5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, Oklahoma Spring Issue – 2013 Ph. (918) 266-2291

Partnership Agreement to Develop Strategic Plan for McClellan-Kerr Signed at AOPOA Special Meeting

he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Arkansas Oklahoma Port Operators Association to develop a

Strategic Plan for the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. This plan will help ensure the continued viability of the navigation system, and to identify opportunities for future development and modernization initiatives that provide national and regional benefits. Colonel Michael J. Teague, Commander, Tulsa District; Colonel Glen A. Masset Commander, Little Rock District; and David Yarbrough, AOPOA President signed the agreement in Fort Smith on January 31st. Among the initiatives agreed to by the Corps and the AOPOA were the development of a collaborative Federal and Non-Federal management partnership recognized by Arkansas and Oklahoma State governments; the development of a joint operations and maintenance plan; the development of a methodology to evaluate current and potential future economic impacts; the development of a catastrophic event response; the development of mechanisms that bring the collective resources of all users to bear for the system; and the development of a strategic communications plan. "This agreement brings together the Corps, ports and terminals, and the stakeholders along the length of the navigation system in order to find solutions to the numerous issues that we are facing today," said David Yarbrough, AOPOA President. Colonels Teague and Masset agreed that the plan will prove beneficial in such areas as maintenance of the infrastructure on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System.

Colonel Michael J. Teague, Commander, Tulsa District; Colonel Glen A. Masset Commander, Little Rock District; and David Yarbrough, AOPOA President signed the agreement in Fort Smith on January 31st.

"There is a need for a public/private partnership in order to take care of the approximately $100 million in maintenance that is critically needed on this system," said Col. Teague. "This is a start along that path, and it is a positive development." Col. Masset agreed. "With reduced funding available in the Corps budget, a partnership between all entities that utilize or oversee waterway operations is essential," said. Col. Masset. "This is a very positive step forward to ensure that waterway transportation in this region is preserved for future generations." Currently facilitating the development of this plan is a joint Corps/Maritime industry advisory group comprised of AOPOA members from each state and now officially recognized by the Board of Directors of AOPOA as its oversight/action group to work jointly with the Corps. This group has developed a framework for the future of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System and the partnership agreement accepts and builds upon that framework.�

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2012 International Kids’ World – Bringing the Globe to Tulsa’s Doorstep A report by Carol King, Waterways Branch, Oklahoma

Department of Transportation

very two years, the Tulsa Global Alliance hosts an extraordinary kids’ event that is so grand they have

to put it in a large building at the Tulsa County Fairgrounds. Every even numbered year, hundreds of volunteers come together to host International Kids’ World, enlightening thousands of children and adults about dozens of cultures around the world. Participating for the third time, ODOT’s Waterways Branch shared booth space with the Arkansas River Historical Society Museum, showing kids from grades K – 5 how products are imported and exported between Catoosa, Wagoner and Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Asia, South America and other countries abroad via barges and towboats on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. According to TGA director Becky Collins, the three day event (held November 15 – 17) “creates a huge cultural, social, relational, educational and economic ‘footprint’ in Tulsa and upon our globe.” This year, over 60 countries, cultures and organizations operated 76 booths to bring the world to Tulsa. 9,300 students in grades K – 5 and 4,100 teachers and other adults took a whirlwind trip around the world during the three-day event. The children represented 92 schools from 29 school districts. During a two-hour school field trip, children were given a passport that was stamped as they visit dozens of “countries” and had the opportunity to learn about other cultures while reinforcing math, social studies, geography, science, literature, music and visual and language arts. Kids tried on wooden shoes in Holland; learned common words and phrases in different languages including Arabic, Hebrew, Armenian, Cherokee, Chinese Mandarin, Hindi and Osage; tasted foods and played games from different cultures; viewed exhibits of goods made in foreign countries and practiced the art of origami in Japan.

Jeff Yowell with the Tulsa Port of Catoosa and Carol King with the Waterways Branch/ODOT set up the exhibit space at the event. Volunteers assisting with stamping kids’ passports and sorting and handing out educational materials to students during the three days were Terry Sykes, Charlotte Pyle, Bob Portiss and David Yarbrough with the Tulsa Port of Catoosa;

At the Waterway’s exhibit, kids busied themselves working waterway themed crossword puzzles and word searches, as well as putting together miniature paper towboats. More than 4,500 Inland Waterway Activity Books and Fact Sheets were distributed to students during the festival.

