LITTLE ROCK, Ark – In the wake of the deadly flash flooding in Texas that claimed multiple lives and caused significant destruction, Arkansas lawmakers are calling for a renewed focus on emergency preparedness, communication infrastructure, and floodplain management in outdoor recreation areas.
The calls come as memories remain fresh of similar tragedies in Arkansas, including the 2010 Albert Pike flood and recent incidents in the Ozarks.
Arkansas emergency responder discusses the dangers of Texas flood
Rep. Bruce Westerman, who represents Arkansas’s 4th Congressional District and is the lead sponsor of the federal “EXPLORE Act”, highlighted the need for balancing outdoor recreation with safety.
“I authored the EXPLORE Act—it’s an outdoor recreation bill that impacts areas across the country, and part of that includes rebuilding the Albert Pike Campground above the 100-year floodplain,” Westerman said. “But anytime you recreate outdoors, you’re taking a risk. The public understands that.”…