The Pine Bluff-Jefferson County Port Authority is an instrumentality of city and county governments established in 1963 in accordance with Arkansas’ Metropolitan Port Authority Act of 1961. The Port Authority is dedicated to maximum development and utilization of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, the nation's inland waterways, the five navigable rivers in the state, and the Port of Pine Bluff.
Those currently serving as directors are:
- Jeff Vanderpool, Chairman
- Joey Gieringer, Secretary-Treasurer
- Jack Adkins, Director
- Beverly Barrett, Director
- David C. Bush, Director
- Rhonda Dishner, Director
- Kris Kline, Director
The Port Authority has two ex-officio directors, Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington and Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson. Allison J.H. Thompson serves as Executive Director.
The 375-acre Harbor Industrial District at the Port of Pine Bluff is a land development project of the Port Authority. A 20-acre public terminal facility has been developed by the Port Authority and is leased to Watco Terminal and Port Services for operation. This arrangement assures access to low-cost water transportation for all shippers in the Pine Bluff area and South and Central Arkansas.
Pine Bluff - Jefferson County Port Authority Meeting Agendas