AR SR21

Senate resolution encourages Congress and the Arkansas Congressional Delegation to support maintenance, funding, and completion of a 12-foot navigation channel on the Arkansas River

Public Law 108-137 authorized the 12-foot channel in 2004, with a Record of Decision signed September 27, 2005, and initial funding of $7,000,000 appropriated in 2005

A 12-foot channel would provide a 43% increase in cargo capacity per barge and allow an additional 3 feet of draft, enabling movement of approximately 7,965 additional acres of soybeans per 15-barge tow

Arkansas River currently operates at only 9-foot depth with 2010 tonnage of 11.5 million tons versus estimated capacity of 35-45 million tons per year, with Corps of Engineers surveys indicating the Arkansas portion already has 12 feet or more of depth

Senate Secretary shall transmit copies of the resolution to the Speaker of the U.S. House, President of the U.S. Senate, and all members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation for entry into the Congressional Record