Work Begins On Mississippi River Park In Ark.

Work has begun on a state park along the Mississippi River more than 40 years after Gov. Orval Faubus signed legislation to evaluate such a project.

The 550-acre Mississippi River State Park will be in the St. Francis National Forest in Lee and Phillips counties. Arkansas State Parks director Greg Butts says the state will lease the land from the U.S. Forest Service and plans to spend $25 million on the project during the next 10 years.

Park Superintendent John Morrow says the first phase began this year and includes renovation of a campground on Bear Creek Lake near Marianna. He says the park will eventually include picnic areas, a swimming beach, fishing and cabins.

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