Student looks to build dock at Lake Jacksboro

A Jacksboro student is making plans to build a dock at Lake Jacksboro.

Johnny Callan, president of the Jacksboro FFA chapter, sought a community service project as part of his acceptance as one of 10 Texas FFA Ford Leadership Scholars this year.

The program originated when Ford donated $1 million to FFA.

“But they didn’t just want to donate the money, they wanted something in return,” Callan said during a presentation to the city council during its regular meeting Monday. 

“They came up with a program that trained young individuals to go home and facilitate change within their communities.”

His criteria for the project included that it could be used by people of all ages for a variety of purposes and used year-round.

So with the help of his mentor, Wes McCurry, he opted to create a dock for the lake. 

The dock will include a bench, three ladders for lake access and will be partially covered.

He received two estimates to build the dock — $28,000 and $36,000. He said the cost may change through in-kind donations of services.

“The reason I’m here today is to discuss potential funding for the project,” Callan said. “One of the bigger issues is taking care of the project after I graduate or go off as a state officer. The materials that are going to be used are very high-quality, low-maintenance materials. By maintenance, I’m really referring to the mowing around the entrance of the ramp and the environmental aspects that are involved with the project.”

To read the complete article, see the Sept. 30 edition of the Herald-Gazette.