WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 8, 2017) — Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) sent a letter to Laura E. Joss, Pacific West Regional Director for the National Park Service, expressing her deep concerns regarding the closure of longstanding recreation services at the Kettle Falls Marina. The letter asks for clarification for how and why the decision for closure was reached and requests the extension of the current contract until the necessary assessments have concluded and local community leaders and County Commissioners have been consulted.

“Outdoor recreation is part of life in Eastern Washington, and the Kettle Falls Marina has served our community for decades. I’m disappointed at this decision by the National Park Service as the closure will undoubtedly impact those in our region who visit and vacation at Lake Roosevelt,” said McMorris Rodgers. “It’s important that community leaders get answers to questions surrounding this closure and that the current contract is extended until all have had a say.”

The National Park Service announced on Monday, February 6th that the Kettle Falls Marina would close as a result of the inability to find a suitable contractor to continue operations at the marina. The closure is set to begin on April 30th, 2017, at the end of the current contract with Lake Roosevelt Vacations, Inc. In a statement announcing the closure, the Park Superintendent Dan Foster stated, “The National Park Service will take a fresh look at public needs and wants with regard to services for the area.”

Rep. McMorris Rodgers is asking for clarification and answers to the following questions:

• How many bids did the NPS receive to operate the Kettle Falls Marina?
• Why was a contractor ultimately not selected as a result of the solicitation?
• What specific studies does the NPS intend to develop to determine the future of the Kettle Falls Marina?
• What is the timeline for these studies?
• Why does the contract expire on April 30, 2017, if the National Park Service has not conducted the necessary studies to make a definitive determination on the future success of services?

You can view the final letter here.