Non-federal sponsor still needed by SRBA

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

April 24, 2003 -- "A full blown study is needed" of the Sulphur River log jam was not what people wanted to hear at the Sulphur River Board Association (SRBA) meeting April 15, but that is exactly what Mike Burke, SRBA administer said.

After talking with Kevin Craig of the U. S. Corps of Engineers, Burke reported, "Money is available for some construction work, but before any construction starts, there has to be a plan along with an environmental study, according to Craig." There has to be a complete study of the Sulphur Basin because problems upstream are affecting the river.

The study, with a projected cost of $4 million, has to have a non-federal sponsor. The Corps will pay one-half the project cost and "in-kind" contributions, such as mapping, surveying, etc. It stills leaves $1 million for the SRBA to come up with, and "we just don't have that kind of money," Burke added.

One board member asked if there was any kind of help that could be received through Congressman Max Sandlin.

A representative from Sandlin's office said as far as he know Sandlin's office has not been contacted about the log jam. He would, however, report to the congressman about the problem.

Burke asked if it would help if he sent a letter to Sandlin addressing the situation and asking for a meeting with Sandlin and residents of the area affected by the log jam. The representative answered, "Yes."

In other news, George Frost of Maud, asked to speak to the board and even though he was not on the agenda was allowed to do so.

Frost informed the board he was seeking legal consultation in regards to the board's special informational meeting, held March 13, which allowed only persons whom had received an invitation from the bard.

"I feel like the SRBA is violating the Open Meetings Act and people have been violated against," Frost said.

SRBA's next meeting is scheduled for May 20, 10:30 a.m., Mount Pleasant Civic Center.