First steps begin in development of Coottonwood Point at reservoir

Two observers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be in Marion County this week to begin planning under the $6 million federal stimulus package for expansion of Cottonwood Point at Marion Reservoir.

The project was first proposed in 2001, but shelved for lack of funding.

Managing Corps Ranger Traci Robb said this is the first step in the $6 million to be shared in projects here and at Texoma in the Tulsa District.

Robb said the project likely will include 60 new camp sites with full utilities, a shower facility with restrooms and at least one group shelter?all from the original plan. An amphitheater originally proposed likely will not be included, she said.

Repairs may also be included in the project, she said.

The new developments will be on new land past the large trash bins at the exisiting 94-campsite park, and across from Marion Cove, Robb said.

The project was selected from all federal agencies that were chosen to create maximum numbers of jobs, Robb said.

The observers will be succeeded by engineers, who will develop project plans before any construction contracts are let, Robb said.

A completion date has not been set.

Robb said components of the project could change as determined by planners and engineers.

She said Marion Reservoir also is receiving $40,000 for projects such as new rip rap rock as the result of storm damage.

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