Included in this report is funding for the Ouachita/Black River Navigation, a project Congressman Ross has been working on for many months.  In the President’s original budget proposal, funding for the project was eliminated for navigation. 

“I am pleased to have helped secure this funding for our district’s energy and water needs,” Ross said.  “This crucial funding will create economic opportunities through studies, construction, and other improvements to our waterways.  Water resources are the key to the longevity of the region as communities, industries, farmers, recreational users, navigation interest, and fish and wildlife all benefit from these resources.  These projects are essential to maintaining or even improving our way of life, and preserving it for future generations of Arkansans.” 

 The Report includes funding for the following Fourth District projects: 

Montgomery Point Lock and Dam - $9.09 million 
Ouachita and Black Rivers Lock and Dam (AR and LA) - $ 9.974 million 
Yellow Bend Port - $135,000 
Arkansas River Navigation Study, AR & OK - $500,000 
Blakely Mountain Dam, Lake Ouachita - $7.192 million 
DeGray Lake - $6.164 million 
McClellan Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System - $3 million 
McClellan Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System - $7.664 million 
Narrows Dam, Lake Greeson - $5.613 million 
Hot Springs, Arkansas (flood control) - $67,000 
Bayou Meto Irrigation - $2.447 million 
Arkansas River Levee - $150,000 

The Senate must now pass their bill and the President must sign it into law before these projects are final.