In 2022, about 480 million tons of waterborne cargo transited America's inland waterways, a volume equal to roughly 14% of all intercity freight. These products, valued at over $186 billion, were shipped on the portions of our inland waterways system that generate revenue for capital improvements by a fuel user fee on commercial vessels.
Much of that tonnage travels through some of the 219 locks at 176 sites on the inland waterways system.
But the lock and dam infrastructure keeping the system moving is aging - 80% of America's locks have exceeded their engineered design life.
$16 in annual net economic benefits to the nation are generated by the Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works Mission for every $1 expended.
(Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMS) yesterday reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the master contract until Jan. 15, 2025, to return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding…
Read More View SourceAgainst the backdrop of the Ohio River’s steady flow and the hum of heavy machinery, the Pittsburgh Engineer District continues extensive work rehabilitating the primary lock chamber at Hannibal Locks and Dam in Hannibal, Ohio. The facility has played a crucial role in riverway commerce and transportation…
Read More View SourceA $2.1 billion reconstruction project is underway to repair the the aging Montgomery Locks and Dam on the Ohio River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District is working alongside contractors to carry out essential repairs to 11 concrete piers, which they hope will extend the…
Read More View SourceThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District has awarded a contract to Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors to repower the dredge Hurley. The Hurley is a diesel electric dustpan dredge which dredges the Mississippi River in the Memphis area. The dredge was designed to operate on two generators…
Read More View SourceLow water levels on the river system and a disruption in rail deliveries to Mexico are costing Illinois farmers this fall. Illinois corn farmers export more corn out of the state than any other state in the union. When unforeseeable circumstances impact the export of corn, Illinois corn farmers pay…
Read More View SourceWith Hurricane Helene nearing landfall somewhere along Florida’s Big Bend, close to the easternmost point of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, ports along the Gulf Coast and GIWW stakeholders are bracing for impacts and already preparing for recovery efforts. That level of partnership and collaboration…
Read More View SourceThe main lock chamber at Wilson Locks and Dam closed for additional inspections and possible emergency repairs after divers discovered cracking September 25 in the lock gates on both the land and river sides. Wilson Locks and Dam is located at Tennessee River Mile 259.4 near Florence, Ala. …
Read More View SourceThe completion of three projects to improve navigation on the Illinois River is being celebrated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A dedication ceremony Tuesday for Alton Pool Islands, Twin Islands and Moore's Towhead projects marked the beginning of the St. Louis District of the corps'…
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