Gas prices expected to boost state tourism on July 4th weekend
Posted on Thursday, July 3, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/230373/
Arkansas tourism is expected to get a boost this Fourth of July weekend thanks to high gas prices.
At an average $ 3. 94 a gallon for regular gasoline, Arkansans are paying about $ 1. 08 more per gallon than they did at this time last year, according to AAA, the motor and leisure organization.
But those rates could actually help lake and river resort destinations in the state.
“I think that folks are realizing that these gas prices are here, but you can still go out and have a good time,” said Joe David Rice, state tourism director for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
“While we’re all frustrated by these high gas prices, it might be time to go out and think good thoughts on a vacation.”
And more Midwesterners might be attracted to Arkansas lakes instead of going farther to the Gulf of Mexico, he said.
The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Little Rock office still has a small craft advisory for the fast-moving Arkansas River, which remains dangerous after the flooding this spring.
Spokesman P. J. Spaul predicted it would be mid-July before the river is safe for pleasure boaters, depending on rainfall levels in Oklahoma and Kansas.
“Usually there are quite a few people on the river,” said Keith Stephens, spokesman for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. “And some of those people might be migrating to area lakes rather than the river this year.”
All the boats, barges and ski boats at Lake Ouachita State Park are reserved, said Carl Fitzhugh, marina manager.
“It’s a spike every Fourth of July,” he said.
Spaul warned swimmers and boaters to exercise extra caution this year because of the heavy rains this spring. While all the lakes managed by the Corps of Engineers are open, there might be debris underwater.
“You don’t want to dive out of a tree into the water and hit a concrete picnic table,” he said.
He said boaters should slow down, especially near the shorelines.
“And go ahead and wear that life jacket even though the law says you only have to have it in the boat.”
Park rangers, officers with the Game and Fish Commission, and local sheriffs and police departments with boat patrols will be making sure boaters obey safety laws and haven’t been drinking.
Motorists traveling within the state can expect few problems, said Glenn Bolick, spokesman for the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department.
“This is the best shape our roads have been in for the past several Fourth of Julys,” he said.
The only possible slowdown might come for motorists going into Memphis, he said, as the Interstate 40 bridge will have one lane closed for construction.
Bolick warned that accidents spike on a holiday weekend.
“We build and maintain the roads as best we can, but it’s a partnership with the people who drive the roads to do their part as well,” he said.
“We hope people will take their time and be as safe as they can.”