RITA

Western Arkansas Intermodal Authority

Goals and Objectives for 2016

Goal #1: Continue to Support a Regional Intermodal Port

Objectives:

  • Encourage Corp of Engineers to publish the completed USACE-CAP 107 Small Navigation Report
  • Continue political awareness of Corps Study and Report (focus on Federal Contacts)
  • Develop Action Plan for Regional Port development to include partnerships with other ports, private businesses and public infrastructure
  • Communicate with Dan Hendricks at Arkansas World Trade Center to develop a plan that includes the Panama Canal and potential customers
  • Develop plan of public port or private port with a company to build
  • Meet with railroads, other ports and the Arkansas World Trade Center
  • Define what WA-RITA wants to accomplish in terms of future RFP
  • Conduct communications and meetings with the states of Mississippi, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma to look at funding and support of the Port
  • Create an awareness strategy of the Intermodal Port located in Crawford County
  • Attend meetings with Corp of Engineers and other groups to include Arkansas World Trade Center, Arkansas Waterways, MKARNS River Port Operators and Legislators
  • Create Action Steps on monthly calendar to increase Board awareness
  • Re-meet with Louisiana after Corps approval
  • Continue emphasis of importance of meeting with the Arkansas Oklahoma Port Operators Association (AOPOA) and continue to followtheir published stated goals and objectives as stated byGene Higginbotham with the Arkansas Waterway Association.

Goal #2: Continue to Promote I-49 Development

Objectives:

  • Conduct quarterly contact with Director of the Arkansas Highway Transportation Department and the Governor of Arkansas
  • Encourage Arkansas Highway Department to continue to recognize the importance of the section of I-49 at Alma to Fort Chaffee Crossing and the 1-49 Bridge across the River

Goal #3 Find additional Financial Assistance for Funding RITA

Objectives:

  • Work with and encourage state leaders to provide state level funding for Regional Intermodal Transportation Authorities
  • Promote WA-RITA and Tell the Story
  • Meet with City Directors at Fort Smith, Van Buren City Council members, and Quorum Courts of Crawford and Sebastian County to discuss WA-RITA
  • Invite Fort Smith City Directors, Sebastian County Quorum Court Members, Crawford County Quorum Court Members and Van Buren City Council Members to WA-RITA meetings
  • Conduct a Wrap up Session in June/July time frame to discuss WA- RITA with important agenda items and include Board Members in the presentation

Goal #4 Support all Modes of Transportation

Objectives:

  • Encourage rail, road, and truck transportation at the intermodal port site and tie in these modes of transportation and facilities to expand businesses and jobs
  • Support the update of the State Wide Rail Plan via the AHTD staff and appropriate Legislators
  • Assist MPO in updating Metropolitan Transportation Plan by providing freight and waterways information
  • Support State Wide Freight Plan via attending meetings, interaction with AHTD staff, Legislators and appropriate facility users