In 2019, 514.9 million tons of waterborne cargo transited America's inland waterways, a volume equal to roughly 14% of all intercity freight. These products, valued at $134.1 billion were shipped on the portions of our inland waterways system that generate revenue for capital improvements by a fuel user fee on commercial vessels. Much of that tonnage travels through some of the 219 locks at 176 sites on the inland waterways system.
The average age of these locks is over 60 years, and 70% of America's locks have exceeded their intended design life.
$16 in annual net economic benefits to the nation are generated by the Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works Mission for every $1 expended.
(Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
Hurricane Ida threw the barge industry into a tizzy along the Mississippi River The Advocate – Baton Rouge, LA – 9/13/21 – Kristen Mosbrucker While the Mississippi River is open for commerce, the situation is far from normal, and it's unclear how long it may take to rebuild…
Read More View SourceWashington, D.C.—Seven months after it was suspended by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the Inland Waterways Users Board (IWUB) has been approved to resume operations. “The department’s boards and committees have been and will continue to be a valuable resource as we defend…
Read More View SourceAugust 31, 2021 Hurricane Ida disrupts Lower Miss barge traffic Pamela Glass Viewpoints SHARE The Coast Guard conducts Hurricane Ida post-storm overflights along the Gulf Coast on August 30, 2020. Aircrews conducted overflights near Galliano, Louisiana, to assess damage and…
Read More View SourceLOCKED IN: Lock and dam system integral part of inland waterways GRAND RIVERS — This week’s media tour of Kentucky Lock hosted by the Waterways Council Inc. — to highlight the importance of locks and dams to the inland waterways system — was particularly well…
Read More View SourceWCI Media Tour Touts Importance Of Infrastructure AUGUST 27, 2021 BY SHELLEY BYRNE Reporters got a chance to ride a towboat, visit a lock and meet with industry professionals while learning about the importance of infrastructure along America’s inland waterways during Waterways…
Read More View SourceGRAND RIVERS, Ky. (KFVS) - Construction is underway at the Kentucky Lock. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is building a new, modernized 1,200-foot lock to work in conjunction with the current 600-foot lock. Construction is underway at the Kentucky Lock.(KFVS) The project officially began in 1996,…
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