Lake Businesses Hope For Summer Rush

Thursday, July 19th 2007, 5:00 pm

By: News On 6

There are signs of progress at Oklahoma lakes struggling with high water. As lake levels rose across Green Country, business dried up for many stores and marinas. Now, water levels are receding and business owners are relieved. News On 6 anchor Craig Day went to Fort Gibson Lake on Thursday. He reports they hope a late season rush will save them from a summer slowdown.

"We just got it, just picked it up about ten minutes ago," said Broken Arrow resident, and new boat owner Bill Miller.

Bill and Jan Miller of Broken Arrow took their new boat out for the first time on Thursday. But because of high water their boat is one of only a handful on the water.

"If I thought it was dangerous I wouldn't be out here. So I say come on out and enjoy it. You know, try it," Miller said.

While the Millers aren't letting the high water keep them away, others are. Business at the Paradise Cove Marina is 10% to 15% of what it should be.

"People have the misconception that the lake is closed. The lake is open," Ann Davis of Paradise Cove Marina said.

The marina is relying on boat slip rentals, boat sales and rentals to bring in revenue. The high water and drop in tourists is not only impacting marinas but also fishing guides, convenience stores, restaurants and other businesses that rely on summer lake goers coming to town and bringing a lot of money with them. Those tourists are sorely missed. Paradise Cove's Ann Davis hopes to see more folks like the Millers.

"We have Paradise Cove Marina, Sequoyah Bay Marina, Western Hills, the dam is on this end, on the north side you have Taylor's Ferry, Whitehorn, Long Bay, everybody's open for business," Davis said.

Davis says the key to saving the summer will be getting that word out. A lot of sunny, dry days would also help.

"I would say come on out, enjoy it. It's here. It's fun," said Miller.

Most marinas will shuttle boat owners to their boats if ramps and walkways are covered in water.

Watch the video: Lake Profits Down Thanks To High Water

You can find out what the lake level is at your favorite lake by clicking the links below.

Birch Lake

Bird Creek at Sperry

Caney River at Bartlesville

Caney River at Collinsville

Canton Lake

Copan Lake

Council Grove Lake

Deep Fork River at Beggs

El Dorado Lake

Eufaula Lake

Fall River Lake

Fort Supply Lake

Ft. Gibson Lake

Grand Lake

Great Salt Plains Lake

Heyburn Lake

Hudson Lake

Hulah Lake

Kaw Lake

Keystone Lake

Neosho River level at Commerce

Oologah Lake

Skiatook Lake

Tenkiller Lake

Lake Texoma

Verdigris River level at Lenapah

Waurika Lake

For more flooding information, check out our STORM ZONE web page.