On October 9, the Memphis District hosted a pivotal meeting with Congressional, municipal, and industry partners to discuss the proposed extension of Arkansas’s Osceola Harbor by 3,000 feet. This initiative is crucial for supporting the growth of the steel industry in the region like Big River Steel, U.S. Steel, and Hybar, LLC.
This partners’ gathering was joined by U.S. Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01), and Mississippi Valley Division Programs Directorate Director James Bodron, SES. From the Memphis District were Commander and District Engineer Col. Brian Sawser, Deputy District Engineer for Programs and Project Management Donny Davidson, Project Management Branch Chief Danny Ward, Command Strategic Advisor Meagan Schroeder, Osceola Harbor Extension Project Manager Andrea Carpenter-Crowther, and Operations Project Manager Vickie Watson. Local partners included City of Osceola Mayor Joe Harris, and representatives from the steel and grain industries.
Sawser got the meeting started with introductions and an overview of the project. Sawser said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, “Bringing all interested parties together enables us to focus on solutions, allowing us to respond promptly to any hurdles presented.”
Stressing the urgency of expediting the study process to facilitate the harbor expansion, U.S. Rep. Crawford said, “We must act decisively and efficiently to expedite the process of expanding Osceola Harbor, ensuring that our local steel industry has the resources it needs to grow and thrive. Our commitment today will pave the way for a stronger economic future for our community.”
Project Manager Carpenter-Crowther outlined the project’s scope and explored the various alternatives and Operations Project Manager Watson provided the gathering an update on dredging efforts at the harbor.
Deputy District Engineer Davidson underscored the collective aim of working together efficiently to shorten the feasibility study timeline and swiftly move toward construction by saying, “We [the Corps] are continuously working to streamline our processes and deliver timely, quality projects for our customers.”
With a collective determination and a unified commitment from all partners, the future of Osceola Harbor looks bright for supporting regional economic growth and infrastructure vital to the local steel industry.