Meanderings: No surrender on reservoir project
Col. Robert Suthard was plain-spoken Jan. 9 when he met with a delegation of community leaders regarding expansion of Cottonwood Point.
It's a good idea that makes sense, the head of the Tulsa District said, but there's too little money in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers budget. He intends to begin long-term maintenance projects related to flood control and dam safety instead.
The proposal would add or improve dozens of campsites to Cottonwood Point. It makes a great deal of sense because Cottonwood Point is one of the most popular camping sites nationwide, based on fee-to-capacity ratio, for the Corps of Engineers.
The problem with the proposal is the total cost of about $4 million. Even if it is built in phases, it would represent a dramatic chunk of the Corps budget.
Suthard said the Corps has too little money to do everything its supposed to do. He indicated that his goal is to get all flood control maintenance issues under control before directing funding to a new project.
However, Suthard wasn't filled with doom. If Congress increases Corps funding — and it's hard to imagine anyone voting against flood control maintenance — that leaves more money for other improvements. Again, deferred maintenance will take priority, but if any new project happens, Cottonwood Point is poised for a positive recommendation.
No one is more likely to benefit from these improvements than the people of Marion County. Not only can we use them, but they will attract visitors and potential new residents.
What can we do? We can write our congressional delegation, urging them to support increased funding for the Corps. Better yet, write to members of Congress in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri. All are impacted by Corps projects in Kansas. All will benefit if the Corps budget is increased.
Another good idea is to push for legislation that sends all gate fees to the reservoir from which they are drawn. Right now, none of that money stays here — it all goes to the federal treasury. Since Marion Reservoir is such a popular place, keeping those gate fees local will provide more funds for smaller maintenance and improvement projects.
Camping improvements make sense. Outdoors and recreation are important engines in the U.S. economy. We should do what we can to support the Tulsa District in its efforts to increase funding. It would be money well spent and an investment in our future.
— MATT NEWHOUSE
