AmerenUE says Johnson Shut-Ins can be re-opened, at least for day use, this summer. The State Natural Resources Director says he hopes they’re right.
DNR Director Doyle Childers says he’s glad to hear Ameren talking about re-opening the park. The state earlier made public its doubts that Johnson Shut-Ins would be open this year. Childers says that public doubt might have motivated Ameren to issue its statement.
Ameren has been in talks with the Blunt Administration about repairing the damage from the Taum Sauk dam collapse in late 2005. The collapse sent a billion gallons of water from the reservoir atop Proffit Mountain into the camp below. Ameren also has concerns about possible criminal charges from the Attorney General.
Childers says Ameren needs to move ahead, despite the uncertainty. He says he has reminded Ameren officials that repair of the park is their responsibility. Childers says the campground needs to be moved and drinking water and sewage restored.
Download/listen Brent Martin reports (:60 MP3)
