Starting Jan. 2, it will cost visitors more to use the Vicksburg National Military Park.

According to information from the National Park Service, the cost of a Vicksburg National Military Park annual pass will increase in January by $5, from $25 to $30, while a vehicle pass will go up $3, from $12 to $15. The charge per person and the fee for motorcycles will remain the same at $5 and $7, respectively.

“This is the second phase of a two-phase increase in the fees to visit the national parks,” said Scott Babinowich, VNMP public information officer. “The National Park Service implemented the first phase last year. “

While the new fees go into effect Jan. 1, visitors will not have to pay them until Jan. 2, when the part reopens after New Year’s.

The decision to go to a two-phase introduction of the increased fees was the result of a public comment period in which people requested implementing the fees in two phases.

Babinowich said the money from the entrance fees goes toward park maintenance, repairs and exhibits.

“Anything that benefits the visitor; anything they can see, hear or touch,” he said, adding the park has several projects under consideration by the National Park Service.

He said park officials are encouraging people to purchase the park’s annual pass in December before the cost goes up. The pass is good for all of 2017.

“If they purchase it now, they will be able to buy it for $5 less than if they wait until January,” he said.

“The annual park pass is a tremendous value,” said park Superintendent Bill Justice. “If you buy one this month, you can enter the park as many times as you want for all of 2017 and for only 50 cents a week. It’s an outstanding deal.”