LAKE: STAPLES TO DELAY LEGISLATION

State Sen. Danny Staples said he will withhold action on a bill that would give voters in Perry County the opportunity to decide on whether to adopt a 1-cent sales tax to pay for a lake and to establish an authority to oversee such a facility.

Two weeks ago Staples, D-Eminence, whose district includes Perry County, indicated the measure would be the priority bill of the tourism committee he chairs and that it was on a fast track for passage.

But Staples said this week, because of calls and letters he has received, he wants to hear more from the people.

"I've got reservations about that because I got so many phone calls about it," said Staples. "I don't think people in Perry County will pass a 1-cent sales tax to build a lake.

"I have the bill in my committee and will hold it there and wait for a public hearing in Perry County."

JoAnn Sumner, executive director of the Perry County Industrial Development Authority and a member of the committee studying the lake idea, said public hearings will be held as part of the planned feasibility study.

Sumner said there won't be much to talk about until additional data is gathered on the project.

"There is some interest from the public in this project and it should be a good, economic development boost for our area," said Sumner. "Unfortunately, on a project like this you often hear more strongly from people who are negative and landowners who feel they will be displaced. We feel there is strong support out there."

Sumner said Staples' concern is "certainly something we have to address."

"Since he has offered to sponsor the bill, we certainly need to address his concerns and work with him in any way we can," said Sumner.

In a letter to the Perry County Commission, Staples expressed his concern and decision to delay action on the bill. In the letter, Staples said, "We should either regroup, reconsider, or retreat."

Staples said: "I want to sit down and listen to the people, and I will do that anytime. I want to be at the public hearing. The people of Perry County elected me and I will represent them until the first of the year."

He said: "I want to look at it in more detail because of the letters and calls against the sales tax and lake. A lot of people are opposed to the lake or opposed to land being purchased and taken out of farming, but most are just opposed to the 1-cent sales tax."

Sumner pointed out that a feasibility study would examine other methods of funding the lake. The legislation at this point would only give Perry County the option of using the sales tax to fund all or part of the project.

On Jan. 8, the lake committee interviewed three firms that could conduct a study. The committee selected Burns and McDonnell, which has an office in St. Louis, and recommended to the commission that the firm be hired.

Sumner said the committee has a finance subcommittee attempting to raise money to pay for the study.

"We're just getting our funding started," said Sumner. "We are addressing possible sources of funding at this point and also looking at possible grants."

If all goes well, Sumner said there could be a public vote on the lake in April 1993.

The first phase of the study will take 30 to 45 days and provide preliminary cost estimates, an assessment of roads and structures, a look at environmental matters, and will begin coordination with state and federal agencies that would be involved.

The initial phase will also evaluate the site and determine for sure whether it is suitable for a lake.

In the second phase, which could take 60 to 90 days, the dam and lake layout would be outlined, cost estimates refined, and a process for public hearings set up.

In the third phase, means of financing will be reviewed and a marketing and financial plan will be developed.

The final two phases would be final construction design and then actual construction and startup. Construction would take about five years.

The committee is hoping to construct a 4,000-acre lake, which would be in the northwest part of Perry County.

Sumner said the lake has tremendous potential.

"This will really help us shore up our retail base and give us a stronger tourism base," she said. "It will make this a much more attractive place to live and do business. Perry County is strong in quality of life now, and this will only enhance our standing in quality-of-life issues."