Hands Across The River

Hundreds of Tulsan's formed a human chain across the Arkansas River on Saturday. News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports on why some of them say it's important for Tulsa County to band together on the river sales tax vote, and vote yes.

They came by the hundreds with one goal.

"I'm here today to support the river project," said river tax supporter Peter McAdams.

It's a project that's forced many to choose sides. Some communities have come out against the 4/10ths of a cent sales tax saying it wouldn't directly benefit their area. But the people who gathered on Saturday hope to get everyone to say yes.

"We had the whole spectrum, little kids to our seniors," said Shane Fernandez, river tax supporter. "We span the entire age range of Tulsa which is great because that's what this is about."

Promoting development they say will help all of Tulsa County, so they lined up to get the point across literally. They formed a human chain across the Arkansas River on the 96th Street Bridge in Jenks.

"This is a big pep rally to get this river promoted and get a show of hands for all the people that support this," said Fernandez.

"I support the river, but I'm not entirely sure I support this idea," tax supporter Vern Kits said. "We need to do something, and if this is the plan that's on the table and has support of most the people, I say lets go with it."

Supporters say a developed river will provide endless opportunities.

"Retail development possibilities that are in the project, commercial development, recreation, it's a hundred percent positive thing for the county of Tulsa and surrounding areas," McAdams said.

Tulsa's Young Professionals sponsored Saturday's event.