A Message from our Chairman

Welcome to Waterways Council, Inc., (WCI), the national public policy organization that advocates for a properly funded and well-maintained system of inland waterways and ports. WCI seeks to educate decision-makers in the states and federal government, the news media and the general public about the critical importance of our nation’s inland waterways and the need to sustain and increase their reliability now and for our future.

The inland waterways industry was created for commerce back when Lewis and Clark set out on their exploration of the river system in the early 1800s. Today, our inland waterways transportation system offers the most fuel efficient, environmentally green way to move our Nation's bulk commodities, at the lowest cost to shippers and therefore, to consumers. The beneficiaries of this great system are many. Our inland waterways system provides opportunities for recreational boaters, hydropower, fresh water for drinking supplies, manufacturing and irrigation needs, supports ecosystems and critical habitats, assists in flood control and hurricane protection for cities, and provides economic development on popular waterfronts.

Looking to the future, Waterways Council remains focused on full and efficient funding of priority infrastructure projects, a new construction start on the Upper Mississippi River System, and proper maintenance of our inland navigation infrastructure. WCI will continue its important work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on prioritizing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) needs and advocating for increased federal funding is vital. This critically important system of transportation infrastructure deserves attention and higher funding to maintain it for the future.

Your help with and involvement in Waterways Council, Inc.'s activities is crucial. We welcome and appreciate your ideas, your time, your investment and your interest because together we can do great things for a transportation system that returns so much.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Richard (Rick) Calhoun, Chairman

President/Chairman

Cargill Marine & Terminal, Inc.

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