REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
November 9, 2017
FROM: STEVE BRANDAU, Councilmember for District 2
City Council Offices
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Of the Council of the City of Fresno, California, opposing the proposed National Park Entrance Fee increases
body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Council adopt the position resolution opposing the proposed National Park entrance fee increases.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On October 24, 2017 the National Park Service announced its proposed intent to raise entrance fees at 17 national parks across the United States. Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are included as part of that proposal. The fees for these three parks would be increased dramatically for "Peak Season" (May 1 through Sept 30) visitors.
The proposed fee increases are:
Park-Specific Annual Pass Fee
Peak Season Per Vehicle Fee
Peak Season Per Person Fee
Peak Season Per Motorcycle Fee
Yosemite NP
$60 ? $75
$30 ? $70
$15 ? $30
$25 ? $50
Sequoia NP
$50 ? $75
$30 ? $70
$15 ? $30
$25 ? $50
Kings Canyon NP
$50 ? $75
$30 ? $70
$15 ? $30
$25 ? $50
The purpose of the fee increases, according to the NPS "would generate badly needed revenue for improvements to the aging infrastructure of national parks. This includes roads, bridges, campgrounds, waterlines, bathrooms, and other visitor services." The NPS estimates there is a $12 billion infrastructure maintenance downfall nationwide.
The proposed fees are expected to bring in approximately $70 million annually, and, if implemented, would begin May 1, 2018.
More information on the proposed fee schedule can be found in Attachment A, or at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/10-24-2017-fee-changes-proposal.htm.
The City and County of Fresno are important hubs to these three parks, with more than 2.5 million visitors passing through our region, and visiting our restaurants hotels. The hospitality industry in Fresno County generates more than a $1 billion dollars annually, generating TOT, sales, an...
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