Shawna Anderson, Johnston’s Port 33; and Katie McManners, Arkansas Waterways Commission. Also volunteering were Vonnie Taylor, wife of Steve Taylor, Johnston’s Port 33; Chanda Taylor, wife of Josh Taylor, Johnston Terminal-Muskogee; and Wes and Griffin Yarbrough, sons of David Yarbrough, Tulsa Port of Catoosa. Katie McManners not only volunteered but also took notes and photos of the overall event in order to return to Arkansas and meet with various agencies and organizations to possibly start a similar event in that state. Forty-three performances were given during the event, including Taekwondo exhibitions, the Chinese Dragon Dance and Scotsmen playing bagpipes. Exhibitors and over 1,500 volunteers put in 6,000+ hours of service during the festival in order to staff the 76 “ports of call.”�

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Gene Higginbotham Named to NWC Board

ene Higginbotham, Executive Director of the Arkansas Waterways Conference (AWC), was

named to the National Waterways Conference (NWC) Board of Directors in September 2012. Higginbotham was elected to replace Keith Garrison, former Executive Director of the AWC. His term will expire in 2014, and he is eligible for another threeterm. The NWC Board consists of forty-five people. Each is a member or the designated representative of a member of the corporation. Directors terms are three years each, with one-third or fifteen of the Directors to be elected annually. Higginbotham will represent “public members.” NWC Membership is divided into three classifications: Corporate Members consisting of private firms and other for-profit organizations; Public Members consisting of government agencies at all levels, including governmentchartered and quasi-government organizations; and Association/Non-Profit Members consisting of river basin associations, regional development organizations, trade associations, and other such non-profit organizations.�

Arkansas Waterways Commission A Report by Katherine McManners,

Public Information Specialist,

Arkansas Waterways Commission, Little Rock, AR.

he Commission saw much success with its work with the 89th Arkansas Legislature, which wrapped up its

session Tuesday, April 23, 2013. Three bills were passed that benefit Arkansas’ waterways:

• SB265, now Act 609, appropriates $45,000 for the University of Arkansas – Mack-Blackwell Rural Transportation Center (Mack-Blackwell) to complete

an economic development study of the McClellanKerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) in Arkansas. Mack-Blackwell will work in conjunction with a similar educational organization in Oklahoma to study the MKARNS in O

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Gene Higginbotham Board

ne Higginbotham, Executive Director of the Arkansas Waterways Conference (AWC), was

named to the National Waterways Conference (NWC)

Higginbotham was elected to replace Keith Garrison, His term will

and he is eligible for another three-year five people.

designated representative of a member of the corporation. Directors terms are three

third or fifteen of the Directors to be

Higginbotham will represent “public members.” NWC Membership is divided into three classifications: Corporate Members consisting of private firms and other

s consisting of government agencies at all levels, including government-

government organizations; and Profit Members consisting of river

basin associations, regional development organizations, profit

, Little Rock, AR.

with its work with Arkansas Legislature, which wrapped up its

session Tuesday, April 23, 2013. Three bills were passed

SB265, now Act 609, appropriates $45,000 for the Blackwell Rural

Blackwell) to complete an economic development study of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS)

Blackwell will work in conjunction with a similar educational organization

in Oklahoma.

When completed, the two studies can provide the

economic impact of the entire system. We would like to thank Dede Smith with tBranch/Oklahoma Department of Transportation for her assistance in making this intrapossible.

• SB 1091, now Act 1427, amended the ad valorem tax assessed on carriers so that amounts collected in excess of $2,500,000 will goWaterways Commission for the Arkansas Port, Intermodal and Waterway Development Grant Program Fund. The program is described in the next piece of legislation.

• SB 1921, now Act 1483, describes the Arkansas Port, Intermodal Waterway DeveloIt shall be used to provide financial assistance to public port and intermodal authorities.

The Commission is already looking at developing a Waterways Improvement Tax Credit to assist private terminals in the state.�

Tulsa District UpdateA Report by Rodney Beard, Navigation

Tulsa District/USACE, Tulsa, OK.

012 proved to be another challenging year for eastern Oklahoma with record heat and drought conditions.

Tulsa District’s flood storage pools were well below the normal operating capacities and maintaining navigation pools became challenging during the hotmonths. In the absence of heavy spring rains and high flows we were able to avoid emergency dredging situations and focused our atte

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Arkansas Waterways Commission Executive Director Gene Higginbotham (center) visited with Chairman Shuster, House Transportation Committee, and Congressman Tim Griffin at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Monday, April 22, 2013.

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When completed, the two studies can provide the economic impact of the entire system. We would

with the Waterways Oklahoma Department of Transportation for

her assistance in making this intra-state cooperation

SB 1091, now Act 1427, amended the ad valorem tax assessed on carriers so that amounts collected in excess of $2,500,000 will go to the Arkansas Waterways Commission for the Arkansas Port, Intermodal and Waterway Development Grant Program Fund. The program is described in the next

SB 1921, now Act 1483, describes the Arkansas Port, Intermodal Waterway Development Grant Program. It shall be used to provide financial assistance to public port and intermodal authorities.

The Commission is already looking at developing a Waterways Improvement Tax Credit to assist private

District Update , Navigation Project Manager,

/USACE, Tulsa, OK.

012 proved to be another challenging year for eastern Oklahoma with record heat and drought conditions.

