“Today’s concessions by the Corps of Engineers, while not perfect, are an important first step towards ensuring recreational opportunities for all those who enjoy these three lakes,” Ross said.  “I am pleased that the Corps has reconsidered the need to help accommodate Spring camping and fishing season at these lakes, and that the Corps has assured me they will meet with the public in the near future to give citizens and stakeholders the opportunity to share input and concerns on this revised proposal.” 

The new proposal by the Corps comes in response to a letter from Ross in which he requested that the Corps reconsider any proposals that would limit or close public use at numerous campsites at DeGray Lake and Lakes Greeson and Ouachita. 

“Considering that I fought in Washington to secure every penny necessary to fund operations at these three lakes, I expressed my dissatisfaction to the Vicksburg District Commander of the Corps and requested that he reconsider any decision that would affect the public’s use of numerous recreational sites,” Ross said.  “I am pleased that the Corps has taken this important first step to expand the availability of campgrounds at these lakes, and I appreciate the hundreds of people who contacted me with their concerns.” 

Reports had originally indicated that the closings were a result of a lack of funding by Congress. However, Ross successfully fought to secure an additional $1.735 million in funding in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 House appropriations bill over the FY 07 budget allocation for the operations and maintenance of the three Arkansas lakes. 

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