The Army Corps of Engineers is closing all recreational and associated public facilitates at the Indiana waterways it oversees to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The organization says the move will help protect the public and workers at each facility. The Army Corps preserves navigation on waterways and controls flooding by controlling dams and other critical infrastructure.
Tim Fudge is the chief of operations at the at the Army Corps of Engineers’ Louisville district. He says the situation to delay openings is rare.
“This is generally unprecedented, given the situation we’re in right now," he says. "We have had situations in the past where we were faced with some funding challenges, but never faced with limiting access to the scale we have. “
Fudge says he and his team will continue to monitor the situation. Customers who have already booked stays at the campgrounds will receive a refund.
However, a number of properties managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will not be impacted. According to the department, "All Indiana DNR-managed facilties at Brookville, J.E. Roush, Salamonie, Mississinewa, Cecil M. Harden, Cagles Mill, Patoka and Monroe lakes remain open."
Areas managed by the department at those facilties include campgrounds, wildlife areas, boat ramps, and property offices.
Indiana's DNR says they will continue to montior the situation, and encourage attendees to practice social distancing.
For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here.
This story and headline have been updated to reflect campgrounds at Indiana DNR-managed faciltiies remain open.
