Corn Farmer Leaders Hit the Hill to Advocate for the Future of America’s Waterway System

February 6, 2025

Lindsay Croke

This week, IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) leadership joined the Waterways Council, Inc in Washington, D.C. to talk to legislators about the need for critical lock and dam upgrades. They focused on the importance of allocating adequate funding, opposing unnecessary costs, and the role the river system plays in driving economic growth.

 

“The river transportation system in Illinois allows corn farmers to export corn out of our state cheaply and efficiently,” said Mark Bunselmeyer, ICGA Vice President and farmer from Maroa, IL. “Beyond the benefit to Illinois farmers, for every dollar invested here, about twelve dollars are returned to the economy. These investments are a win-win for everyone.”

 

Upgrading the locks and dams on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers have been a priority for IL Corn for the last 30 years. Partners like WCI and important changes like updating the federal to trust fund cost share passed in the most recent WRDA bill, have made significant progress possible.

 

Today, the top priorities for locks and dams are:

  • Secure both FY2025 and FY2026 Energy & Water Development Appropriations based on annual diesel fuel tax receipts deposited into the Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF) 
  • Oppose any potential tolling, lockage fees, or other onerous charges for commercial users of the waterways system 


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