Pallone Urges National Park Service to Abandon Proposal to Increase Fees at Sandy Hook

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2016


Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement in response to the National Park Service (NPS) proposal to increase Sandy Hook’s camping and parking fees starting next year. Pallone is also writing National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis to urge the NPS to withdraw its proposal.

For most vehicles, beach parking is currently $15 per day or $75 per season. For oversized vehicles (more than 20 feet), the charge is $30 per day or $150 per season. The new proposal would place fees at $20 per day and $100 per season, with $50 per day and $200 a season for oversized cars. This would mark the second fee increase at the park in five years.

In 2012, Pallone successfully fought efforts to increase parking fees per vehicle from $10 to $20, and a season pass increase from $50 to $100. NPS compromised and cut the proposed fees by half, which is what the parking fees are today.

“I am requesting that the National Park Service and Gateway National Recreation Area withdraw its proposal to increase fees,” said Pallone. “I believe the park service can find a way forward that doesn't place the burden on New Jersey families and which keeps access to one of our state’s most prized assets affordable to everyone.”

“Sandy Hook is a treasure along the New Jersey shore that should remain affordable for anyone who wants to visit, regardless of his or her economic situation. I want to see the park continue to encourage tourism, create recreational opportunities and serve as an economic driver for the local economy. My concern is that these proposed fee increases will make it less likely that many in our community will be able to enjoy all Sandy Hook has to offer.”