Congressman Says Port Of Catoosa Expansion Would Provide Stability

Expanding the Port of Catoosa was the focus of a press conference on Friday.

The Water Resource Reform and Development Act would lengthen docks and add 60 additional spaces for barge parking.

U.S. Congressman Markwayne Mullin says the port of Catoosa helps provide stability and confidence in commerce for the area.

And a lot of local markets depend on the channel for shipment of goods.

"If this navigational channel were to stop, it makes a drastic impact on our economy, it affects 8,000 jobs, it affects $5 billion worth of investment and just $2 million in our economy every day," Mullin said.

The new plan would work on the expansion in phases over the next four to five years as well as deepen the channel.