“I am proud to have secured this increase in funding to help the Ouachita-Black Rivers Navigation Project continue to play an important role in commerce and trade throughout South Arkansas,” Ross said. “The Ouachita-Black Rivers Navigation Project is vital to the economic well-being of numerous communities and businesses which rely on the system to transport natural resources such as oil, lumber, gas, gravel and clay.”

The President requested $9.865 million in his budget for the project, and Ross worked to increase that funding to $15.265 million in the annual spending bill which was passed by the full House of Representatives this week.

Ross said the funds are intended for operations and maintenance of the waterways through the project’s general operating budget. 

Upon passage of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill in the Senate, the measure will then go to a Conference Committee of House and Senate members who will work to combine both Chambers’ bills to form a Conference Report. Upon passage of the Conference Report by the full House and Senate, the final bill will then be sent to the President to be signed into law.

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