Senate Review by Senator Randy Brogdon

One of the most visionary infrastructure investments in our state and nation’s history is the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. Dedicated in 1971, Oklahoma’s “waterway to the world” is a 440-mile navigation system that allows shipping to originate and come through our state that results in an average of 13 million tons of cargo transported yearly. As a result, the Tulsa Port of Catoosa is one of the largest, most inland river-ports in the entire country.

The economic impact of the Tulsa Port of Catoosa to Oklahoma and our country cannot be understated. The segment between Catoosa and Muskogee is responsible for the direct employment of more than 4,000 people with a yearly payroll of more than $85 million. In addition, indirect employment of another 6,000 people, with a payroll of $90 million benefits from the ports.

Nearly 37 years have passed since the dedication of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. Congress has failed to provide the funds necessary to adequately maintain and modernize the Navigation System. There is a backlog of more than $30 million in unfunded critical maintenance programs. In addition, the need for improvements is even more pressing in light of the federal government’s recently enacted Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, resulting in substantial increases in container shipments by barge.

In 2006, Congress authorized spending $160 million to deepen the Navigation System to 12 feet, enabling even greater transport capacity between Muskogee and Catoosa.

The failure of Congress to provide the necessary funds to maintain and modernize the Navigation System puts its safety and reliability at risk, as well as jeopardizes thousands of jobs and the economic health of our entire state.

In the State Senate this week I successfully won passage for a resolution calling on the federal government to meet their obligations, and provide the full funding necessary to the operations, maintenance and improvements required on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. Our state and national economy depend upon it.

It is an honor to serve you in the in the State Senate. I can be reached by writing to Senator Randy Brogdon, Room 416, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, or by calling (405) 521-5566, or email at brogdon@oksenate.gov.