Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cotton (R-Dardanelle) today introduced the Local Organization Cooperative Agreement for Land and Facility Maintenance (LOCAL) Act. Legislation that would allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to restore joint management programs with local non-profit organizations to construct, operate, and maintain recreational facilities at USACE lakes and reservoirs.
“Arkansans know better than anyone how to manage our land,” said Congressman Cotton. “Groups like the Friends of Lake Ouachita have successfully maintained recreational facilities throughout Arkansas, allowing the USACE to focus on other important work. The LOCAL Act ensures these lands remain easily accessible for all Arkansans, just as they have for generations.”
Recently, the USACE determined it lacked the statutory authority to continue the joint management program and is in the process of suspending all local partnerships. Previously, there were 10 agreements in place, with an additional 20 agreements in the process of being signed before the process was terminated. The LOCAL Act would allow the current agreements to remain in force, and new agreements to be signed, if the local entities meet certain criteria. Congressmen Crawford, Griffin, and Womack are all co-sponsors of this legislation.
