), Rep. Vic Snyder (D-AR02), and Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR04) are original co-sponsors of the legislation, which represents the completion of significant bipartisan negotiation, cooperation, and support between Arkansas’s House members.

"Our state is well known for its tremendous hunting, fishing and recreational opportunities," said Berry.  "It makes sense that we should be able to reinvest these dollars back toward the preservation of these resources.  I am proud to join the delegation in crafting this bill, which will not only ensure dollars spent in our state remain in Arkansas, but will also provide resources to maintain and improve the parks and facilities for all to enjoy."

“This was a true team effort,” Boozman said. “I am very proud to join with my friends and truly put Arkansas first with this bill. It is important legislation which will directly benefit our fellow Arkansans and keep Arkansas’s promise of being ‘The Natural State’ for future generations.”

“This legislation will infuse some much-needed common sense in how the Corps of Engineers provides services at Arkansas lakes,” Ross said. “Allowing local user fees to remain at the local level will help ensure that vital Corps services will not be cut at campgrounds and recreational areas throughout Arkansas and the country.”

During the past fiscal year, the Corps of Engineers collected nearly $4 million in fees in Arkansas. Under this new legislation, over $3.1 million would have been reinvested at Arkansas Corps facilities instead of being shipped off to Washington.

Here is a breakdown of the potential reinvestment of Corps user fees by Arkansas Congressional District: