71st & Riverside proposed development

[patric]

I noticed that sand is being moved in Zink Lake.

Arkansas River sand being moved to deepen water level for power plant
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20130319_16_A9_CUTLIN257871

The goal is to create a more consistent - and high-level - flow of water for AEP-PSO's plant on the west bank of the river.

The River Parks Authority announced in February that it had asked the city, county and American Electric Power-Public Service Company of Oklahoma for $250,000 each to fund temporary improvements to the dam. River Parks would also contribute $250,000.

River Parks Authority Executive Director Matt Meyer said his organization has included $250,000 for dam improvements in its funding request to the city and will tap into its reserve funds to pay its portion.

Meyer said he plans to meet with AEP-PSO officials soon to discuss the utility's potential contribution to the improvement project.

In addition to repositioning the silt and sand in the river, the funds will be used to replate the dam's three gates and replace seals.

River Parks officials have been looking for new funding options to repair the dam since the fall, when two potential major funding sources fell through.

Tulsa County's contribution is coming in the form of work.

"We're just knocking down the level of that sand below the water line," said Scott Gray, the District 2 highway maintenance superintendent. "This way, you'll see water instead of a sandbar."

[carltonplace]

so they are "moving" it rather than "removing" it.

[Hoss]

so they are "moving" it rather than "removing" it.

Probably just moving it to trucks who will spread it out as sandblast material on US169

[ZYX]

I guess I don't see why everyone is disappointed. This is a good looking building going up and adds a pretty big regional draw to Tulsa. Gamblers are not all trash, and the resort will allow for more than gambling to take place anyways. Now if they would trash the name Margaritaville as well as the palm trees, it would really make me happy.

I'm excited to see the project start.

[Teatownclown]

It's the white man's comeuppance... make that the Downtown man's comeuppance.

[Townsend]

make that the Downtown man's comeuppance.

Different clientele.

[AquaMan]

so they are "moving" it rather than "removing" it.

Like those chairs on the Titanic.

I spoke with the PSO guys working on the pump at the end of the pedestrian bridge a couple years ago. They have always had trouble getting enough water because of the sand build up on that west side. They have to drop a pickup tube into the river to augment the inlets. Its not like this has just happened. However, the tractors moving sand in the river conveniently coincides with the pr blitz of the Creek development. Strange that.

I'm not unhappy with the Creeks developing their land and working with the non Native Americans to do so. Like I said a decade ago, it will take outsiders to make change along the river. I just didn't think it would take another nation. And I am very dubious of the figures being thrown around as to net positive impacts on the community.

[sgrizzle]

I spoke with the PSO guys working on the pump at the end of the pedestrian bridge a couple years ago. They have always had trouble getting enough water because of the sand build up on that west side. They have to drop a pickup tube into the river to augment the inlets. Its not like this has just happened. However, the tractors moving sand in the river conveniently coincides with the pr blitz of the Creek development. Strange that.

I saw a note from Riverparks that said PSO is working with them on a future plan for that.

[Townsend]

I was at 81st and Riverside this afternoon and saw construction vehicles out on the sand in the riverbed.

[Vision 2025]

That is part of the sand mining operation.

[sgrizzle]

That is part of the sand mining operation.

Some tell them to work harder.

[Townsend]

Noticed the work has started along the SW corner of the intersection.

Any updates on what is being built?

[Snowman]

Not a 100% sure if development efforts mentioned is related to just this project or a wider area but noticed this in the OKC Riverfront Redevelopment Authority monthly report.

At the request of Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett Jr, the [OKC] Director of [River] Development provided a tour and briefing on the Oklahoma River project for newly appointed lead river liaison, Mr Robert Gardner. Mr Gardner will oversee Tulsa's Arkansas River development efforts on behalf of the Mayor Bartlett.

[sgrizzle]

Not a 100% sure if development efforts mentioned is related to just this project or a wider area but noticed this in the OKC Riverfront Redevelopment Authority monthly report.

OKC drainage ditch

[AquaMan]

Our river is held in low regard by its locals as well. The difference is they made theirs into something that attracts investment and usage.