MonticelloLive

After hearing from numerous constituents who oppose the Vicksburg District Corps of Engineers proposal to lease campgrounds to private concessionaires at Lakes Greeson and Ouachita, and DeGray Lake, U.S. Representative Mike Ross Friday requested a meeting with the Corps to discuss such a move.

Ross requested that Colonel Mike Wehr, Commander of the Vicksburg District Corps of Engineers, meet with him to discuss in detail any alternative solutions to prevent the privatization of the public campgrounds.

“It is important that you consider the detrimental effects that the leasing of these campgrounds could have for both the local economy and many constituents who frequent these lakes for recreational purposes,” Ross said in a letter to Col. Wehr. “As you know, the fee to camp at these three lakes is currently affordable for working families and seniors.  However, the privatization of these important campgrounds would likely result in an increase in fees for overnight camping and possibly a variety of other services, making camping too costly for many of my constituents.”

In addition, Ross asked Colonel Wehr for a clear understanding of the additional federal assistance that the Vicksburg District requires above the President’s Budget in order to operate sufficiently without the need of any gratuitous measures.

“I am requesting a personal meeting with you to discuss why the Vicksburg Corps of Engineers, for a second year in a row, has difficulties living within the President’s Budget, unlike the other district Corps of Engineers across the country,” Ross said in the letter. “These lakes serve as essential tourist destination for many living in and around the state of Arkansas, and it is important that we continue to work together to ensure that all Arkansans have the opportunity to enjoy these precious campgrounds in the future.”

In February, Ross successfully worked with the Corps to halt a plan to restrict the use of numerous campsites at Lakes Greeson and Ouachita, and DeGray Lake.