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Illinois
Transportation Letter
April 29, 2002
Chairman John J.
Duncan
Subcommittee on Water Resources & Environment
B-376 RHOB
Washington, D.C.
Dear Chairman Duncan:
As you move forward
on reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), we
would like to take this opportunity to express our strong support for
modernization of the lock system along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois
Rivers. The viability of this system is critical for not only the economics
of midwestern states, but of the entire nation.
Barge transportation
is a vital component of the agriculture system in the United States.
Nearly two-thirds of all grain and soybean exports are moved through
the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. This amounts to over 600 million
bushels of soybeans and soybean products, and over 700 million bushels
of corn and corn products transported by barge into the global economy
each year. New technology and better farming methods, including conservation
methods, continue increase these yield, allowing us to rise to meet
the increasing world demand. However, our ability to move our food supply,
both domestically and for exporting, hinges on the efficiency of our
river transportation system. Studies demonstrate that our farmers will
lose $364 million annually over the next two decades, not to mention
lost opportunities in foreign markets, if the lock system is not modernized.
The current again system is simply inadequate to handle increasing volumes,
and must be improved and expanded to meet the demands of the 21st century.
It is also important
to note that river transportation is the most environmentally friendly
form of shipping goods and commodities that exists today. A single 15-barge
tow replaces 870 trucks on our nation’s highways. Furthermore,
towboats emit 35 to 60 percent fewer pollutants than locomotives or
trucks, saving the nation between $100 million and $300 million each
year in clean-up costs.
As you know, the
Corps of Engineers is poised to issue an Interim Report on July 1st
that will provide the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee with
insights into a range of likely scenarios supporting a modernization
effort, as well as environmental needs. After 10 years and $60 million
of study, we firmly believe that the time has come to take action, and
we urge you to support the initial authorization to begin the modernization
process. Without immediate action, the health of both agriculture economies
and river ecosystems will continue to decline.
Thank you for your
consideration on this critically important issue.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Tim Johnson (R)
Rod Blagojevich (D)
Jerry Costello (D)
Danny Davis (D)
Henry Hyde (R)
Mark Kirk (R)
Ray LaHood (R)
William Lipinski (D)
Donald Manzullo (R)
David Phelps (D)
Bobby Rush (D)
John Shimkus (R)
Jerry Weller (R)
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