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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Mimi Ricketts, NCGA, 636-733-9004, Ext. 112
November 22, 2004
National
Corn Growers Association Disappointed in Congress's Failure to Approve
Locks Modernization Measures
ST. LOUIS (November 22, 2004)
-- Congress’s failure to approve the Water Resources Development
Act (WRDA), which included Mississippi and Illinois river lock modernization
measures, will have dire consequences for not only American farmers,
but also consumers and businesses, according to the National Corn Growers
Association (NCGA).
“We have worked for
nearly 15 years with the Corps of Engineers and industry groups to get
to the point where a WRDA bill containing modernization provisions for
the Mississippi and Illinois rivers was a possibility,” NCGA President
Leon Corzine said. “It is frustrating that Congress continues
to overlook the importance of a modern, well-maintained waterways system.”
Corzine said continued inaction
on lock modernization initiatives could lead to more than $500 million
in lost farm income; increased transportation rates on the rivers, rails
and highways; 30,000 lost jobs; and a wider trade deficit.
An efficient national transportation
system is essential if corn growers are to remain competitive in international
markets and effectively move grain to domestic markets, Corzine said.
“Well-maintained, modern transportation systems keep shipping
costs down and benefit all farmers and consumers,” he said. “And
new locks would have brought an estimated 48 million man-hours –
a generation of jobs – to the Midwest.”
The failed legislation would
have authorized construction of seven new 1,200-foot locks to replace
undersized 600-foot locks and implementation of small-scale measures.
The package also included a comprehensive ecosystem restoration program
that would have improved environmental quality throughout the Mississippi
River basin.
Corzine said corn growers
are hopeful Congress will take up legislation to modernize antiquated
locks during the next session.
“Unfortunately, we
aren’t going to get a WRDA package this year, but the fight isn’t
over,” he said. “Our members will be pushing for a full
WRDA bill in the 109th Congress and letting their lawmakers know that
they need to do what is right for viability of the Midwestern economy,”
said Corzine.
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The National Corn
Growers Association’s mission is to create and increase opportunities
for corn growers. NCGA represents nearly 33,000 members, 26 affiliated
state corn grower organizations and hundreds of thousands of growers
who contribute to state checkoff programs. For more information on NCGA,
log on to www.ncga.com
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