Government per diem rates get boost in fiscal 2010

The General Services Administration announced per diem rates for federal travel in fiscal 2010 on Monday during the National Business Travel Association Conference in San Diego.

Per diem rates -- the allowance for lodging, meals and incidental expenses incurred by federal employees on official travel -- on average will be slightly more than the fiscal 2009 rates, GSA reported. The fiscal 2010 rates go into effect on Oct. 1.

"With these new rates, federal employees on official travel can perform their duties on behalf of the American taxpayer while being fairly reimbursed for their travel expenses," said Michael J. Robertson, associate administrator for GSA's Office of Governmentwide Policy, in a statement.

Rates vary by location, and GSA reported that in some of the 402 areas where rates exceed the nationwide standard of $70, per diems will decrease slightly. But as a whole, rates will increase marginally. The standard rate, which applies to more than 2,600 counties in the continental United States, has remained unchanged the last two years.

GSA also announced on Monday that meals and incidental rates are increasing for fiscal 2010 for the first time since fiscal 2006. Rates will range from $46 to $71, depending on location, up from a $39-to-$64 range. The incidental expense rate will increase from $3 to $5.

Federal travelers coming to the Washington area will see a dip in per diem lodging rates for peak seasons but a slight increase in rates for off-season lodging. Rates for fiscal 2010 will range from $170 to $229, depending on the time of year, compared to the fiscal 2009 range of $165 to $233.