Oceola Harbor Extension Coming

Memphis Engineer District, Osceola and Arkansas officials broke ground October 7 on the $6.54 million Osceola Harbor Extension Project in Osceola, Ark. Dredging is underway to extend the navigation channel 3,000 feet upstream from Lower Mississippi River Mile 785 and add a second turning basin. Commander John Morrow said the project lets the port handle more barges and speed turnaround, improving maneuverability and cutting costs. U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, joined by Mayor Joe Harris Jr., called the river a “superhighway” for local jobs and said the harbor exports 500,000 tons of grain and 5.5 million tons of steel yearly. Federal and local funds paid for it.