For Immediate Release
Contact: Sheila McCant
LA House of Representatives
Office of Public Information
Phone: (225) 342-9795
FAX: (225) 219-4380

January 7, 1999

HOUSE COMMITTEES TO MEET IN NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

    The House of Representatives committees on Natural Resources and the Environment will hold a joint meeting in the Ruston area on Monday and Tuesday, January 11 and 12. On Monday, committee members will tour facilities at the D'Arbonne State Park and the Lynn Creek Winery. A public hearing will also be held that day at the Lincoln Parish Police Jury facility in the Alabama Street Annex.

    On Tuesday, the committees will tour the Ouachita Wildlife Management Area to view reforestation efforts and new waterfowl impoundment areas.

    "Northeast Louisiana is an area very rich in resources vital to the state," said Natural Resources committee chairman John Smith, D-Leesville. "Our economy and our future depends on the proper handling of these resources and for that reason we thought it important for both committees to have a first-hand look at this area of our state."

    House Environment Committee chairman N.J. Damico, D-Marrero, said, "The areas which our two committees oversee are closely intertwined. We expect to gather valuable information which will assist us in the decision-making process by visiting this area and listening to the opinions and concerns of the people, those who know the area best."

    The public hearing is in response to House Concurrent Study Request 4, by state Rep. Jay McCallum, D-Farmerville, of the 1998 Regular Session. The request urges the committee to conduct a study on the Sparta Aquifer, and the effect of its depletion on the fresh water supply for North Central Louisiana. The aquifer is the main supplier of fresh water to North Central Louisiana. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

    The committee is to report to the legislature the results of the study prior to the 1999 Regular Session, which begins on March 29.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a complete schedule of tours and the public hearing. Any advance notice you can provide the public will be appreciated.

Monday, January 11
11:30 a.m.    Lunch and Presentation by U.S. Geological Survey
                    D'Arbonne Lake Motel
                    101 Dori Drive
                    Farmerville

1:00 p.m.    Tour
                    Lake D'Arbonne State Park
                    Evergreen Road
                    Farmerville

3:00 p.m.    Tour
                    Lynn Creek Winery
                    Highway 167 North
                    Bernice

6:00 p.m.    Public Hearing
                    Lincoln Parish Police Jury
                    Alabama Street Annex
                    307 Homer Street
                    Ruston

Tuesday, January 12
8:00 a.m.    Breakfast and Presentation by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
                    D'Arbonne Lake Motel
                    101 Dori Drive
                    Farmerville

10:00 a.m.    Tour
                    Ouachita Wildlife Management Area
                    Bud Smith Road
                    Monroe