MKARNS 2030: Inland Waterways “Paving” the Way for the Nation’s Economic Growth

BY TOMAS ROFKAHR

SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION Little Rock District

The McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) is undergoing a transformative journey with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District’s MKARNS 2030 initiative. This ambitious project aims to enhance the navigation system’s capacity and resilience, ensuring it meets the nation’s shipping demands for the next 50 years. Key initiatives under MKARNS 2030 include the 12-foot channel-deepening and the Three Rivers project, both of which promise significant economic benefits for all Americans.

The cornerstone project of MKARNS 2030 is the deepening of the navigation channel from 9 feet to 12 feet. This seemingly modest increase in depth has significant implications for the waterway’s shipping capabilities. Each additional foot of draft allows a barge to carry an extra 200 tons of cargo. With a consistent 12-foot channel, the MKARNS could handle up to 45 million tons of cargo annually, significantly boosting its capacity.

The Motor Vessel Laura Elizabeth, out of St. Louis, Missouri, locks through Trimble Lock and Dam near Fort Smith, Arkansas, on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. More than 12 million tons of goods and commodities are shipped on the MKARNS each year.

USACE PHOTO BY JAY TOWNSEND

“The project involves deepening the existing 9-foot navigation channel to a 12foot depth through the construction of rock structures to scour the channel and dredging. Additional work will include construction of dredge disposal areas, and minor modification of lock guide walls at eight locks. This project not only enhances the efficiency of cargo transport but also reduces the transportation costs, which should benefit producers and consumers alike,” said Jonathan Gillip, the 12-foot channel project manager.

The Three Rivers project is another critical component of MKARNS 2030. This initiative focuses on preventing the merging of the White and Arkansas rivers, which, according to Gillip, would otherwise result in the loss of the navigation pool from the Arkansas Post Canal to Montgomery Point Lock and Dam. Such a merger would sever the MKARNS’ connection to the Mississippi River, disrupting its link to global markets.

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Does not imply USACE or DOD endorsement

The project involves constructing containment structures and making necessary modifications to existing infrastructure to ensure the long-term sustainability of the navigation system. By maintaining the integrity of the MKARNS, the Three Rivers project safeguards the economic lifeline that the waterway provides to the nation.

While the MKARNS is a vital artery for the economies of Arkansas and Oklahoma, it supports a wide range of industries nationwide, including agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. In Arkansas alone, the MKARNS facilitates the movement of approximately $5.5 billion worth of goods annually, or more than 12 million tons of goods that would take more than 381,857 semitruckloads to move.

For the nation, the economic impact is equally significant. The MKARNS supports key industries by providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Barge transportation is fuelefficient and can reduce road congestion and emissions. This contributes to the overall sustainability and competitiveness of the region’s economy.

The MKARNS 2030 initiative represents a forward-looking vision for the nation’s economic future. By investing in critical infrastructure projects like the 12-foot channel-deepening and the Three Rivers project, the initiative aims to enhance the resilience and capacity of the navigation system. These improvements will ensure that the MKARNS remains a vital economic engine for the nation for decades to come. AE

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