Bipartisan Senate Infrastructure Bill Includes Funding for Upgraded Locks and Dams

Today’s Senate passage of a bipartisan infrastructure package included $2.5 billion of full federal funding to upgrade and modernize the inland waterways system, with specific projects to be determined in a work plan to be released later.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) applauded the bill, after decades spent advocating for lock and dam upgrades on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.

“Illinois corn farmers are desperate for lock and dam upgrades that keep us competitive in a global marketplace,” said Randy DeSutter, the association’s president from Woodhull, IL. “Seeing Senate movement to put some money behind the needed modernizations after seeing the House allocate funds 10 days ago is bringing us hope that we’ll finally see some construction on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.”

Within the bill, $22.5 million is directed for a new construction start for the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP). When NESP is fully funded, it will build five 1200 foot locks on the Mississippi River and two 1200 locks on the Illinois River in addition to improving conditions for fish and wildlife.

More than 60% of the nation’s corn and soybeans are transported on the Mississippi River. But an aging system – many of the locks were constructed between 1907 and 1936 – has led to delays and closures along the river. Farmers often feel the economic impact from these problems, and this project will help ensure the river system’s long-term viability.

The Senate has yet to take up appropriations bills for the 2022 fiscal year, which begins in October of this year. NCGA will advocate that funding for the NESP program also be prioritized in the Senate’s version of the bill.