Flood damage repairs begin at Tecumseh Park on Norfork Lake

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Mountain Home Project Office is advising the public repairs to flood damage at Tecumseh Park on Norfork Lake have started.Heavy equipment will be used in the park to make repairs caused by high water in 2017.With the repair work underway, the public will not be allowed to access the area, by vehicle or foot, because of the potential hazards associated with the equipment and construction operations. Access will be limited to contractors, construction workers and Corps employees.




The Ozark County Times is reporting the projected timeline for completion of the repair work is mid-May.

Corps Project Manager Mark Case told the Times Olgoonik, the prime contractor for the project, has subcontracted Marion County Paving of Yellville to complete the work.

The park and its lake access were heavily damaged when the North Fork of the White River and Bryant Creek, which merge a short distance north of the park, reached an all-time high in late April 2017, rising in a torrent roaring over the State Highway 160 bridge at Tecumseh during a historic area-wide flood.

The access and adjoining campground remained hidden beneath the swollen lake water until October 2017. When the water receded, it revealed the asphalt of the roadway and parking lot was ripped away from the earth, with much of it swept away in the water. The boat ramp was completely gone, the campground and pit toilets were destroyed, and the lakeside banks had become a treacherous mess of debris, holes and uneven ground.

After assessing the damage over a two-month span in November and December 2017, the Corps developed a plan and cost estimate for renovating the area.

The new plan, estimated to cost $1 million, includes rebuilding the roadway, parking lot and boat ramp, but the campground will not be replaced. Instead, the Corps plans to remove the debris and plant the access area in flood-resistant trees and vegetation.

The new boat ramp will be slightly larger than the previous ramp. The parking area, located just above the boat ramp, will also be replaced.

A portable toilet and solar light will be installed, providing users with a bathroom and lighted access at night.

Corps officials say they regret any inconveniences the repair work may cause.

For more information or questions, contact the Mountain Home Project Office at 870-425-2700.

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