The National Corn Growers Association says eroding river infrastructure is a major concern for corn farmers. An NCGA spokesperson says “upgrading the navigational efficiency of these waterways is a priority for corn farmers,” more so as most prospective customers of U.S. corn are now overseas. The comments come as new research by the Mid-America Freight Coalition finds the failure of the nation’s aging river locks and dams along the Mississippi River would cost billions of dollars in lost jobs and reduced economic activity. USDA research shows a disruption at Lock & Dam 25 on the Upper Mississippi River, a key location on the river system, would significantly hamper economic activity. The report concludes a Lock 25 closure could result in a loss of more than 7,000 jobs, $1.3 billion of labor income, and about $2.4 billion of economic activity annually.
A total of 36 locks and dams, 28 on the Upper Mississippi River, are maintained at a nine-foot depth navigation channel for barge transportation.
Source: NAFB News Service