Arkansas
The Impact of Arkansas’ Waterways (Cassandra Caldwell Commentary)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel M/V J. Gene Crump and its crane barge depart after its crew performed maintenance at Murray Lock and Dam (Steve Lewis)
Before we constructed railroads, paved roads and built highways, we traveled and transported goods along the existing channels that still flow through our state today — rivers. Arkansas is blessed to not only have beautiful natural waterways that provide recreational opportunities and scenic backdrops for its residents, but also to have five commercially navigable rivers that offer safe, efficient, cost-effective, global transportation for businesses across the state and nation.
The United States has nearly 12,000 miles of commercially active inland and intracoastal waterways, including the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Arkansas is one of only 24 states with inland waterways and ranks third in the country for the number of inland waterway miles, boasting more than 1,800 miles along the state’s commercially navigable rivers: the Arkansas, Mississippi, Ouachita, Red and White.
Waterborne transportation is essential for numerous industries in Arkansas, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction and forestry. The McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System plays a vital role by providing a navigable route from the state’s western border to the Mississippi River. Each year, millions of tons of commodities, such as rice, chemical fertilizers, steel and sand, are transported on these rivers.
Why is waterborne transportation so important? This mode reduces fuel and transportation costs for businesses, moving products and resources to their destinations more safely and efficiently than other freight transportation modes, such as rail or truck. A single 15-barge tow is equivalent to about 225 jumbo rail cars or 870 tractor-trailer trucks.
Barge transportation is the most cost-effective mode of transportation, with lower fuel consumption, minimal pollution and economy of scale. Access to waterborne transportation helps to decrease rail and truck freight rates, leading to more efficient distribution of products and lower raw material costs for businesses. In addition, barge transportation is the safest method for moving chemicals and toxic materials.
Water transportation produces no noise pollution or traffic congestion, decreases costs associated with highway maintenance, and results in improved highway safety. Other positive impacts on the natural environment include flood mitigation, hydroelectric power generation, water supply for agriculture, industry and communities, fish and wildlife habitats, parks and recreational areas.
Furthermore, waterborne transportation supports thousands of jobs in Arkansas, particularly in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and energy. In addition to creating employment opportunities, cost savings from barge transportation allow these industries to invest more in their employees, often providing higher than average wages and benefits.
At the Arkansas Waterways Commission, our mission is to develop, promote and protect waterborne transportation on these navigable rivers.
Cassandra Caldwell is the director of the Arkansas Waterways Commission, the state agency responsible for developing, promoting and protecting waterborne transportation in Arkansas. The commission also promotes economic development for ports on the five commercially navigable rivers of the state.
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — A bee swarm attack in Texas sent three people, including a firefighter, to the hospital this week, while Arkansas medical experts said most bee stings are not dangerous but can become life-threatening in certain cases.
Authorities in San Antonio said the three victims were hospitalized after being swarmed and stung by aggressive bees. Officials have not released details on what triggered the attack or the species involved.
Doctors in Arkansas said the biggest risk from a bee sting is not the sting itself, but a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
“The concern when you have a bee sting is if you develop a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis,” said Dr. Garrett Lewis, chief medical officer at St. Vincent Infirmary.
Lewis said warning signs include throat swelling, difficulty breathing and feeling faint, which require immediate medical attention.
“If you’re experiencing any throat swelling or severe shortness of breath, you need to seek medical care immediately,” Lewis said.
He added that people who are stung multiple times may also be at risk even without a known allergy, because each sting introduces additional venom into the body.
In the event of a swarm, Lewis said the priority should be escaping the area as quickly as possible and removing any stingers once safe.
“Seek water, seek indoor,” Lewis said. “Once you’re away from the swarm, you want to make sure that you are removing any stingers that might still be in your skin.”
Lewis also said symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and widespread hives can indicate a serious reaction.
While the Texas incident resulted in hospitalizations, a recent swarm outside a Little Rock business ended without injuries after bees briefly gathered on a tree limb before being safely removed by a beekeeper.
Lewis said the best prevention is awareness of surroundings and understanding when medical care is needed after a sting.
CORNING, Ark. (KATV) — Regulatory Enforcement Agents with the Department of Finance and Administration, along with local police, seized a significant amount of illegal THC products from Pacific Green in Corning on Tuesday.
According to the DFA, more than a dozen agents joined the City of Corning Police in the day-long operation that resulted in two arrests.
DFA agents seized more than 25 pounds of illegal products consisting of flower, vapes, and edibles.
Owner Ben Bennett and employee Sharia Shipman were arrested and both charged with the following:
- Delivery of a Schedule VI controlled substance (Class D Felony)
- Possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with the purpose to deliver (Class B Felony)
- Controlled substances – Offenses relating to records, maintaining premises (Class C Felony)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class D Felony)
- Unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate certain crimes (Class C Felony)
Bennett’s bond was set at $150,000, while Shipman’s bond was set at $100,000.
“In addition to selling illegal products, investigators confirmed violations involving underage access at this location,” said David Potter, Director of the Regulatory Enforcement Division. “This retailer, which was located within 1,000 feet of a school, presented significant public health and safety concerns. We are proud to partner with the Corning Police Department in addressing these violations. We seized a substantial quantity of illegal products, including flower, vapes, edibles, and other items, during the operation. We appreciate the cooperation of local law enforcement and information received from the community that led to yesterday’s operation and stopped this blatant disregard of the law.”
Note: All suspects accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
The Department of Finance and Administration said Arkansans can use Apple Wallet to present their license or ID in person, online and in apps at select organizations, including at more than 250 Transportation Security
-
News26 minutes agoNational Guard has done little to reduce violent crime in D.C., a new study finds
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoMan claiming to be armed robs Culver City bank, gets away with $10,000
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoFired Detroit TV anchor Taryn Asher files sex discrimination lawsuit against old station, claims new GM protected men
-
San Francisco, CA2 hours agoSan Francisco family devastated as they face nearly 90% rent increase
-
Dallas, TX2 hours agoWings’ top pick Azzi Fudd hosts clinic as Cash App donates to Dallas nonprofit
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoPatients left scrambling for care after Miami-Dade woman accused of operating an unlicensed surgery recovery center
-
Boston, MA2 hours agoClover plans to reopen some locations after sudden closure, thanks to an anonymous investor
-
Denver, CO3 hours agoNew report finds Denver metro home buyers and sellers experiencing ‘unattainability fatigue’
