After years of studying, education, and lobbying for investment in Mississippi River transportation system, Illinois corn farmers have seemingly gotten nowhere.  Even now, as we present a plan that increases industry investment and makes barge users partner with the federal government for a large portion of the funding, the current administration still tells us no.

And yet, Tim Geithner, Secretary of the Treasury agrees that an investment in infrastructure is a good investment.

“Investing in infrastructure today will also put Americans back to work. Treasury Department analysis shows that the unemployment rate among the workers building our infrastructure stands at more than 15 percent – more than one and a half times the national average. Eighty percent of jobs created by investing in infrastructure will likely be created in three occupations –construction, manufacturing, and retail trade – which are among the hardest hit from the recession. Nine out of 10 jobs created in these three sectors pay middle-class wages.”

Illinois corn farmers agree.  An investment in river infrastructure will put millions of Americans back to work, reinvigorate rural communities, and ensure that future generations can compete in a global market.

Read more about Illinois Corn’s efforts to improve river infrastructure here.