J. Bennett Johnston Waterway Public Meetings Notice

Vicksburg, Miss…The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District is hosting three public meetings to discuss proposed changes in lock operating hours and the Inland Marine Transportation System study on the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway and Red River (JBJ). 

March 4, 2013 Alexandria City Hall 915 Third Street, Alexandria, LA 71309

March 26, 2013 Natchitoches Events Center 750 2nd Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457

April 8, Caddo-Bossier Ports Regional Commerce Center 6000 Doug Attaway Blvd., Shreveport, LA  71115

The purpose of the meetings is to involve the public, industry and state officials regarding the lock operating hours.  This action is part of a nationwide effort to maximize constrained funding and provides consistent levels of service throughout the Corps’ Inland Marine Transportation System.  The cost savings from these efforts could be applied to backlogged maintenance of locks to reduce closures and improve system reliability

Each meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m.  The public is invited to attend the meetings in order to learn more about the levels of service program and provide input for the hours of operation of the locks.  Topics of discussion will be limited to the locks and dams on JBJ river system.  Each person will be allowed five minutes to comment or complete a comment card for submission to the Vicksburg District.  Additional information and guidance will be distributed prior to each meeting.

The Vicksburg District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the steward of the lands and waters of our nation. The civil works mission of the District is to manage and conserve America’s waterways for navigation and commerce and stay consistent with ecosystem management principles.  The District provides quality public outdoor recreation experiences to serve the needs of present and future generations.

To learn more about the Vicksburg District, visit our website, www.mvk.usace.army.mil.