Residents Criticize GRDA

MIAMI, Okla. (AP) -- Some northeast Oklahomans are accusing state and federal agencies of keeping the level of Grand Lake high to benefit lake property owners and allowing other homes to flood. About

Wednesday, October 3rd 2007, 9:51 am

By: News On 6

MIAMI, Okla. (AP) -- Some northeast Oklahomans are accusing state and federal agencies of keeping the level of Grand Lake high to benefit lake property owners and allowing other homes to flood. About 350 residents of Ottawa and Delaware counties turned out for a public hearing with representatives of the Grand River Dam Authority. Many of those suffered flooding this summer.

The property owners say the dam authority keeps Grand Lake at about 742 feet for the dock owners. And Miami Mayor Brent Brassfield says the group is "tired of being a holding pond for Grand Lake."

Dave Hiebert of Miami said one area between Grove and Miami is full of Kansas farmland because of the flooding.

Heavy rains in July led to flooding of the Neosho River and authorities say more than 550 homes and businesses in Miami were destroyed.