In fact, twelve Arkansas counties were recently declared federal disasters because of severe storms and flooding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  This declaration qualifies counties for aid to repair disaster-damaged public facilities.  But what about our farmers?  Any farmer can tell you the June and July months are crucial to most producers, as this is the time vegetables are in high demand and fall crops begin to be planted.  When rains are dangerously persistent, crops are flooded and farmers are unable to properly tend to their fields.

 It is for this reason I am planning to file a bill similar to one I filed and authored in 2003 that will provide emergency assistance to producers who suffer crop losses due to natural disasters such as flooding.  It is important we provide help to farm families when they suffer economically through no fault of their own. 

 Farm families provide this nation with a safe source of food and fiber.  For these crops to be produced in America is as important to our nation’s security as oil.  While crop disaster assistance is available, the funds provided are simply not enough to cover the devastating losses many are currently facing.  As your United States Representative, I will continue to support efforts to provide farm families with disaster assistance funding programs and will tirelessly work toward the security of the American farmer and the acres of crops that are essential to the survival of this great nation.

Construction of the lock and dam was in response to periodic low water conditions in the White River Entrance Channel of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System.  It will help maintain a year-round navigation pool and eliminates the need for major dredging in the area.

“My Arkansas colleagues and I have worked to secure $66.5 million for this much needed project over the last three years,” said Ross, “but this day is the result of over two decades of hard work and more than $237 million to date.  In 1980, the district was asked to investigate low-water problems in the White River Channel with a feasibility study beginning in 1986.  Today, I am excited about the completion of this monumental project and look forward to witnessing the economic development assistance it will most surely bring to the region.”

Ross continued, “I commend those who worked tirelessly to get this project started, and I especially applaud those who remained committed over the years to bring us to this day.  The completion of this lock and dam is a great accomplishment that warrants today’s celebration.”