Bono Lake Brought Up At Quorum Court Meeting

A nearly two-decade long project may be seeing the light of day as people plan to cast their reel during early morning fishing trips, officials said Monday.

Craighead County justices received a copy of a 25-page proposed agreement between the county and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission on the Bono Lake project.

The project, which started in the late 1990’s as an idea for a flood control project, quickly turned into a possible recreational opportunity for residents.

However, there have been discussion and delays on the construction of the lake.

The commission bought 276 acres of land in Feb. 2001, for $689,500 near Bono to help build the lake. In return, the county replaced four wooden bridges with concrete bridges near Hatchie Coon Island, for $568,045, for the commission.

The county then worked to build the 75-acre lake and closed the gates in April last year to help collect water.

PROPOSED AGREEMENT
According to the proposed agreement, which has not been approved, the lake will be used for fishing and other outdoor hobbies.

The agreement also spells out the responsibilities for the county and AGFC.

Some of the responsibilities would include:

· The AGFC agreeing to provide, maintain and manage fish and wildlife resources for Lake Bono, including habitat enhancement and stocking fish.

· Enlarging and maintaining the hard surface boating access ramp and building and maintaining a courtesy dock and a handicapped accessible fishing pier within two years.

· Using state marine fuel taxes to pave the access road between Craighead 361 and one mile of the road.

· Mowing the grass, picking up litter and debris from the boat access area; and helping patrol the area.

· The county would agree to allow AGFC, its agents and employees to have access to the property.

· The county would be “solely responsible for the maintenance, repair and operation of Lake Bono and its infrastructure.”

· Except in case of an emergency, the county would keep the lake open to the public at all times free of charge for recreational fishing. However, the county may charge admission fees for special events and programs.

The proposed agreement would be for 25 years, unless terminated earlier and can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties.

The agreement could be terminated with 30 days written notice and can be amended, the agreement noted.

Tony Thomas, administrative assistant to Craighead County Judge Ed Hill, said the agreement would be discussed at the court’s Jan. 26 meeting in Jonesboro.

Thomas said the two weeks would give justices a chance to review the agreement. Once the agreement is approved by justices, it will be sent to AGFC for their review, Thomas said.

OTHER ACTION
In other action, justices:

· Received monthly reports from the Public Service, Finance and Administration and Roads and Transportation committees.

· Appointed Justice Ray Kidd to serve as the court’s delegate to the Association of Arkansas Counties.

· Heard from Sheriff Marty Boyd about an overflow of state inmates currently being held at the Craighead County jail. Boyd said he had to close the jail several months ago to misdemeanor prisoners due to space and is close to that situation now.