ICGA Statement on Water Resources Development Act 2020 Passage

Following the House and Senate passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, Illinois Corn Growers Association President Randy DeSutter, a farmer from Woodhull, made the following statement:

“Because ICGA has advocated for upgraded locks and dams for so many years, it is with great pride that we celebrate the passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020. This bill contains a cost share change in the construction account from 50% general revenue/50% inland waterway trust fund, to 65% general revenue/35% inland waterway trust fund through 2031. What this accomplishes for Illinois farmers is an opportunity to move more projects without depleting the private funds in the inland waterway trust fund.



“Illinois corn farmers are extremely grateful to the bi-partisan work of our entire Illinois congressional delegation in the pursuit of upgraded locks and dams on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.

“ICGA continues to work on one new lock and dam start on the Illinois or Mississippi Rivers in 2021 and we feel confident about our progress this coming year. Thank you to the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois, GROWMARK, Illinois Carpenters Union, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, and Illinois Soybean Association for working together to move this priority forward.”