The economic impact of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System was highlighted during an August 28 press event at the Port of Catoosa. Hosted by Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the event featured presentations from U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-2, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese and OKFB President Tom Buchanan.
“This waterway system provides a direct benefit for Oklahoma’s agricultural industry,” said Buchanan.
In 2013, 3.1 million tons of agricultural products were shipped on this navigation system, including 1.4 million tons of wheat and close to a million tons of soybeans. Buchanan noted farmers in his area of Altus, Oklahoma, often truck their grain directly to the Port of Catoosa and haul back fertilizer.
“This provides a double benefit for our farmers, not just in southwest Oklahoma, but all across this state,” said Buchanan.
Staying competitive in a global market was touted by Rep. Mullin.
“If we are going to be competitive, then we’ve got to have this type of infrastructure to move our commodities to market,” said Mullin.
The river system’s efficiency was praised by Sec. Reese.
“There’s not a railroad or highway anywhere that can move our product directly around the world,” said Reese.
While noting the river system is definitely a navigable waterway, Rep. Mullin said the EPA proposal to redefine all waters of the U.S. as “navigable” is an example of federal overreach. He cited the example of a dry ditch that might hold water after a heavy rain, falling under the new EPA proposal.
“The biggest threat to our farming community is the federal government,” said Mullin. “If you think people in Washington, D.C., care more about our water, than we do, then that’s a joke.”
Mullin commended the agricultural community for speaking out against government regulations.
“Farm Bureau has done a phenomenal job of exposing the EPA and the heavy handed regulators in Washington, D.C.,” said Mullin. “If it wasn’t for Farm Bureau willing to stand up and fight, then this would be a different world.”
