Mark Twain Lake, December 21, 2011 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
at Mark Twain Lake has announced that Bluff View Recreation Area will remain
closed due to on-going construction activities. Though diligent efforts were
employed to open this popular recreation area for public use by the end of
2011, weather conditions have halted work and hampered the ability to provide
a safe and quality recreational area.

Known for its fishing and scenic views, the Bluffview Recreation Area is
located near Mark Twain Lake's Re-Regulation Dam. The downstream channel and
adjacent recreation area sustained substantial damage during the historic
flood event of 2008, forcing the closure of the area due to extreme public
safety concerns. In order to restore the full functionality of the
downstream channel to meet flood control and hydroelectric power
requirements, repairs were initiated in March of 2011 and completed in
October of 2011.

At the conclusion of the channel repairs, efforts were focused on the
rehabilitation of the recreation area. Due to the damage sustained during
the flood event and the subsequent construction efforts, extensive repairs to
the roadways, parking lots, and natural areas were necessary in order to
provide a safe and quality recreational experience. The onset of winter
though suspended construction efforts, and many safety concerns remain that
will not permit the availability of the area to the public.

The Corps of Engineers apologizes for the inconvenience this action may cause
the public. As weather and site conditions improve, rehabilitation activities
will again resume. It is anticipated the Bluff View Recreation Area will be
open to the public by early summer 2012.