Farm Bureau President Praises River Navigation Measure

The American Farm Bureau Federation says the Mississippi River Navigation Sustainment Act – recently introduced in the U.S. House – would maintain the critical movement of goods during periods of extreme weather. In a letter to the bill’s sponsors – Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman notes that the Mississippi River is a critical national transportation artery on which hundreds of millions of tons of essential commodities are shipped. He says low water events on the river created great uncertainty for those who depend on our waterway systems. But whether it’s low water conditions or devastating floods – Stallman says we need to be proactive in planning and preparing to keep the Mississippi River open for commerce.

Stallman says the legislation introduced by Illinois Representatives Bill Enyart and Rodney Davis will improve understanding of the Mississippi River system while providing additional flexibility for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to respond to extreme weather events through better water management, improved river forecasting and more effective environmental management. According to Stallman – an efficient and reliable inland waterway system linked to competitive ports is vital to America’s ability to provide affordable agricultural products domestically and to compete internationally.

Source: NAFB News service

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