Tulsa District’s flood storage pools were well below the normal operating capacities and maintaining navigation pools became challenging during the hot summer

In the absence of heavy spring rains and high flows we were able to avoid emergency dredging

ttention on some of our

Arkansas Waterways Commission Executive Director Gene Higginbotham visited with Chairman Shuster, House Transportation Committee,

and Congressman Tim Griffin at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce

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historical trouble spots. In spite of these conditions, there were minimal impacts to our navigation customers. We finished out the 2012 calendar year with completion of some much needed major maintenance items. We accomplished one of the biggest maintenance jobs on the navigation system for Tulsa District with the completion of the pintle ball (hinge) and bushing replacements on the downstream miter gates at Choteau Lock and Dam. Not only was this a great learning experience for our navigation team, but we diverted a possible major failure that could have forced an unscheduled shutdown.

Major Maintenance Unit employee removes the old pintle ball during the pintle ball and bushing replacement job at Choteau Lock and Dam.

In addition to the pintle ball job, we successfully repaired some severely corroded hydraulic piping at W. D. Mayo in conjunction with Montgomery Point’s shutdown for replacement of gudgeon pins. Besides these jobs, sector bearings were replaced on the upstream miter gates at Newt Graham Lock, and tainter valves were rehabilitated at both Robert S. Kerr and Webbers Falls Locks. LOS (Levels of Service) has been implemented at locks 16, 17 and 18 for the Tulsa District and operators have utilized those four hours to perform needed maintenance. These are only a few examples of some quality work that was completed during 2012. Reliability of the system is our main focus and we will continue to prioritize and execute maintenance to insure a reliable, well- maintained navigation system for our customers.

2013 has begun, and critical maintenance continues to be our main focus. We have replaced leaking hydraulic cylinders on both miter gates and tainter valves at Webbers Falls Lock. Reconnaissance inspections have been performed in pools 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, San Boise

Creek and Poteau River. Our maintenance crew continues to provide quality preventative, breakdown, routine and critical maintenance to the navigation system. Upcoming major maintenance items include the replacing of corroded hydraulic piping at Robert S. Kerr Lock, dredge pit maintenance, structural miter gate repairs at all locks and de-water Lock 18 to repair a bad miter block. We are also starting preparations for another pintle ball replacement at W. D. Mayo in

FY2014.

Despite local drought and low water conditions experienced on the Mississippi River, 2012 was a great year for tonnage on the Oklahoma segment of the MKARNS with 2,515,940 tons shipped inbound and 3,231,190 tons shipped outbound for a total of 5,747,130 tons. We are also off to a great start this year with 311,200 tons inbound, 410,400 tons outbound for a total of 721,600 tons shipped in January. If this pace continues we have the potential to surpass 8.5 million tons this year.�

Little Rock District Update

A Report by Ashley Zink and James McKinnie, Navigation and

Maintenance Section, Little Rock District, Little Rock, AR.

he Little Rock District (SWL) has been extremely busy in 2012 making repairs and performing

maintenance on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS). As you may recall, replacement of the service transformer and medium–voltage disconnect switches at Ozark Lock and Dam (No. 12) as well as replacement of the lock motor control centers at Emmett Sanders Lock and Dam (No. 4), Charles Maynard Lock (No. 5) and D.D. Terry Lock (No. 6) were completed in FY11. Also,

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Severely corroded hydraulic piping.

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Little Rock District Update – Continued from Page 4

limit switch prototypes for D.D. Terry Lock (No. 6) and Murray Lock & Dam (No. 7) were installed in FY11, and are currently functioning. In 2012, SWL completed the procurement of highstoplogs, rehabilitation and painting of all tainter gates at dams Murray (No. 7) and Toad Suck (No. 8), and reroofing of the operations building at Hardin (No. 3), Col. Maynard (No. 5) and David D. Terry (No. 6). completed installation of new motor control centers and electrical service entrances for Norrell (No. 1), Lock 2, and Hardin (No. 3), as well as new electrical control components and cabinets for the spillways at 9 of our locks. Repairs to flood damage were also made to some of the structures between the Arkansas and White Rivers near the Mississippi River. The construction of the southwest approach to the pedestrian bicycle bridge at Murray (No. 7) was completed in late 2012. recently awarded a contract to repair scour holes in the lock walls and end sills at Maynard (No. 5), Terry (No. 6) and Murray (No. 7), with construction occurring in 2013. In the navigation business line of the Civil Works Budget, when an “opportunity” presents itself, importance to the MKARNS operation and maintenanceare scrutinized, prioritized, justified and subsequently funded. Recently SWL discovered issues with the landwall miter gates at Montgomery Point Lock and Dam which initiated an unscheduled dewatering of the lock. Seized gudgeon pins (Image 1) and bushings were successfully removed and replaced thanks to the hard work of Corps employees and close coordination with stakeholders. Image 1: Downstream Land Wall Gudgeon Pin

