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.