Recreation Lakes Act Introduced

Boat/US Magazine, May, 2001

Congress has an opportunity to revitalize recreation at federal lakes nationwide, thanks to the National Recreation Lakes Act of 2001 introduced March 14 by Sen. Blanche Lambert Lincoln (D-AR) and Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA). If passed, the legislation could cure the shortages of launch ramps and marina slips at some federal manmade lakes as well as repair the dilapidated or over-used boating facilities.

S. 531 in the Senate and H.R. 1013 in the House would put recreation on an equal footing with other water uses like power generation and irrigation in the management of nearly 1,800 manmade lakes. The bills would also create a pilot program to include 25 lakes at which the parent agencies would develop recreation-friendly management policies and find ways to address chronic maintenance problems. The bills would earmark approximately $10 million annually for those lakes for five years.

At the pilot lakes, agencies will have the ability to cut red tape that now discourages private investment in marinas, campgrounds and resorts. Many of these lakes operate under outdated policies, and the legislation also would make it easier for state agencies to enter into partnerships to promote recreation at federal lakes.

Sens. Lincoln and Deal both pointed to the benefits of outdoor recreation and water sports in improving the quality of life in this country.

The bills grew out of the recommendations of the National Recreation Lakes Study Commission which documented a growing demand for water sports and other recreation at federal lakes.

A coalition of recreation organizations, including BoatU.S., is actively supporting both bills in Congress.