Our Mission
The Arkansas Waterways Association was formed in 1995 to unite public and private support for the waterways of Arkansas, to communicate with a united voice, and to develop enthusiastic support and participation of a new generation of leaders.
Five Major Rivers
We represent the Arkansas, Mississippi, Red, Ouachita, and White Rivers — the backbone of the state's waterway transportation network.
Ports & Terminals
Connecting Arkansas industries to national and global markets through strategic port facilities and intermodal logistics hubs.
Advocacy & Leadership
Building enthusiastic support and participation from a new generation of leaders to ensure Arkansas waterways remain viable for decades to come.
"Our waterways are vital arteries of commerce. The Arkansas Waterways Association works every day to ensure they remain strong, navigable, and ready to serve the industries and communities that depend on them."
Trusted Across the Region
Intermodal Logistics
Arkansas sits at the crossroads of America's inland waterway system. Our rivers connect seamlessly with rail and highway networks, creating efficient intermodal corridors that move goods from the heartland to global markets.
The Helena Harbor Industrial Complex alone encompasses 4,000 acres of flood-protected industrial sites centered around a two-and-a-quarter-mile, nine-foot-deep slackwater harbor — a prime example of Arkansas's waterway infrastructure advantage.
Recent News
2019 AWA Conference
The 2019 Arkansas Waterways Conference was held on November 7th at 9 a.m. in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Speakers from across the maritime and transportation sectors shared insights on the future of inland waterways.
National Waterways Conference
In March 2016, the Honorable Paul Jaenochen, Maritime Administrator with the U.S. Department of Transportation, presented at the National Waterways Conference, highlighting federal support for port and waterway infrastructure.
The Arkansas Waterways Association brings together a diverse coalition of stakeholders who share a common interest in the health and vitality of the state's navigable rivers. By uniting public agencies and private enterprises, the organization creates a platform where different perspectives converge to shape the future of waterway transportation. This collaborative approach ensures that decisions affecting the river system reflect the needs of industries, communities, and the natural environment alike.
Arkansas is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of five major rivers that form the backbone of its waterborne commerce. The Arkansas, Mississippi, Red, Ouachita, and White Rivers together create an extensive transportation network that moves goods efficiently across the region and beyond. These waterways connect inland producers to coastal ports and global markets, offering a cost-effective and environmentally favorable alternative to overland freight for bulk commodities.
The annual conference serves as the association's flagship event, drawing attendees from across the region for several days of education, networking, and collaboration. Each year the gathering rotates among venues that showcase the state's waterways, with sessions covering policy developments, infrastructure projects, and operational best practices. The event provides a forum where industry veterans and newcomers alike can exchange ideas and strengthen the relationships that sustain the waterway community.
Ports and terminals along Arkansas waterways function as critical nodes in the supply chain, linking river transport with rail and highway networks. These intermodal facilities handle a wide range of commodities, from agricultural products and construction materials to steel and chemicals. By providing efficient transfer points between different modes of transportation, they enable shippers to optimize logistics and reduce costs while supporting the economic competitiveness of the entire region.
Advocacy remains at the heart of the association's work, giving the waterway community a unified voice in discussions with policymakers at every level of government. The organization monitors legislative and regulatory developments that could affect navigation, infrastructure funding, and environmental stewardship. Through coordinated outreach and education, it helps decision-makers understand the vital role that rivers play in the state's economy and quality of life.
Membership in the Arkansas Waterways Association opens doors to a network of professionals who share expertise, resources, and a commitment to the river transportation industry. Members include port authorities, terminal operators, barge lines, engineering firms, and other businesses whose work touches the waterways. The association provides regular updates on industry trends, educational opportunities, and avenues for members to contribute their voices to the broader conversation about waterway policy.
Developing the next generation of waterway leaders is a core priority embedded in the association's mission. Through mentorship, educational programming, and opportunities for meaningful participation, the organization cultivates enthusiasm among younger professionals entering the field. This forward-looking emphasis ensures that the knowledge and passion that built Arkansas's waterway system will continue to guide its evolution for decades to come.
The association maintains a comprehensive resource library that supports informed decision-making across the waterway community. From navigation charts and infrastructure reports to economic impact studies and regulatory guidance, these materials help members stay current with the information they need. Access to reliable, up-to-date resources empowers stakeholders to plan effectively and advocate knowledgeably for the future of the state's rivers.
Behind every initiative and event stands a dedicated board of directors and an executive director who guide the association's strategic direction. This leadership team draws on deep experience across the public and private sectors, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of its members. Their steady stewardship keeps the association focused on its mission while adapting to new challenges and opportunities that arise along Arkansas's waterways.
EnviroTech at Helena Harbor
February 2016 saw EnviroTech featured at Helena Harbor, showcasing the industrial complex's role as a hub for environmental technology and waterway-based commerce along the Mississippi River.