The Arkansas Waterways Commission (AWC) awarded more than $698,000 in grant funding to make structural repairs and assist with dredging projects. 3 separate ports were the recipients of this grant through the Arkansas Port, Intermodal and Waterways Grant program, according to McGehee-Dermott Times News. Chicot-Desha Metropolitan Port Authority Yellow Bend Port was awarded a $192,000 grant to assist in conveyor belt upgrades. Helena-West Helena/Phillips County Port Authority was awarded $287,613 to work on Phase I of the Helena Rail Expansion Project, and Osceola Port Authority received $218,700 for port warehouse roof refurbishment. With fuel costs rising and inflation becoming a topic of concern, the grant will have a great effect on barge transportation and the ports for additional maintenance. The grant was established by Act 1483 of the 89th General Assembly.
