Application for Permit to Dredge in National Forest--State of Michigan

The Director for Financial Management, Forest Service Eastern Region, requested an advance decision addressing whether the Forest Service may pay a fee to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for the processing of a permit required by the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. GAO held that the Clean Water act requires federal agencies pay applicable fees for obtaining state permits for dredging and fill activities. Accordingly, GAO does not object to the Forest Service's use of appropriated funds to pay the permit processing fee imposed by Michigan.