Upper Mississippi/Illinois River Improvements
Corn growers depend on reliable, cost-effective transportation - whether
by barge, truck or rail - to deliver farm inputs to producers and to
deliver harvested grain to markets. Presently, the U.S. enjoys a comparative
advantage in corn production world wide, and the per-ton cost for transporting
corn in the United States is lower than in other countries. But the
United States has allowed its transportation infrastructure to deteriorate.
At the same time, our competitors are making major investments in their
transportation systems. Thus, our international competitiveness is in
jeopardy. Unless our nation invests in major improvements to our aging
transportation infrastructure, U.S. agriculture will pay the price.
OUR GOAL:
NCGA seeks the replacement of the existing 600 foot locks with 1,200
foot lock chambers at Mississippi L&D 25,24,22,21,20 and LaGrange
and Peoria on the Illinois river. In addition we advocate guidewall
extensions at Mississippi L&D 18, 17, 16, 15, and 14.
Economic Benefits
of Improving
the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers
Environmental
Benefits of Improving
the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers
Map of Upper Mississippi - Illinois River
Locks
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Comparing the Mode of Hauling Grain
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Last reviewed May 10, 2004 |
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KEY ISSUES
