Searcy County, AR – A significant restoration project aimed at improving the Lower Tyler Bend river access point at the Buffalo National River has been unexpectedly put on hold due to funding issues, leaving the site incomplete and creating concern just as the area’s primary tourism season gets underway.
Background: Ambitious Plans for Improvement
Originally announced by the National Park Service in October 2023, the project was set to address several key issues at the busy Lower Tyler Bend access. As reported by Arkansas Outside, the planned work included stabilizing the eroding river bank, paving the gravel access road and parking area to reduce sediment runoff and improve durability, enhancing traffic flow, ensuring ADA compliance for accessibility, and upgrading the existing restroom facilities. The goal was to provide a safer, more resilient, and user-friendly experience at one of the river’s popular entry points. Temporary closures and impacts were anticipated as part of the construction process. (Arkansas Outside article from August 11, 2024, Buffalo National River to Begin Restoration of the Lower Tyler Bend River Access)
Current Situation: Project Stalled, Facilities Impacted
Now, progress has ground to a halt. Reports indicate the project is currently suspended due to a “funding hold,” stopping construction activities before completion. This leaves the access area in a partially finished state.
Critically, a major consequence of the stalled project is that water service has been cut off from the main public restrooms at Tyler Bend. This lack of essential facilities comes at a particularly problematic time – the beginning of May marks the traditional start of the peak visitor season for the Buffalo National River, drawing thousands of paddlers, hikers, campers, and sightseers.
Arkansas District 1 Representative, Rick Crawford, sent us this statement, “I am aware of the pause in the Tyler Bend Access Project and recognize the importance of this project to our local economy. My team and I have been in contact with the National Park Service and hope to reach a solution on this issue to minimize any impacts on the upcoming busy season.”
Economic Concerns Mount
The timing of this stoppage raises significant concerns about the potential negative economic impact on the local communities surrounding the Buffalo River. Tyler Bend serves as a crucial hub for river access and visitor services. With incomplete access and, more importantly, non-functional primary restrooms just as tourism ramps up, visitor experience is likely to be negatively affected.
Inconvenienced tourists might shorten their trips, choose alternative locations, or share poor reviews, potentially leading to reduced spending at local outfitters, lodging, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses that depend heavily on the seasonal influx of visitors drawn to the nation’s first national river.
“Tyler Bend is a key access point to the Buffalo National River here in Searcy County,” said Darryl Treat, Director of the Searcy County Chamber of Commerce. “Communities like Leslie, Marshall, and St. Joe rely heavily on the tourism the river brings to support their local economies.”
Looking Ahead
Currently, there is no public timeline for when the funding hold might be lifted or when construction work will resume. Visitors planning to use the Tyler Bend area are advised to check the official Buffalo National River website or contact park officials for the latest information on access conditions and facility availability before their trip.
The hope among local stakeholders and park users is for a swift resolution, allowing the much-needed improvements at Tyler Bend to be completed and ensuring visitors can fully and safely enjoy this vital Arkansas resource.
If you have comments on the funding hold, it is recommended to reach out to your Representative Crawford, Senator Cotton, and Senator Boozman.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
