Johnson's Shut-Ins' main noncamping uses to reopen today

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The main noncamping uses for a popular state park are reopening, more than three years after it was damaged in the December 2005 collapse of a mountaintop reservoir.

Opening today are the picnic areas, store, interpretative pavilions and many of the hiking trails at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. An orientation center and campgrounds are scheduled to reopen later this year. In 2006, the park was opened to limited day uses.

The reservoir collapse sent more than 1 billion gallons of water through the park, injuring a family of five and severely damaging the facilities.

Reservoir owner Ameren Corp. agreed in 2007 to pay $180 million in cash and property. About $103 million of the settlement was to be used to clean up and rebuild the park.