NCGA
Urges Swift Action on WRDA Before Congress Adjourns (10-08-04)
The National
Corn Growers Association (NCGA) along with American Farm Bureau
Federation,
American Soybean Association and the National
Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) sent a letter Thursday to the
U.S. Senate strongly encouraging support for passing the Water
Resources Development Act (WRDA) S. 2773 before the Senate adjourns
for the year.
S.2773 would authorize construction of new locks on the Upper
Mississippi River System in addition to authorizing a new ecosystem
restoration program for the basin.
“Our associations have worked for more than a decade to
see this project become reality,” said the letter. “An
upgraded system is urgently needed to ensure U.S. farmers can efficiently
move their crops to market and stay competitive in the international
marketplace. The bill also would create a new ecosystem restoration
program for the basin that would significantly enhance the natural
resources of the area.”
NCGA is also calling on corn growers to urge their senators to
also support the Cochran-Landrieu amendment, an agreement reached
by Sens. Cochran (Miss.) and Landrieu (Louisiana) this week that
would address the Army Corps of Engineers management issues.
“This amendment is essential to passage of WRDA and maintaining
a robust water resources program in the United States in addition
to opening market opportunity for all producers,” said NCGA
President Leon Corzine. “NCGA is optimistic that the Senate
will consider WRDA before Congress adjourns this week.”
To view the letter in its entirety, click on the following link.