“Every agency involved in this project understands the importance of giving Arkansas sole authority over the St. Francis Basin,” said Congressman Berry. “Right now state officials have to jump through hoops to get anything done on the land. This transfer will eliminate an unnecessary level of bureaucracy and enable Arkansas to better manage the area.”

Although the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers currently holds the title to the land in the St. Francis Basin, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission manages the land as part of the Corps mitigation project. The language in the Water Resources Development Act would transfer that title to the state to ensure the land is managed according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife management regulations. The commission intends to keep the land open to the public for hunting and fishing while also protecting wildlife habitat.

I am extremely pleased Congressman Berry was able to secure the necessary language in the Water Resources Development Act to transfer this land from the Corps of Engineers to our agency,” said Scott Henderson Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. “This will allow the Commission more flexibility and freedom implementing management techniques and regulations for this important tract of land. This is a great opportunity for the sportsmen of Arkansas.

The Water Resources Development Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 14, 2005 and has been referred to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Congressman Berry will continue to work with Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor to ensure that the study for the White River basin is included in the final version of the legislation.

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