VAN BUREN, Ark. — As part of President Biden’s Investing in America program, which works to fund, develop, and expand ports around the country, the Five Rivers Distribution Port in Van Buren is set to get some upgrades.
The United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg says they are sending $15 million to the Fort Smith facility for improved efficiency.
Secretary Buttigieg adds, "It is a very important part of how barge traffic moves on the Arkansas River. That's a big part of our supply chains. A lot of people don't know about it or think about it. But the prices we pay at the store depend on having more efficient ways to ship goods, including moving them up and down the river, which can also be the most environmentally responsible way to move things.”
President of Five Rivers Distribution Port Marty Shell, says he’s eager to see the improvement in quality of life in the River Valley with the creation of the Slackwater harbor.
“I think the Biden administration's overall view would be to help with the climate change issue. We're trying to get away from using fossil fuels and trying to use more electric power, trying to get the congestion off of our concrete highways and start utilizing our liquid highways," says Shell.
Shell calls it the liquid highway because the project will create a pathway for port staff to pick up barge shipments from tow boats at the river, drive them over into an open field, and then allow companies to come pick up their deliveries. The idea is to create a more efficient and cheaper process for the port staff and suppliers to pick up goods.
And the project will also stimulate the River Valley community with job opportunities.
Shell adds, "With our partners at the A&M Railroad, with the new Interstate 49 running north and south, and the original I40 running east and west, it makes a prime location for economic growth for the future.”
Secretary Buttigieg says there is more funding to be allocated because "We are smack in the middle of the infrastructure package, in fact, we're coming up on the two-year anniversary since the President signed it. So keep your eye out for more good news coming to the region, whether it's roads and bridges or transit, or airports and ports like this one.”
Five Rivers Distribution says construction is expected to begin next year and finish in 2025. Shell says barge shipments will not be affected throughout construction.
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