Boydsville Lake project finds new life

Over two dozen leaders from across Clay County gathered at the city hall in Piggott last Wednesday to discuss renewing efforts on the Boydsville Lake project. At the conclusion of the meeting, which was hosted by the Piggott Economic Development Commission, it was agreed that a delegation should be formed to travel to Washington and seek funding for the project.

"With the government looking for projects that are ready to go, why not go after federal dollars," EDC chair Van Winton asked the group, "with over $100,000 in studies are already done."

The feasibility of a 5,000-acre lake along Crowley's Ridge in central Clay County was first recommended by local interests to the East Arkansas Resource Conservation and Development Council in March of 1992, and five years later a preliminary report by the Clay County Conservation District indicated that it would be feasible.

By the late 1990's phase one of the project had been completed, which included various impact and feasibility studies, and all that was lacking was $52 million to complete construction. Later a scaled-down version was discussed, but proponents still could find no allies in Washington. Since that time an additional economic impact study was completed, but the lack of funding had left the issue dead in the water. With the new administration in the White House looking to stimulate the economy with "works" projects, many local leaders felt it was time to re-visit the lake effort.

"We'll need the entire county to pull together to get this done," Rector mayor Ron Kemp noted, and the consensus was that it also would be beneficial to involve bordering counties, including those in Missouri, in promoting the project.

"This would benefit all of Clay County," Piggott businessman Larry Holcomb told the group. "It would sit right in the middle of the county and all the studies show a tremendous impact...this could bring a lot of money into Clay County." Holcomb was one of the original members of the local committee on the lake project, and provided background on the effort along with former State Rep. and County Judge Travis Boyd.

In response to a question from Corning mayor Dewayne Phelan concerning possible revenue streams, it was noted that the lake would be expected to pump several million dollars per year into the county.

In fact, the 1999 study on the economic impact conducted by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service outlined some very promising numbers. That study estimated that the building of the dam would generate 211 jobs and bring an additional $3.1 million in wages and salaries to the county. The construction activity was expected to generate an estimated total value added to the county of $5.4 million.

The study went on to indicate that there would be loss of some agriculture production in the region, and that would result in a decline of nearly $900,000 in value. The report also noted that after several years of promotional activity the lake would be expected to draw an estimated 500,000 visitors each year. These visitors would spend an estimated $7.9 million annually in the area, which would generate approximately 112 jobs with wages and salaries of nearly $1.1 million.

It should be noted that the study reflected 1999 figures, and don't take into account inflation over the course of the past 10 years.

As far as long-term care of the lake was concerned, it was pointed out that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission would take over maintenance and routine upkeep once the construction was complete. Supporters of the original plan also hoped that a state park would be constructed on the lake, but the recent economic downturn has meant fewer dollars for such efforts.

At the conclusion of the meeting the various leaders were encouraged to go back to their respective communities and discuss the matter. "Talk this over with your city councils and economic development commissions," Winton told the group. "If you want to get behind this we need to know."

"We need to go to Washington and let them know we're interested," Holcomb surmised, "let them know we want this and we need their help."