A Missouri businessman on Wednesday pitched his plan for a private development project along the Arkansas River. Chris Medlock says sales taxes hurt poor people more. His debate opponent says rebates would offset that. A trail system along the river sees walking, running, biking and more. Two proposals, the Tennessee Riverpark Master Plan and Vision 2000, grew out of studies and public input into how to best revitalize the city while taking advantage of — and preserving — its greatest natural asset: the river. A development group says low-water dams are essential to attracting businesses. The Tulsa Metro Chamber and the George Kaiser Family Foundation top the list of donors to the "Our River Yes" campaign, records filed with the state Ethics Commission show. A $5 million donation for parks and swimming pools that was disclosed Wednesday will not cut into private funds pledged for Arkansas River development. A used-car dealership's offer of a $5 bounty for "No River Tax" signs might be illegal. Low-income-area parks, pools will get $5 million in private funds if the river tax passes, Taylor says. Confusion and contention remain over some issues. Citing his own research and private discussions with developers, County Commissioner Fred Perry on Saturday formally endorsed a proposed $282 million public initiative to develop the Arkansas River. "The time for Tulsa is now," says the congressman about the Arkansas River initiative. City Councilor John Eagleton on Tuesday accused backers of a $282 million river development proposal of trying to bill county residents twice for the construction of low-water dams in the Arkansas River. Some proceeds would add to improvements at Bixby's Bentley Park. In coming weeks the World's editorial staff will attempt to provide answers to some of those questions. For more than 40 years, proposals have included big winners and big losers. River development will bring more revenue, Taylor stresses. The Arkansas River and the proposed county tax that would fund infrastructure and development in and along the river consumed the majority of the Sept. 4 Owasso City Council meeting. A federal biologist says the Corps of Engineers' report used a faulty assumption. A day after a group opposed to a tax for Arkansas River improvements held a rally in north Tulsa, proponents held their own news conference on Sunday to respond. A supporter says river development will need the backing to offer world-class amenities. The Tulsa Hotel and Lodging Association this week endorsed a $282 million public initiative to implement parts of the Arkansas River Corridor Master Plan. Backers of a $400 million river development plan open a campaign office. Two Tulsans answer questions regarding their view of the River Tax. Wildlife along the Arkansas is very much part of any development, a consultant says Private commitments to a proposed Arkansas River development plan have increased by $6 million. An Oct. 9 vote may seem like the first step, but a lot of work has been done to get the idea this far. City councilors host an event to discuss proposals. Is there a plan in place to pay for the maintenance and operation of the $282 million in public projects included in the proposal to implement parts of the Arkansas River Corridor Master Plan? The answer, it turns out, is . . . not exactly. A Tulsa County financial adviser on Friday called City Councilor John Eagleton's funding proposal for river development "a free lunch." Tulsa's City Council on Thursday rejected a resolution against the proposed $282 million Tulsa County river development initiative -- in effect supporting a public vote on the issue. A presentation Tuesday on a $282 million river development proposal did not sway City Councilor Roscoe Turner from opposing a county sales tax to provide public funding. The $282 million package goes before voters Oct. 9. A city councilor's resolution supports Arkansas River development, but not through a partnership with the county. Questions reviewed ahead of commissioners' vote. Other county issues rate as higher priority, survey indicates The Arkansas River Corridor Master Plan, by its very definition, is a regional venture.