Lock and dam projects are included and prioritized in the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP), which was authorized in 2007 and allows the Corps to address by navigation and ecosystem restoration in an integrated approach. NESP would construct new locks at seven existing sites and provides comprehensive ecosystem restoration for the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
NEPS maintains broad, bipartisan support in Congress.
Inland waterways infrastructure remains a critical priority of the Illinois Corn Growers Association because the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers provide a significant advantage for Illinois corn farmers that sell their corn out of our state. Approximately 40 percent of Illinois corn leaves the state for export.
Members of the Illinois delegation that have agreed to support a new lock and dam construction in the Upper Mississippi or Illinois River are:
Senator Tammy DuckworthRepresentative Mike Bost
Representative Cheri BustosSenator Richard DurbinRepresentative Sean Casten Representative Danny Davis Representative Rodney Davis Representative Bill Foster Representative Robin Kelly Representative Adam Kinzinger Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi Representative Darin LaHood Representative Daniel Lipinski Representative Mike Quigley Representative Bobby Rush Representative Jan Schakowsky Representative Bradley Schneider Representative John Shimkus Representative Lauren Underwood
Watch for future updates to this story which will include members of the Illinois delegation that lend their support to this encouragement for a new lock and dam construction project in FY21.
