Arkansas Waterways Commission officials say the agency ‘needs to be recognized’

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas Waterways Commission officials are concerned about the “small staff of two” getting lost in an organizational shuffle, but are optimistic that state leaders understand the need to protect a group that promotes and protects the state’s waterways.

The Arkansas Waterways Commission was established in 1967 and, for several decades, reported directly to the governor. However, during a state government realignment under Gov. Asa Hutchinson, it was placed within the Arkansas Department of Commerce.

The commission “is the sole state agency responsible for developing, promoting and protecting waterborne transportation in Arkansas. The Commission also promotes economic development for ports on the five commercially navigable rivers of the state: The Arkansas, Mississippi, Ouachita, Red, and White Rivers,” according to the commission.

Arkansas Waterways Commission officials say the agency ‘needs to be recognized’