Congresswoman Julia Letlow asks DOT to give Ouachita River new designation

OUACHITA PARISH, La. (KNOE) - Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow is pushing for the Ouachita River to be designated as part of the United States Marine Highway Program.

Letlow’s office announced the congresswoman asked the U.S. Department of Transportation to designate the 605 mile-long Ouachita River as Marine Hwy. 165.

The USMH Program, administered by the Maritime Administration, works to find ways to better utilize America’s waterways.

Letlow said there could be economic benefits to the Ouachita River becoming part of the program.

“Expanding the use of the Ouachita River will improve supply chain reliability, lower transportation costs, and support economic stability for businesses and communities across Louisiana,” Letlow said.

Letlow added that designating the Ouachita River as Marine Hwy. 165 is particularly crucial due to the region’s agricultural presence.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow pushes designating Ouachita River as Marine Highway by Madison Remrey on Scribd