OKLAHOMA CITY – The McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System is part of an interim study by state legislatures.
OKLAHOMA CITY – The McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System is part of an interim study by state legislatures.
State Reps. Chris Sneed (R-Fort Gibson), Terry O’Donnell (R-Catoosa) and Avery Frix (R-Muskogee) held an interim study to review critical maintenance issues of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. Other issues were the impact of the system on surrounding communities, and current and future economic growth plans.
“The importance of this navigation system to the economies of Eastern Oklahoma, the state, and the nation cannot be overstated,” Sneed said. “It is imperative we examine issues surrounding how we maintain this system to prevent future flooding and to ensure the continued reliable delivery of products from this important shipping channel.”
The navigation system is part of the largest inland and coastal marine transportation system in the world, moving an estimated 1.4 billion tons of agriculture, minerals, and other products, valued at $2 trillion, from the American heartland to national and overseas markets.
In addition to the movement of products, the system provides 6.5 billion gallons of drinking water nationwide each day, helps to prevent flooding, provides recreation opportunities and habitats for fish, fowl, and other wildlife.