Former Congressmen Raise Funds for Buffalo River Lawsuit

There was a fundraiser in Little Rock Thursday to raisemoney for the lawsuit filed by four Arkansas organizations attempting to blocka hog farm near the Buffalo River. The fundraiser was hosted at formerDemocratic congressman Vic Snyder's home.

The lawsuit is against the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm ServiceAgency and the U.S. Small Business Administration for guaranteeing a federal loanC&H Hog Farms. The hog farm, which can house 6,500 pigs is located on amajor tributary on the Buffalo River.

Last week Governor Mike Beebe asked for $340,510 from a rainy day fund togo toward monitoring pollution at the site. A subcommittee of the legislature approvedit. The pollution research will be conducted by the University of Arkansas.

Former congressman Ed Bethune told KATV he didn't the fundsfor pollution research would do anything.

"What'sthat going do for us? Oh I guess if we monitor it, then we'll be the first toknow when the hog doings' get in the Buffalo, right? Then we'll have to be theones to go out and tell the world, 'Hey the Buffalo River, the crown jewel of Arkansasis contaminated," Bethune said.

KATVreached out to the hog farm's contractor, Cargill, but they did not returncalls for comment.