WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) and Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) have introduced new legislation to improve management of public parks at Lake Lanier, while also securing provisions in a federal spending bill to protect the lake’s name and expand local control of recreation site operations.
The legislation, titled the Lanier Parks Local Access Act, would amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 by modifying the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Challenge Cost-Sharing Program. The bill allows local governments and other managing partners overseeing multiple recreation sites at a single Corps project—such as Lake Lanier—to use collected user fees across all facilities they manage, rather than restricting the funds to the specific site where they were collected.
The proposed change is aimed at improving flexibility for local managers to maintain and operate day-use parks and facilities that do not charge fees but still require upkeep.
“This legislation provides a simple yet effective solution to help keep Lake Lanier parks open, safe, and well-maintained,” Clyde said in a statement. “It removes unnecessary red tape and gives local leaders the tools they need to respond quickly and effectively to community needs.”
McCormick, a co-sponsor of the bill, called the proposal a “commonsense” solution that empowers local governments.
“This bill ensures that user fees work smarter, not harder, to keep our parks accessible, safe, and clean,” he said.
Lake Lanier, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s, spans five counties and is the most-visited Corps-managed lake in the nation. The reservoir includes 76 recreational areas, 37 Corps-operated parks and campgrounds, 10 marinas, and Lake Lanier Islands. Many sites are leased to local governments or nonprofit organizations.
In recent years, staffing shortages at the Corps have forced temporary closures of parks, boat ramps, and public amenities. Lawmakers and community leaders have called for expanded local authority to help keep these sites open and maintained.
In addition to introducing the Lanier Parks Local Access Act, Clyde also secured related victories through the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, which was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on July 17 in a 35-27 vote.
Among the key provisions included:
- Section 109, a measure championed by Clyde, prohibits the Corps from using taxpayer funds to rename federal civil works projects, including Lake Lanier. A Democrat-led attempt to strike the language was rejected in a 26-35 vote.
- An amendment mirroring the Lanier Parks Local Access Act was adopted into the appropriations bill, creating a parallel pathway for the policy.
- The bill report also includes language urging the Corps to work with state and local partners to transfer management of park operations where appropriate and streamline the leasing process for recreation facilities.
“I’m incredibly pleased that the FY26 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill includes critical provisions to both protect Lake Lanier’s name and help keep its parks open,” Clyde said in a press release. “I will continue using every avenue at my disposal to advocate for commonsense solutions to preserve and improve Lake Lanier for Northeast Georgians and visitors.”
While the Lanier Parks Local Access Act would apply to all Corps-operated projects across the United States, the legislation is named after Lake Lanier due to its significance to the region and the local impact the change would bring. Both Clyde and McCormick represent districts that border Lake Lanier and have been vocal in their support for preserving the lake’s identity and public access.
