Grand River Dam Authority To Close Public Access Points Along The Illinois River

The Grand River Dam Authority plans to stop allowing commercial use of six public access points on the Illinois River. Float operators on the river worry it will upend their businesses, which have historically had use of the sites.

The GRDA notified the float operators Wednesday via email and told the companies their access would end on April 1 of 2022. The GRDA notice specified Watts, Round Hollow, Stunkard, Peavine hollow, No Head Hollow, and Echota Public Access areas as those affected. The float operators complain that leaves them little time to make other plans. They'll still have access to some sites, but not the most popular spots they've used for years.

The GRDA letter says the sites were maintained under an agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and without a new agreement, the ODWC rules stand that prohibit commercial use of the public access points.

GRDA Vice President Justin Alberty said Friday that the utility doesn't have the authority to renew the agreement that had GRDA maintaining the sites. Commercial operators were able to use the access points without any direct cost, but are required to pay for permits to put boats on the water. Alberty said the utility was "fully committed to working with all parties to craft the best solution that will benefit all users going forward, including float operators, the public, and GRDA ratepayers."

Despite the changes for commercial use, the access points will remain open to the public.

Since the notice arrived, float operators say they're contacting elected leaders to push back on the decision, arguing it would not just harm their businesses now, but could be the beginning of furthere restrictions.