The U.S. Government
Services Administration this week upped its standard per diem reimbursement
rate but lowered reimbursement rates for most nonstandard U.S. areas.
The GSA per diem rate,
which sets a standard for reimbursement for all government and
government-related travel, is the allowance for lodging, excluding taxes, meals
and incidental expenses. GSA calculates them based on industry measures.
The standard per diem
rate, which covers about 2,600 counties across the United States, will go up by
$7 to $77 for lodging for the fiscal year 2011, while the meal cost will stay
in the $46 to $71 range, based on location.
Out of the 378 nonstandard
areas in the United States, however—areas such as major cities with costs
different than the standard rate—the GSA decreased rates in 310, increased
rates in 50 and kept the remaining 18 the same.
Overall, fiscal year 2011 hotel
rates decreased by 3.85 percent compared with 2010 rates, according to GSA. The
new per diem rates go into effect on Oct. 1.