NW Kentucky News

Washington, Mar 21 2024 - House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has declared a field hearing in Jamestown, Kentucky to investigate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' assessment of administrative fees charged to marina owners.

Chairman Comer expressed concern over the Corps levying inconsistent, confusing, unexpected, and exorbitant fees against marina business owners. He stated, "In Kentucky, tourism is crucial to our state economy, especially lake related tourism, and marinas throughout the region provide critical economic opportunities for our local communities. Unfortunately, the Army Corps appears to be levying inconsistent and exorbitant fees against marina owners and has failed to provide sufficient justification. These unexpected fees can cripple marina operators and as Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, I have made it a priority to bring much needed transparency and consistency to fees pushed by the Corps."

The upcoming congressional field hearing, titled “A Burden to Business: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Assessment of Administrative Fees,” will convene officials from the Government Accountability Office and Army Corps of Engineers in Kentucky. Chairman Comer highlighted the importance of ensuring that fees incurred by small businesses are calculated consistently and properly.

Furthermore, a study conducted by the Government Accountability Office revealed that the Corps lacks centralized guidance on fees, indicating a need for clarity and transparency in the fee assessment process.

The field hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park in Jamestown, Kentucky, and will be open to the public. Interested parties can also watch the hearing online at https://oversight.house.gov/. Press members planning to attend are requested to RSVP to Austin.Hacker@mail.house.gov.