FORT WORTH, Texas-- In response to the recent rainfall, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials in the Three Rivers Regional Office, continue daily monitoring of the lakes within the region, specifically Corps operated parks at Waco, Whitney, and Proctor Lakes which were hit the hardest.
With the water receding, staff members have begun assessing submersion and wind damage. Before park operations can return to normal, debris must be removed, repairs made, road and electrical inspections conducted and cleaning services restored. "Once the water completely recedes from the concrete and asphalt it can take up to three weeks for the surface material to be completely dry in order to allow for repairs and eventual use,” said Brady Dempsey, Three Rivers Regional Office, Deputy Operations Project Manager.
The following is a status report for park re-openings for the Corps managed parks and day use facilities. Please note these are estimated dates are based on the lakes returning to conservation pool levels.
Proctor Lake parks are currently closed with an expected opening date of June 17.
Most Whitney Lake parks are scheduled to reopen on June 20 with the exception of Plowman, Kimball, and a portion of Walling Bend Park which do not have an opening date set.
On Waco Lake, Speegleville, Midway, Twin Bridges, Koehne and Lacy Point parks are expected to open May 27. Airport Park, Airport Beach, Reynolds Creek, and Flat Rock are scheduled for a July 1 opening.
Corps representatives highly encourage potential visitors to visit the lake website at http://www.swf.usace.army.mil/About/LakesandRecreationInformation.aspx or call the local lake offices for up to date details on specific areas.
Lake Office Contact numbers:
Proctor Lake Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday – (254) 879-2424
Waco Lake Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday – (254) 756-5359
Whitney Lake Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday – (254) 622-3332
Private marinas and other private concessionaires may be available for services during this time. Individuals planning lake activities should contact those locations in advance for their current status.
The Corps of Engineers is concerned for public safety, and urges boaters to wear life jackets and use caution while navigating. Floodwaters have created unfamiliar boating conditions and increased flows into the reservoir have flushed a large amount of debris into the main body of water.
About the Fort Worth District: The Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was established in 1950. The District is responsible for water resources development in two-thirds of Texas, and design and construction at military installations in Texas and parts of Louisiana and New Mexico. Visit the Fort Worth District Web site at: www.swf.usace.army.mil and SWF Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Worth-District-US-Army- Corps-of-Engineers/188083711219308.