HCVB works with stakeholders, public to communicate economic impact, advocates to keep facilities open

HESSTON, PA - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently announced the closure of some federal campgrounds at Raystown Lake due to executive-order driven staffing shortages.

 

USACE officials confirmed today the only campground currently affected at Raystown Lake by the recent closure is Nancy's Boat-to-Shore Campground, a boat-to-shore access only campground that is normally open year round. 

 

Seven Points Campground would not normally open until April 4, and Susquehannock Campground would not normally open until Memorial Day weekend, so those have not been affected yet.

 

If the federal government avoids a shutdown and the hiring freeze on seasonal employees is lifted in the next several weeks, all facilities should be able to open for the 2025 season, according to USACE staff.

 

The Raystown Lake Visitor Center, as well as day-use facilities such as beaches, overlooks, picnic pavilions, walking trails, boat launches, disc golf courses and the mountain bike skills park will remain open. In addition, leased areas and concessionaires, including Seven Points Marina and Lake Raystown Resort, will operate according to their respective schedules.

 

"Although we don't want people to panic - yet - we are taking this news very seriously and calling on our stakeholders and the public to join us in advocating for our region by demanding our legislators take action immediately," said Matt Price, HCVB Executive Director.

 

Price said the economic impact of Raystown Lake recreation facilities closures would be profound. According to a 2023 federal economic report, Raystown Lake brings more than $62 million in annual visitor spending within 30 miles of the lake, 393 jobs within 30 miles of the lake, more than $11 million in labor income within 30 miles of the lake, and more than $17 million in value added within 30 miles of the lake. A link to the federal 2023 economic impact report for Raystown Lake can be found here. Full link: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll2/id/15794

 

Even with the savings of not hiring seasonal employees, the U.S. Treasury would suffer a net lost of revenue in excess of $750,000, Price added. This would also translate to a loss of more than $7.4 million in Huntingdon County visitor spending by campground users alone.

 

Here's what HCVB recommends for how to help:

 

1. Contact your U.S. Congressional delegation and tell them to pass a continuing resolution and/or a new federal budget to avoid the government shutting down. You can find yours at congress.gov/members/find-your-member

2. Pressure the administration to open up the hiring of at least seasonal employees for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Use the economic information provided above to help inform their decision.

 

Those who want to consider or share alternative lodging options in the Raystown Lake Region should visit Raystown.org/places-to-stay.