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March 12, 2010

Area fishermen still lured to closed Pleasure Island levee road

Darragh Doiron The Port Arthur News

PORT ARTHUR —

By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

Area fishermen missing their favorite Pleasure Island fishing spots will have another year’s wait to lure “the big one.”                     

The Army Corps of Engineers reports levee roads on Pleasure Island will remain closed until repairs from Hurricane Ike damage is complete in early 2011.

Jimmy Dike, director of the Pleasure Island Commission, said fishermen are missing their regular spots.

“We constantly get calls regarding the levee roads from the area fisherman,” Dike said. “I could not tell you where they’ve all gone, but I can tell you that they will all be back.”

The Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, reports the North and South Levee Roads along Sabine Lake on Pleasure Island are temporarily closed, according to Port Arthur Resident Office Corps of Engineers officials.  

"The roads are closed for levee raising and road reconstruction," said Thomas S. Patchimrat from the  Port Arthur Resident Office, "and will remain closed until the work is complete in early 2011. No public access will be allowed until that time."

The work is a part of a larger effort to repair damages caused by Hurricane Ike.  A contract  award for $14,971,608.50 was made to J.D. Abrams of Houston on  Nov. 4,  2009.  The contract includes storm debris removal, replacement of  culverts and water control structures, raising  levees and rebuilding roadways.

"We regret any inconvenience to the public while we complete this important work,"  he said. 

The cooler temperatures have not been conducive to outdoor enjoyment, but spring usually brings out those who love to cast for speckled trout, red fish, flounder and big gar, Dike said.

Dike said both he and the sportsmen are awaiting road openings.

“Of course, we’ll all be glad,” Dike said.

For additional information, contact the Port Arthur Resident Office at  (409) 724-0176.



 

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