Continued from Page 4

limit switch prototypes for D.D. Terry Lock (No. 6) and & Dam (No. 7) were installed in FY11,

In 2012, SWL completed the procurement of high-head stoplogs, rehabilitation and painting of all tainter gates at dams Murray (No. 7) and Toad Suck (No. 8), and re-

ions building at Hardin (No. 3), Col. Maynard (No. 5) and David D. Terry (No. 6). We also completed installation of new motor control centers and electrical service entrances for Norrell (No. 1), Lock 2, and Hardin (No. 3), as well as new electrical control components and cabinets for the spillways at 9 of our

amage were also made to some of the structures between the Arkansas and White Rivers near the Mississippi River. The construction of the southwest approach to the pedestrian bicycle bridge at Murray (No. 7) was completed in late 2012. SWL

a contract to repair scour holes in the lock walls and end sills at Maynard (No. 5), Terry (No. 6) and Murray (No. 7), with construction occurring in

In the navigation business line of the Civil Works Budget, when an “opportunity” presents itself, items of importance to the MKARNS operation and maintenance are scrutinized, prioritized, justified and subsequently funded. Recently SWL discovered issues with the land wall miter gates at Montgomery Point Lock and Dam

ering of the lock. Seized gudgeon pins (Image 1) and bushings were successfully removed and replaced thanks to the hard work of Corps employees and close coordination with

Also, SWL has discovered tainter gate sill plate issues stemming from the age of the dams. acquired stop logs are going into immediate use in the sill maintenance repairs and concrete work. that is still needed is a downstream gate cthat, with stop logs upstream, will allow SWL to get the tainter gate and sill plate in the dry for repairs. As previously mentioned, maintenance continues withreplacement of the corroded hydraulic, air and water piping within the confines of each lock. and upgrades to the entrance power service, motor control centers and wiring of the locks and dams continues to lessen the chances of electrical failures and accidents.

Navigation systems are classified as shallow, medium or deep draft systems for coastal waterways and high, moderate or low use for inland waterways. the systems are ranked by national economic importance. Recently the MKARNS has transitioned from low price per ton commodities and made a turn toward higher price per ton commodities. four recorded years, the tonnage has remained reasonability constant (Chart 1); however, there has been a steady increase in value of commodities shipped(Chart 2).

Chart 1: Tonnage for FY09 – FY12

0

5,000,000

10,000,000

15,000,000

FY 2009 FY 2010

Tonnage

$0

$1,000,000

$2,000,000

$3,000,000

$4,000,000

FY 2009 FY 2010

Total Value ($1,000)

Chart 2: Total Value of Commodities for FY09

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lso, SWL has discovered tainter gate sill plate issues stemming from the age of the dams. The recently acquired stop logs are going into immediate use in the sill maintenance repairs and concrete work. One item that is still needed is a downstream gate closure structure that, with stop logs upstream, will allow SWL to get the tainter gate and sill plate in the dry for repairs.

As previously mentioned, maintenance continues with replacement of the corroded hydraulic, air and water

es of each lock. Replacement of and upgrades to the entrance power service, motor control centers and wiring of the locks and dams continues to lessen the chances of electrical failures and

ems are classified as shallow, medium or deep draft systems for coastal waterways and high, moderate or low use for inland waterways. Additionally, the systems are ranked by national economic

Recently the MKARNS has transitioned e per ton commodities and made a turn

toward higher price per ton commodities. For the past four recorded years, the tonnage has remained reasonability constant (Chart 1); however, there has been a steady increase in value of commodities shipped

FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012

Tonnage

FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012

Total Value ($1,000)

Chart 2: Total Value of Commodities for FY09 – FY12

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Little Rock District Update – Continued from Page 5

A decreased budget with aging infrastructure has forced the Corps to find ways to “do more with less”. A reduction in Levels of Service (LOS) is one of many initiatives the Corps is utilizing in order to maintain reliable systems. The location and levels of reduction were determined based off of the 2010 commercial lockage data. Any locks with less than 1,000 commercial lockages for 2010 went to a designated reduction in LOS. For SWL, Ozark (No. 12) and Trimble (No. 13) met this qualification and began a daily four hour maintenance closure starting in October 2012. SWL is using this four hour window to perform necessary backlog maintenance tasks. A re-evaluation of each lock’s level of service will occur annually, beginning in the summer of 2013. Little Rock and Tulsa Districts continue to analyze our operations and work with stakeholders on ways to increase maintenance opportunities.�

OKLAHOMA PORTS AND TERMINALS

Tulsa Port of Catoosa Update by Jeff Yowell, Communications and Advertising

Manager, Tulsa Port of Catoosa, Catoosa, OK

012 was a banner year for operations at the Tulsa Port of Catoosa. Despite problems with persistent

drought and low water conditions on inland river

systems nationwide throughout much of the year, the annual totals for 2012 for cargo through the Port still reached record levels. The annual shipping total through

the Port was 2,702,464 tons, easily beating the previous record of 2.4 million tons of water-borne cargo set in 1998.

