Last year, in the President’s original FY05 Budget proposal, funding for the Ouachita Black River Navigation System was zeroed out for maintenance and operation.  These funds provide essential money for bank stabilization and dredging for the Ouachita Black River.  After many meetings through a joint, bipartisan effort with Governor Huckabee, Senators Lincoln and Pryor, and Congressmen Berry and Alexander, funding was successfully restored.  The Ouachita Black River Navigation system was one of a dozen low-use waterways in America threatened by 2005 budget cuts, and the only low-use waterway to have funding restored in FY05.   Currently, funding for the navigation system stands at $10.4 million, as passed a few weeks ago in the House and Senate Energy & Water Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006.   

Water resources are essential to the longevity and economic vitality of the region as communities, industries, farmers, recreational users, navigation interest, and fish and wildlife all benefit from these resources.  These projects are vital to maintaining and improving our way of life, and preserving it for future generations of Arkansans.  The Ouachita Black River Navigation system directly affects much of the regions industry, including agriculture, the paper & pulp industries, oil and gas refineries, fuel & chemical distribution and power generation plants within the Ouachita River Valley region.  Business and industry such as these are able to efficiently utilize waterborne transportation, saving on rising fuel costs.   

As your member of Congress, I am committed to projects in the Fourth Congressional District, such as the Ouachita Black River Navigation System, that contribute to the economic vitality and quality of life of the region.  I will continue to work to ensure such projects receive the funding necessary to keep them in operation for businesses and recreational use for all of Arkansas to enjoy.