Illinois' Inland Waterways: A Crucial Economic Engine
March 12, 2024
Illinois proudly hosts 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways, facilitating the movement of over 70 million tons of freight valued at $17.9 billion annually. The pivotal commodities transported and industries supported play a vital role in our nation's infrastructure. Dive into the comprehensive economic analysis of Illinois' inland waterways in the updated state waterways profile crafted by Cambridge Systematics. Proudly sponsored by Waterways Council, Inc. and the National Waterways Foundation. Click for pdf version.

By Lindsay Croke
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June 30, 2025
When we think of Independence Day traditions, sweet corn on the cob is as iconic as fireworks and often even more central to the celebration. According to Instacart, purchases of sweet corn surge by 380% over the annual average heading into July 4th, outranking other grilling staples like baby back ribs and burgers. But corn's role in your Fourth of July celebration goes far beyond your plate. In Illinois alone, 8,300 acres of sweet corn are harvested annually, averaging 155 cwt per acre. That’s more than 128 million pounds of locally grown sweetness fueling summer cookouts across the state. And while sweet corn makes a big impression on the grill, most of Illinois’ corn crop isn’t sweet corn - it’s field corn. Less than 1% of the state’s crop is sweet corn, while the rest is used in products that are often invisible to consumers but vital to everyday life: fuel, packaging, fireworks, and even spirits.