There were many other positive milestones in 2012. In June, the Tulsa Port of Catoosa was awarded a $6.4

million matching grant through the 2012 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program. The grant funds will cover approximately 48%

of a rehabilitation project for the Port’s main dock. The project encompasses a significant rehabilitation of the dock through demolition of an existing obsolete transit

shed, construction of new concrete surface, upgrades to the existing overhead crane, and the addition of a second crane on the expanded dock. The project will double the

Port's main dock capacity, allowing simultaneous handling and unloading of multiple barges, and it will improve capabilities to handle non-conventional cargo

types and potentially containerized freight. With those expanded capabilities and traffic, the Port will also see the need for more space for barges. Plans are in the

works to expand barge handling capability through the construction of a fleeting area south of the Port.

A new truck staging area opened at the end of the year, an accomplishment that will also help alleviate some of the traffic on Port roads. The Port's three diesel engines

now have a new storage facility that helps keep protect the Port's railway assets. The Port's employment numbers continued to move in a positive direction throughout the year, as new businesses and current industry expansions came to the industrial

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Chart 2: Total Value of Commodities for FY 09 – FY12.

Postage Stamp vs

Bushel of Wheat “Mr. Lew (Meibergen) has always said that you could send a bushel of wheat from Tulsa to New Orleans for the price of a postage stamp. I have been concerned that was not correct because of an increase in barge freight rates. When Mr. Lew started this saying, freight was $5.00 per ton, and I think postage may have been around $0.12. Erik Kresin and I were discussing this, and he did the math and said it is still close. A $0.46 cent postage stamp would relate to $15.00 per ton barge freight. Soooo, the correct statement would be, ‘You can ship a bushel of wheat from Tulsa to New Orleans for a little more than the cost of a postage stamp.’” Steve Taylor Johnston’s Port 33

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Tulsa Port of Catoosa – Continued from Page 6

park. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation completed construction of a road salt storage building --

the largest of its kind anywhere in the state of Oklahoma. The former Syntroleum site at the Port is now occupied by Valerus Compression Services, LP,

who designs, deploys and maintains compression solutions for practically any application, on- or off-shore, from 25 horsepower compressor packages to

50,000 horsepower compression facilities and beyond. Valerus will be working closely with another rapidly growing Port tenant -- Insulation Specialists of Tulsa --

which also added another facility to its growing reach within the Port's industrial park in 2012. Another new company, Aether DBS, has acquired a brand-new 42,000

square foot facility at the Port. They will be manufacturing large process skids, and the loading and transport of their customer's cargo via truck, rail, and

water will be greatly improved. Despite the continued success of the Port, potential

problems remain with the future viability of the navigation system that must be addressed. Some repairs along the length of the waterway are long overdue and it

is imperative that we have the support of Congress to repair these essential structures. If any piece of infrastructure were to fail along the waterway,

navigation would be interrupted for an indefinite period. The loss to Oklahoma per day would exceed $2 million -- it is that vital.

The Port, which is a member of the Arkansas Oklahoma Port Operators Association, has been working with that

group as it teams up with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to forge a public/private partnership to address the immediate and long-term needs of the

waterway. An agreement between the AOPOA and the Corps to move ahead with that partnership was signed on January 31, 2013.�

Tuloma Stevedoring, Inc. A report by Terry McDonald, President, Tuloma Stevedoring,

Inc., Catoosa, OK.

ccording to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminsitration), drought conditions

in the Mississippi Valley have improved over the past 12 weeks. We at Tuloma Stevedoring are hoping to see an increase in barge traffic due to these improved conditions.

Tuloma’s much anticipated new website is now online. The website has many exciting features including the ability to request quotes and get specific directions to our facility. Our website can be viewed at www.tuloma.com. We are proud to welcome our newest office staff employee. Sadie Accaira joined Tuloma’s team in November. She has several years experience in the steel industry and has become a valuable asset to our operations.�

Johnston’s Port 33 An Update by Steve Taylor, General Manager, Johnston’s

Port 33, Catoosa, OK.

ertilizer was the name of the game at Port 33 in January and February and appears it will continue

thru March and all of April. The fertilizer demand is unbelievable! There are multiple factors that have caused this increase in fertilizer thru the terminals in Oklahoma. One item is the MKARNS is benefiting from the low water problems on the Mississippi River from St Louis to Cairo. Even with lighter drafts in this reach, it was questionable whether navigation was going to cease. That was enough of a scare that fertilizer companies started sending their barges up the Arkansas River to off load and truck north. Another reason includes the increase in the price of grain. The higher the price of grain the more fertilizer a farmer will put on. Other products at Port 33 have also remained strong. Large volumes of grain, petroleum coke and scrap steel have been loading and unloading for quite some time. With our fertilizer volumes so high, grain and all our industrial bulk commodities accordingly gave us a record tonnage in 2012 and has definitely carried over into 2013. This increased tonnage has not come without causing problems. We do not have the fleeting capacity to service this tonnage at Port 33. We have been dropping our barges at Muskogee with the assistance of the barge lines, and Jantran has played a big role in keeping us in business. We have recently hired a real tow boat company, Yazoo River Towing Co. out of Vicksburg, Mississippi, to shuttle barges between Muskogee and Port 33. This is an expensive proposition, but the only way we can stay in business because of the lack of fleet space. We are hoping to have a good year.

