To the editor:

As a member of the Bollinger/Cape Girardeau Lake Committee, I've been asked why I support the formation of this proposed lake. My support revolves around three basic themes: quality of life, regional growth and recreational opportunities.

Quality of life: A lake this size offers a tremendous benefit when companies look to an area when they are considering a move or opening a new division. Industries look for a willing labor force, favorable tax treatment and quality-of-life issues. Quality of life involves educational, recreational and medical facilities. Keep in mind that we not only want to attract new businesses and industry, but we want to keep the industry we presently have.

Regional growth: The proposed lake offers the opportunity for growth in the home-building industry and many smaller mom-and-pop businesses. Without question, if the lake is built many people will look for areas to build homes. More people mean more opportunities for smaller businesses such as grocery stores, bait-and-tackle stores, lumber stores, clothing stores, sporting goods -- and the list goes on.

Recreational opportunities: The proposed lake offers unlimited opportunities for recreational activities including fishing, hunting, hiking, boating and other water-related activities.

Initially, I was opposed to the lake because of the wording in Senate Bill 776. My reading of this bill left me with the impression that the lake authority would be a land-grabbing group with almost unlimited authority. As a committee, we have spent many hours reviewing the bill and offering corrective changes. We've discussed the issues with other landowners and have tried to incorporate their ideas. While we are not yet finished, we have addressed the major issues that need to be corrected.

At our last general meeting, the committee offered the proposed changes to SB 776. More questions were asked, and we are trying to answer all of these concerns. Of the approximate 150 people in attendance at this meeting, there were 60 out of 200 individual landowners owning less than 25 percent of the proposed lake. Of these 60 landowners, approximately one-third were against the lake, and the balance were either for the lake or neutral. Our objective is to have SB 776 amended to make it fair for both the landowners and taxpayers. After that, it will be up to the voters in both counties to decide the fate of the Bollinger/Cape Girardeau lake project.

JOSEPH F. VERNIER

Jackson