From the August 26, 2009 Fedweek weekly issue

Subject:       New Per Diem Rates Set

GSA has released new per diem rates for federal travelers effective October 1, raising the meals and 
incidentals expenses reimbursement minimum from $39 to $46 a day and the maximum from $64 to $71 per 
day. The minimum "M&IE" rate applies to travel destinations that do not have their own specified rates, 
as well as to some of the lower-cost destinations that do; the maximum rate generally applies in 
specified destinations that have high lodging rates as well. The standard daily lodging rate for 
destinations without specific rates will remain $70. The highest combined rate is New York City and 
environs, $411 in October-December, down from a combined $424 rate. Other high-rate destinations 
include Vail, Colo., a combined $342 December-March; the Boston area, a combined $311 in September 
and October; and the District of Columbia area, a combined $300 in September and October. Each of those 
is up by a few dollars over fiscal 2009 rates, although rates in a number of other destinations declined 
a bit as in the case of New York. In addition, the seasonal dates changed in some cases for destinations 
whose rates vary by season.