Locks and Dams

A black and white silhouette of a cargo ship on a white background.

262,000 JOBS

IN ILLINOIS INLAND PORTS AND WATERWAYS

A black and white silhouette of two candles on a white background.

1,100 MILES

OF NAVIGABLE WATERWAYS IN ILLINOIS

A black and white icon of a pair of shoes on a white background.

8 CENTS / BUSHEL

UPGRADING LOCKS  SAVES FARMERS 8-10 CENTS A BUSHEL

A black and white icon of a closet with clothes in it.

50% OF CORN

GROWN IN ILLINOIS IS SHIPPED OUT OF STATE

A group of men in suits and ties are posing for a picture.

WATERWAYS COUNCIL, INC

Advocating a Modern National System of Ports & Inland Waterways

LEARN MORE

CORN BELT PORTS

An Economic Development, and Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program Enabler

LEARN MORE

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Deliver vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure our Nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk.

LEARN MORE
A black and white silhouette of a corn on the cob on a white background.

Investing in Waterways: A Competitive Advantage for Illinois Corn

With over half of Illinois corn exported, reliable waterways are vital to our farmers’ success. The Illinois, Mississippi, and Ohio rivers give us a competitive edge—but aging locks and dams, built over 50 years ago, are now failing and cutting into efficiency. IL Corn has spent over 40 years advocating for upgrades to our 1,200-mile system because modern infrastructure benefits not just farmers, but the entire Illinois economy. Updating all seven key locks could save farmers 8–10 cents per bushel and secure our place in global markets.

A black and white silhouette of a corn on the cob on a white background.

NEWS

Transportation & Supply Chain Policy: Ensuring Corn Can Move

By Lyndi Allen • June 12, 2025
Corn is transported in all directions, in many ways—every bushel depends on the strength and reliability of the transportation system. For Illinois corn farmers, state and federal transportation policy plays a major role in shaping the system.
A group of people in suits and ties are posing for a picture while sitting at a table.

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

February 6, 2025
Lindsay Croke
A gold trophy with the words top 10 on it

IL Corn Top 10 Wins of 2024

January 8, 2025
Tara Desmond
Show More