New bill caps marina rents and sets 50-year leases on federal land
In committeeH.R. 7248Latest action
Sponsor: James Comer · Representative · KY
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: MARINA Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The MARINA Act caps rent rates, standardizes fees, and sets minimum 50-year leases for marinas on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land.
55-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
The MARINA Act changes how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers calculates rent and fees for marina operators on federal land. It caps the rent percentage on categories like fuel, boats, food, and beverages at no more than 1 percent of sales, and requires a single uniform fee schedule across all Corps districts. It also sets minimum lease lengths of 50 years for initial leases and first renewals, and at least 25 years for subsequent renewals.
Who does it affect?
The bill primarily affects private businesses operating marinas on Corps of Engineers lakes and reservoirs across the country. Recreational boaters and lakeside visitors who use those marinas could also be indirectly affected.
Why does it matter?
The Corps of Engineers would be required to rewrite its rules within one year of the bill becoming law. The bill removes the Corps' current discretion over lease lengths and fee amounts, replacing them with legislatively set minimums and caps.
What does it cost, and who pays?
Administrative fees charged to marina operators would be capped based on activity complexity, ranging from $1,000 for routine matters up to $50,000 for large projects requiring multiple government agencies to approve.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 27, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Jan 28, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.