An economic development home run

Situated along the banks of the Verdigris River in northeastern Oklahoma, the Port of Catoosa is an excellent example of economic vitality and strategic planning. As one of the farthest inland, ice-free ports in the United States, the Port of Catoosa serves as a pivotal hub for both domestic and international trade, playing a vital role in fostering regional development and enhancing global connectivity.

In addition to allowing safe passage for barges, the project’s original goals were to control flooding and provide hydroelectric power generation. Then, in the early 1960s, a group of delegates to Tulsa convinced local business leaders of the opportunity for a waterway, port, and associated development to stimulate business in the region. On Jan. 21, 1971, the first commercial trip along the water corridor from the Mississippi River to Catoosa was completed.

The largest project by the Corp of Engineers to date, the Port of Catoosa was designed as a multi-modal transportation complex to facilitate the movement of goods between the heartland of America and the world. Spanning over 2,500 acres, the port boasts a 2,500-foot main dock. It offers direct access to the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, connecting it to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. This strategic location provides businesses with a cost-effective and efficient means of transporting goods, particularly bulk and oversized cargo, via waterway, rail, and road.

The port’s impact on the local and regional economy is profound. With over 70 companies operating within its industrial park, the Port of Catoosa has become a bustling center of commerce, fostering job creation and economic growth. The diverse array of industries at the port, including manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and logistics, underscores its critical role as a catalyst for economic diversity and resilience in the region.

One of the port’s key strengths lies in its intermodal capabilities. Its direct connection to the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads enables seamless rail transportation, while its’ proximity to significant highways facilitates efficient trucking and distribution. This integrated transportation network offers businesses a competitive advantage, allowing for streamlined supply chain management and access to regional and global markets.

Moreover, the Port of Catoosa’s role as a Foreign Trade Zone further enhances its appeal to businesses engaged in international trade. By providing opportunities for duty deferral, reduction, or elimination of imported goods, the FTZ status stimulates investment. It promotes exports, making the port attractive for companies seeking to optimize their global supply chains.

Looking ahead, the Port of Catoosa is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the region’s future of trade and transportation. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, such as the recent expansion of its industrial park and the modernization of its facilities, the port is well-positioned to accommodate the evolving needs of businesses in an ever-changing economic landscape.

The Port of Catoosa is a testament to the long-range planning of the City of Tulsa and a prime example of the transformative power economic development can have on a community. Its multifaceted capabilities, from its intermodal transportation infrastructure to its status as a foreign trade zone, underscore its significance as a dynamic growth engine for northeastern Oklahoma and beyond.

Jennifer Krebs-Ellis is president & CEO of Cosmetic Specialty Labs, Inc.