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Contributing Writer
Representatives of the UAM College of Technology-Crossett participated in a barge trip down the Ouachita River from the Crossett harbor to the Felsenthal Lock and Dam and back Sept. 26. UAM-CTC Vice Chancellor Linda Rushing, Director of Instruction Janie Carter, and faculty member Lisa Sharp took part in the tour, which stressed the economic and recreational importance of the Ouachita River to the Southeast Arkansas area. Other participants included industry and business leaders, and local political figures including Senator Jimmy Jeffress, Representative Johnnie Bolin and Representative-elect Eddie Cheatham, the retired director of Student Services at UAM-CTC. The river not only provides a method of transportation for goods, but it is also a major source of recreational opportunities, as well as serving as a critical water source for some areas. The program included updates on the maintenance and other work on the river, as well as renewal of funding to maintain the channel and keep the lock and dam open. Mike Smith, executive director of the Crossett Economic Development Foundation said, "The Ouachita River is one of the best, yet least known, assets in South Arkansas. It holds many untapped and some unknown treasures. Presently, a study is being conducted at the behest of Representative Johnnie Bolin that I believe will demonstrate the strategic advantage this waterway provides for this part of Arkansas and the nation."  The group toured on a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers inspection barge, powered by the tugboat Fred Lee, with the trip coordinated by the Corps, the Ouachita River Valley Association, the Crossett Area Chamber of Commerce and the Crossett Economic Development Foundation Have a comment? Please e-mail us. ŠThe Voice 2006 Revised 09/13/2006 11:05:03 PM— http://www.uamont.edu/Organizations/TheVoice/4_5/crosset.htm |
