Great American Outdoors Act Funds To Improve Houston Area Campground

A project funded through the Great American Outdoors Act will improve campsite amenities at a popular Forest Service recreation site on the Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District of Mark Twain National Forest. The Lane Spring electrical and water fountain replacement project will replace outdated waterline components, upgrade existing electrical system to handle more load, and will add electric hookups to additional campsites. The recreation area will close for the season early, on Sep. 26, so the contractor can begin work. The improvements are expected to be complete before next spring. Lane Spring should open again on its usual season start date of March 1.

Lane Spring Recreation Area is located south of Rolla, just a 15-minute drive after exiting I-44. Phelps County residents like to visit the site for the day to sit by the beautiful spring, walk to the river, or enjoy a gathering with family and friends at the pavilion. People from outside the area find it a convenient place to escape and enjoy camping with a feel of seclusion near a river, while still being a close drive to a town. Next year, all of these visitors will enjoy the updated amenities.

Water fountains and spigots will be made fully operational. Electricity will be added to four additional campsites and the old electric hookups will be removed and replaced with modern equipment. Electricity makes it easier for RVs to extend their stay, and it also adds accessibility options for all campers. Someone needing to utilize and recharge an electric wheelchair, or someone wanting to tent camp and use a CPAP machine, for example, will find the recreation site much more user-friendly.

Read the full article from Salem News Online here.