Our Viewpoint Editorials
Jasper region needs more fishing business

This week, the Jasper area once again was reminded how important Lake Sam Rayburn is to the economy of Jasper.

Many have argued that the lake is not important to the economic welfare of this area. They believe that even without the encouragement of hotel-motel money, the fishing tournaments would still come to Lake Sam Rayburn. They believe the lake draws the tourneys here and no extra work is needed to secure the tournaments coming to Jasper.

These people lack a real true vision for growth for this region. They like the status quo and wish for it to stay the same.

Still others realize that the lake is this area's prime industry and push for it to be nourished and taken care of by our city's leaders. They know that without the money brought in by the lake; this area might fall short of its economic goals.

This side realizes that for this region to survive, we must grow and change with how the economy changes us. They see a strong future for this region and want to push us in that direction.

The Jasper Development District #1 was presented with a study that was conducted by the Lake Sam Rayburn Umphrey Pavilion Association. The study revolved around the impact the pavilion has on the Jasper economy.

By applying a $75 per day charge on each participant at the Umphrey Pavilion, the study showed that in 2006 a $2.6 million economic impact for events held at the pavilion.

And that's only for events held at the pavilion.

The city of Jasper took over the control of the hotel-motel funds two years ago with mixed results. The city believes it has done a sparkling job with the usage of the funds as they point to more tourneys coming to Jasper.

Those in the fishing tourney field point to the loss of tournaments that previously called Jasper their home. These experts believe the city could do more to attract tournaments to Jasper.

No matter what side you stand on - the end result is clear. This study shows that Jasper needs to continue to lure these fishing tournaments to Jasper. The economy of this region depends on it.