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)
