MORO BAY, Ark. – The U.S. Department of Transportation has designated the Ouachita River as part of the United States Marine Highway System.
The designation, announced July 10 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, adds the Ouachita River as Marine Highway Route M-167. It was part of a national expansion of the Marine Highway Program that included 848 new miles and 14 new route sponsors across the country.
“Our nation’s many rivers and inland ports are crucial resources to moving great American products to markets across the country and around the world,” Secretary Duffy said in the official U.S. DOT press release. “Expanding the Marine Highway Program will strengthen the Great Lakes economy and other regional communities.”
The M-167 designation applies to 337 miles of the Ouachita River and was supported by both the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Arkansas Waterways Commission. In Bradley County, the river forms part of the southwestern boundary and flows through Moro Bay State Park.
Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-LA), who requested the designation in a March letter to Secretary Duffy, said in her official press release, “The Ouachita River is a wonderful natural resource with vast economic potential, especially in a region built by commodities which rely on reliable modes of transportation. This designation will spur rural economic development and increase opportunities for infrastructure improvements and job creation.”
“I want to thank the Trump Administration and Secretary Duffy for looking out for North Louisiana and working with me to unlock our region’s potential,” Letlow added in the same release.
Randy Denmon, President of the Ouachita River Valley Association, commented in Letlow’s press release, “The designation of the Ouachita River as U.S. Marine Highway M-167 provides opportunities for public and private entities along the Ouachita River eligible to apply for federal grants. This is a great opportunity for our area.”
Brandon Waggoner, Vice President of the Association, also said in Letlow’s release, “This is actually pretty huge! The Ouachita River brings so much to the people within the Ouachita River Basin and we are excited to announce this major development. It is a major step in the revitalization of the river.”
The Marine Highway Program was established by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. It is administered by the U.S. Maritime Administration and allocates federal funds on a competitive basis to projects along designated Marine Highway Routes. The current grant application window remains open through July 15, 2025, via grants.gov.
