The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District (USACE), is investigating the potential disposition of Optima Lake, Texas County, Oklahoma. Optima Lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1936 and constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beginning in 1966. The structure stretches approximately 15,000 feet across the North Canadian (Beaver) River. Authorized project features of Optima Lake being investigated include the earthen embankment, spillway, outlet works, and administration and maintenance building situated on approximately 13,247 acres of Government-owned land. Currently, authorized purposes for Optima Lake include flood control, water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife.
The USACE is preparing a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document to disclose the potential adverse and beneficial impacts of disposition of these features, as well as the effects of continuous operation and maintenance of Optima Lake or portions of the project under different project purposes or leases with other Federal agencies and non-Federal entities who may be suited to take over operations and maintenance responsibilities.