The Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) for the Osceola Harbor Extension was signed last week by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Memphis District and local leaders, including Arkansas Congressman Rick Crawford.
This Section 107 Continuing Authority Program project is set to extend the harbor’s federal navigation channel by 3,000 feet and add a second turning basin to alleviate congestion as eastern Arkansas emerges as a steel manufacturing hub.
“ The new $700 million Hybar LLC rebar facility and U.S. Steel’s $11 billion investment by 2028 are expected to increase harbor traffic from 500,000 tons of agricultural exports to 5.5 million tons of steel, effectively supporting over 4,700 jobs. And a December 2025 feasibility study predicted the project would have an economic return of $11.70 for every $1 invested, making it one of the best returns in the program ,” USACE said.
Construction will begin with $6.5 million from the 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Act and cost share matching funds from the Osceola Port Authority.