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Johnston’s Port 33 – Continued from Page 7

Port 33 Office Manager Becky Stone Retires On a bittersweet note, Steve Taylor went on to report that after more than 22 years as Office Manager at Port 33, Becky Stone is retiring. When people called the office and asked, “Is Becky working today” Steve would say, “All she does is sit around and eat Bon Bon’s and smoke cigarettes.” Well she will finally be able to do that, IF she wants. In the early 1990’s, when she brought up the idea of getting a computer for the office, it was like trying to sell ice to Eskimo’s. They wanted no part of it. Well thank the Good Lord those ‘Eskimo’s’ bought what she was selling, because Port 33 now has one of the most sought after order entry, scale operation and web service programs industry wide! Of all the projects and responsibilities Becky had to ride herd over, the one that always took priority was keeping Steve Taylor lined out. Anyone who knows Steve will tell you that keeping him lined out was a full-time job in itself. We might be losing a co-worker, but the friendships and relationships will still be there. Becky is truly loved and will be missed very much. We wish her all the luck “sitting around eating Bon Bon’s and smoking cigarettes.” No seriously, we hope she enjoys her time with family and traveling to its full extent. And we hope she stops back by the office from time to time too. God Bless.�

Johnston Terminal - Muskogee An Update by Josh Taylor, Terminal Manager, Johnston

Terminal – Muskogee, Muskogee, OK.

ohnston Terminal Muskogee’s past few months has been strong. Due to the Mississippi River low water

problems, we have picked up a few new customers. One of those customers has been railing in soybean meal, and we have been conveying it directly into barge. Paragon Industries has been barge and railing in steel coils at a steady pace due to the ongoing crude oil boom. Plus we have a tremendous amount of rebar heading this way.�

Muskogee Hosts Big Hope Fundraiser for Cancer Research Center

bright pink barge named Big Hope 1 and pink hard hats were the center of attention for a special

fundraising event for the Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center held outside the Three Forks Harbor River Center in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on Thursday, December 6, 2012. The hopper barge, owned by Ceres Barge, was launched in May 2012 and raised more than $200,000 for cancer research at its inaugural event in St. Louis. An employee approached the Ceres Barge owners, Mark Mestemacher and Mark Fletcher, with the idea and the rest is history. Sherwin-Williams donated the paint and Jeffboat ship yard put in the extra labor involved in painting the barge and making sure it looked exceptional the day it was launched. In addition, Jeffboat raised more than $1,600 to give toward cancer research. Mark Fletcher and Mark Mestemacher also pledged to donate a percentage of the barge’s net earnings each year to cancer research for at least five years. In addition to its stops on the McClellan-Kerr, the bright pink barge will be traveling on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The Muskogee fundraiser goal was $20,000 according to Port Director Scott Robinson. They achieved or exceeded that goal with the help of Jantran, the towing company who brought the barge to Muskogee, who donated $2,500; Transammonia who donated $1,500 and Bruce Oakley, Inc., who donated $2,500 for the Muskogee fundraiser. The Port of Muskogee also sold pink hard hats during the event for a $20 donation. Muskogee Mayor Bob Coburn was on hand for the event, declaring Dec. 6, 2012, as “Big Hope I Barge Day” in Muskogee in a mayoral proclamation. To read more about Big Hope 1 and the Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center in Dallas, please visit their websites at: www.ceresbarge.com and www.marycrowley.org.�

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Port of Muskogee An Update by Scott Robinson, Port Director, Port of

Muskogee, Muskogee, OK.

hile barge tonnage at the Port of Muskogee fell short of 2011 record levels, rail traffic increased

29 per cent year over year, as some shippers elected to shift modes in the face of lock closures on the McClellan-Kerr in 2012. Overall activity, barge and rail, was very strong in December of 2012 and in January of 2013, producing the best months, back to back, in the Port’s 43 year history. Soy bean meal shipments, diverted to the Port of Muskogee as the result of river conditions on the Upper Mississippi, contributed to the record traffic. In January, the Muskogee City-County Port Authority acquired its 57th parcel of land, resulting in the addition of approximately fifty acres in the Port of Muskogee, suitable for industrial development. Also in January, the Port Authority acquired the operating assets of Arrowhead Investment and Development Corporation at Three Forks Harbor Marina. In February, V&M TCA announced an $11.8 million expansion at the Port of Muskogee, adding increased production capacity and efficiency to their operations with the purchase of a new state-of-the-art Bronx Straightener. V&M TCA employs 220 people at their Port of Muskogee facility, heat treating, threading and finishing premium oil country tubular products.�

