NCGA
Optimistic About Progress on Navigation Study (2-2-04)
The
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is encouraged by news of
progress on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Upper Mississippi
River – Illinois Waterway System Navigation Study.
After meeting
with stakeholders in Moline, Ill., last week, the Corps today released
preliminary information on the contents of its draft tentative plan
for lock and dam improvements on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois
rivers. The full contents of the final draft plan will not be publicly
released until May.
“We’re
happy to hear that the Corps is moving forward with its recommendation
process,” said Rick Tolman, NCGA chief executive officer. “We
anxiously await the release of the final draft plan and look forward
to working with the Corps and other agencies on a positive solution
to the problem of river inefficiencies.”
The Corps study
team says its tentative recommendation includes a “framework
plan” for construction of 1,200-foot lock chambers to replace
inadequate 600-foot chambers at up to 10 Upper Mississippi River sites
and two sites on the Illinois River. According to a press release
from the agency, “The Corps is considering various options for
timing of construction of the improvements.” Tolman said Congress
must authorize construction of new locks as soon as possible if American
farmers are to remain competitive with emerging countries.
“The Corps
has obviously taken our input to heart, but we can’t afford
to wait any longer to get started on these improvements,” Tolman
said. “Construction of 1,200-foot chambers to replace antiquated
600-foot chambers is extremely important to corn growers and the carriers
who take our product to other markets.”
Also under consideration
are small structural measures such as mooring cells and switch boats.
The Corps is also continuing investigation into non-structural solutions
and appropriate environmental mitigation. Environmental Alternative
D, a $5.1 billion restoration project effecting 416,000 acres, is
being strongly considered by the Corps as the preferred environmental
alternative.
The Corps stressed
that the tentatively selected plan is a “work in progress.”
Initial release of the draft plan is scheduled for Feb. 24 and will
coincide with an alternative formulation briefing to several state
and federal agencies. Release of the final draft plan is scheduled
for May, with a series of public meetings to follow. The final report
is scheduled to be submitted to the chief of engineers and Congress
in November.
“Corn growers
must again unite with our allies in the navigation industry, carpenters
unions and other labor groups to restate the importance of lock modernization,”
said Tolman, who serves as chairman of the Midwest Area River Coalition
(MARC 2000), an alliance of several industries promoting lock improvements.
“We will be at the next round of public meetings in full force
to voice the need for immediate action.”