Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, together with the Arkansas Department of Commerce, announced today that the Arkansas Waterways Commission will distribute more than $4.6 million in grants to four Arkansas ports and one intermodal authority. The funding comes through the Arkansas Port, Intermodal, and Waterway Development Grant Program, which aims to reinvest ad valorem taxes paid by industries on commodities shipped via Arkansas’ navigable waterways back into the state’s ports and intermodal authorities. These funds support capital improvements, infrastructure enhancements, and critical dredging projects to maintain and expand commercial activity along the waterways.
“Arkansas sits in the heart of the heartland and is connected to some of the nation’s most dynamic metro areas by river, rail, road, and runway,” said Governor Sanders. “Today’s funding announcement strengthens our commitment to preserving Arkansas’ waterways, safeguarding a cornerstone of North American trade, and opening new doors for economic growth in the Natural State.”
The grants target a wide range of projects that improve both safety and economic viability. John Edwards, Chairman of the Arkansas Waterways Commission, emphasized the importance of these investments. “These projects serve a wide range of needs – from safety to erosion prevention, to enhancing economic viability – helping the Arkansas Waterways Commission achieve its mission of developing, promoting, and protecting Arkansas’ commercially navigable waterways,” Edwards said.
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The recipients of this year’s funding include:
• Central Arkansas Intermodal Authority in Morrilton, located on the Arkansas River, which received $400,000 for road work in a newly developed port area. This project aims to improve access and support the handling of increased cargo traffic.
• Chicot-Desha Port Authority in McGehee on the Mississippi River, awarded $199,917 to relocate and refurbish truck and grain scales, a critical step to streamline port operations and ensure accurate measurement of commodities.
• City of Fort Smith Port Authority, also on the Arkansas River, received $1,980,252.32 to expand warehouse space, construct a concrete materials storage pad, and add signage. These enhancements are expected to increase operational efficiency and accommodate larger shipments.
• Little Rock Port Authority on the Arkansas River was granted $665,552.62 to install safety railings and gates along three dock edges, acquire three claw lid lifters, and secure eight sectional barges to create a floating dock for lid-handling. These upgrades are designed to enhance worker safety and streamline cargo handling.
• Osceola Port Authority on the Mississippi River, awarded $1,342,732.50, will construct retaining walls to prevent bank erosion, a measure critical to maintaining navigable waterways and protecting surrounding infrastructure.
The grant program underscores Arkansas’ strategic position as a transportation hub in the United States, leveraging its rivers, rail systems, highways, and airports to connect industries and facilitate commerce. By reinvesting taxes from shipped commodities into local ports, the program ensures that the state’s waterways remain both safe and economically productive.
Governor Sanders highlighted the broader economic impact of these projects. “Investing in our ports and waterways is not just about maintaining infrastructure; it’s about securing jobs, supporting industries, and fostering trade that benefits communities across Arkansas,” she said.
These improvements are expected to boost commercial activity, enhance safety standards, and position Arkansas ports to handle future growth in shipping and trade. As industries continue to rely on river transport for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the Arkansas Waterways Commission’s efforts play a pivotal role in maintaining the state’s competitiveness and economic resilience.
With these grants, Arkansas is taking a proactive step to preserve its waterways, strengthen local ports, and ensure that the state remains a vital corridor for national and international commerce.
The Arkansas Department of Commerce and the Arkansas Waterways Commission continue to encourage ports and intermodal authorities to apply for future funding opportunities to sustain and expand these essential infrastructure projects.