ARKANSAS PORTS AND TERMINALS

Five Rivers Distribution Update by Marty Shell, President, Five Rivers Distribution,

Van Buren, AR.

ive Rivers Distribution had a good start to 2013. We are seeing some tonnage increases at both the Port of Fort Smith and the Port of Van Buren. We

are also seeing some new customers using the river and hope that 2013 continues to be strong and healthy throughout the remainder of the year.�

APAC Central / Arkhola Marine By: Jim Hawkins, Operations Manager, APAC

Central/Arkhola Marine, Van Buren, AR.

rkhola Marine and APAC Central’s Van Buren Sand operation had a stronger than projected 4th Quarter of 2012 due to the weather. 2013 is

shaping up to have a slight increase over 2012 due to the rework of I-540, the paving of a portion of I-49 across Fort Chaffee and some projects in northwest Arkansas. Like all river operators, we are concerned about funding levels for the USACE. The lock closures are affecting us all, but we are persevering. We did not budget for any major renovations or capital expenditures in 2013.�

Logistic Services, Inc. By: Jack Long, Jr., Logistic Services, Inc., Little Rock, AR.

ogistic Services had a record year at our Little Rock terminal in 2012, and we are excited about what

2013 will bring. January was a very strong month, probably our best ever, but February was slow. We expect to be busy this Spring with steel, fertilizer, scrap, aggregate and aluminum leading the way. We have been, and expect to stay, busy with our terminal and packaging operations during the first two quarters of 2013. We are optimistic that 2013 will be a good year and our dock and terminal activity will remain strong!�

Port Of Little Rock An Update by Paul Latture, Executive Director, Port of Little

Rock, Little Rock, AR.

he Port of Little Rock ended 2012 with a record income. Waterborne

tonnage was down slightly for the year, but rail revenue continues to set record levels. January at the Port of Little Rock showed a 111% increase in rail tonnage over 2012. However, the closure of the river in December and the arrival of a large tow of barges pushed our waterborne tonnage percentage higher than normal.

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Current News

Port of Little Rock – Continued from Page 7

Even so, January was an excellent month for both the water and rail components of our financials. We see all segments continuing to recover, albeit at a low pace, from the recent recession. We feel this trend will continue as increases are generally “across theboard” from our customer base. We see economic development prospect continuing to increase both in numbers and quality, another good sign of the economic recovery. The most exciting news will come in April or early May when ground is broken for the Arkansas River Resource Center, a new office building for the Port’s offices and several other river related uses. The plans are virtually complete. The LEEDS certification is underway.call for bids is expected no later than April 1, with a bid opening in late April.�

Pine Bluff-Jefferson County Port AuthorityReported by Rhonda Dishner, Exec. Asst., Economic

Development, The Economic Development Alliance

Jefferson County, Pine Bluff, AR

epresentatives of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance

for Jefferson County, AR, made their annual trip to Washington, DC, on March 18 – 20 to meet with the members of Arkansas’ congressional delegation and their staffers about issues of importance to the county and Southeast Arkansas. The Pine Bluff-Jefferson County Port Authority is an affiliate of The Alliance, and Alliance President Lou Ann Nisbett also serves as executive director of the Port Authority. Nisbett reports that the local group had good visits at theoffices of both of the state’s Senators and all four Representatives. Among the topics discussed was the critical need for deepening the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System channel to 12 feet. Several copies of a briefing paper prepared by Port Authority staff about the 12-foot channel issue were left at each delegation office.�

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January was an excellent month for both the water and rail components of our financials.

We see all segments continuing to recover, albeit at a We feel this trend

will continue as increases are generally “across the We see economic

development prospect continuing to increase both in numbers and quality, another good sign of the economic

The most exciting news will come in April or early May nsas River Resource

Center, a new office building for the Port’s offices and The plans are virtually

The LEEDS certification is underway. The call for bids is expected no later than April 1, with a bid

Jefferson County Port Authority

Rhonda Dishner, Exec. Asst., Economic

The Economic Development Alliance for

epresentatives of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber Commerce and Economic Development Alliance

for Jefferson County, AR, made their annual trip to 20 to meet with the

members of Arkansas’ congressional delegation and their staffers about issues of importance to the county

Jefferson County Port Authority is an affiliate of The Alliance, and Alliance President Lou Ann Nisbett also serves as executive director of the Port

Nisbett reports that the local group had good visits at the offices of both of the state’s Senators and all four Representatives. Among the topics discussed was the

Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System channel to 12 feet. Several

ort Authority foot channel issue were left at each

MISSISSIPPI

CONNECTION

Jantran, Inc.Update by John Janoush, Vice President, Jantran, Inc.

