TATE'S BLUFF - The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, some time ago began an intensive search to improve public access on the Ouachita River. Last week, local dignitaries and AGFC officials dedicated the most recent improvement to the area.

After the recent completion of a new river bridge on County Road 25 in rural Ouachita County, the AGFC constructed a two-lane 20 feet by 110 feet boat ramp adjacent to the new bridge. The new bridge allowed easier access to the river and additional room for parking. The new ramp replaces a 1977 single lane concrete ramp that was constructed to provide access to both the Ouachita and Little Missouri Rivers.

Tate’s Bluff is named after Captain Dick Tate who fought beside Andrew Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans during the war of 1812.  After the war, in 1814, Captain Tate traveled up the Mississippi, Black and Ouachita Rivers.  Tate returned to the area with members of his family and settled there - hence the name Tate’s Bluff.

The project was funded by a federal Sportfish Restoration Grant. According to AGFC district fisheries biologist Don Turman, the project included widening and lengthening the parking area, and adding clay gravel to build it up, but funds were not provided to seal the parking area to protect it from erosion during seasonal rises on the river. "The Ouachita River Commission recognizing the importance of this access, which serves hunters and fishermen from Clark, Dallas and Ouachita Counties provided a grant of $10,000 to assist in the cost of asphalt materials, while the AGFC funded the remaining $13,778 through the state’s Marine Fuel Tax Program. Ouachita County Judge Mike Hesterly partnered in the project by providing the men and equipment to pack and prepare the site and apply the asphalt to the parking area and service road for a total cost of  $23,778 for asphalt materials," Turman said.  The total cost of the project was $54,665.

During the ceremony, Turman thanked several partners involved in the project. "The Commission wishes to thank all of our partners for your help in making this project a reality.  First to E. J. Bacon for recognizing the need for access on the Ouachita and providing the land for the original access in 1977- represented today by Mary Ann Bacon.  Next, a big thanks to the Ouachita River Commission for the outstanding work they do addressing the recreational needs all along the Ouachita River and for providing a grant for $10,000 to assist with the cost of asphalt materials for the parking area.  And, we certainly want to thank Ouachita County Judge Mike Hesterly for providing the men and equipment to pack and prepare the site and for applying the asphalt to the parking area and service road.  Judge Hesterly continues to be a strong proponent of recreation in Ouachita County," Turman stated.

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