Rosedale, MS.

usiness is strong on the Arkansas and lower Mississippi. We have had as many as 14 vessels on

the river this year. Northbound fertilizer tonnage is overwhelming us. Southbound grain loadings are strong along with scrap, coke, coal and fly ash. Mississippi River levels have risen back to favorable navigation conditions.�

Donald G. Bratton(October 26, 1946 – November 10, 2012)

on Bratton, retired Chief of Navigation, Little Rock District, U. S.

Army Corps of Engineers, passed away on November 10, 2012 at the age of 66. He had served 35 years with the Corps where he was honored five times with the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service from the Department of the U.S. Army. Following his retirement from the Corps, he became a consultant for Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Company. Don remained an advocate for the MKARNS and attended almost every Navigation Conference following his retirement.�

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ISSISSIPPI ONNECTION

Jantran, Inc. Update by John Janoush, Vice President, Jantran, Inc.,

usiness is strong on the Arkansas and lower Mississippi. We have had as many as 14 vessels on

the river this year. Northbound fertilizer tonnage is overwhelming us. Southbound grain loadings are strong along with scrap, coke, coal and fly ash.

sippi River levels have risen back to favorable

Donald G. Bratton

on Bratton, retired Chief

passed away on November 10, 2012 at the age of 66. He had served 35 years with the Corps where he was honored five times with the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service from the Department of the U.S. Army. Following his retirement

ame a consultant for Pine Bluff

Don remained an advocate for the MKARNS and attended almost every Navigation Conference following

In Memory

Current News

John Patrick Clark (September 17, 1933 – February 18, 2013) John Patrick Clark, 79, Broken Arrow, OK, passed away on February 18, 2013. Pat served 33 years with the Army Corps of Engineers in Tulsa, achieving Chief of the Operation Division upon retirement. He also enjoyed a career in the Army Reserves rising to the rank of Colonel. As a member of our waterway family, John will be missed.�

Arthur T. Woodman (March 21, 1926 – March 2, 2013)

For more than 30 years, Arthur T. Woodman chaired the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce's Water Resources Committee. He served as chair of the Arkansas River Basin Development Association, an organization composed of representatives from Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri and Arkansas, and has also served as a member of the MidValley Development Association-a subgroup of the fivestate organization. He worked on water and conservation legislation at the state and federal levelsand was recognized as a leading authority on water resource matters both in Kansas and in the fiveregion. Art was inducted into the Arkansas River Historical Society’s Hall of Fame in 1998. Art also served as President of the Arkansas River Historical Society from 2003 – 2007 and then as Chairman of the Society from 2007 – 2011.�

���� In Memory

He also enjoyed a career in the Army Reserves rising to the

As a member of our waterway family, John will be

of the Arkansas River Basin Development Association, composed of representatives from

Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri and Arkansas, and has also served as a member of the Mid-Ark River

a subgroup of the five-He worked on water and

legislation at the state and federal levels recognized as a leading authority on water

resource matters both in Kansas and in the five-state Art was inducted into the Arkansas River

rved as President of the Arkansas River 2007 and then as

�

Jack Story (July 26, 1924 – April 12, 2013)

ohn “Jack” Story, Jr., was widely known as a visionary and extremely

dedicated waterway enthusiast. Jack was active in every organization that promoted the development of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System in the 1970’s. Those included tDevelopment Association (ABDA), the National Waterways Conference and the United States Propeller Club. In 1997, Jack received the Governor's Award as an Oklahoma Water Pioneer. Jack is a charter member of the Arkansas River Historical Society, and has served as presidentof the board and chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee. He was inducted into the Historical Society’s Hall of Fame in 2001.

Current News is a publication of the ArkansasPort Operators Association. If you have any questions or comments, please contact: Cindy Green Tulsa Port of Catoosa 5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015 Ph: (918) 266-2291 ���� E-Mail: cindy@tulsaport.com

THE SPRING ISSUE OF

CURRENT NEWS

IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.AOPOA.NET

If you would like to receive future issues of

News via eplease send your request to:

Cindy Green

Arkansas-Oklahoma Port Operators Association5350 Cimarron RoadCatoosa, OK 74015

E-mail: cindy@tulsaport.com

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In Memory

Page 11

enthusiast. Jack was active in

Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System in the 1970’s. Those included the Arkansas Basin Development Association (ABDA), the National Waterways Conference and the United States Propeller

received the Governor's Award as

is a charter member of the Arkansas River Society, and has served as president, chairman

and chairman of the Hall of Fame He was inducted into the Historical

Society’s Hall of Fame in 2001.�

is a publication of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Port Operators Association. If you have any questions or

cindy@tulsaport.com

THE SPRING ISSUE OF

CURRENT NEWS

IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.AOPOA.NET!

If you would like to receive future issues of Current via e-mail,

send your request to:

Cindy Green Oklahoma Port Operators Association

5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015

cindy@tulsaport.com