Soybean growers seek support for inland waterways funding

The soybean associations are seeking support for the Navigation Ecosystem Sustainability Program.
The soybean associations are seeking support for the Navigation Ecosystem Sustainability Program. | File photo

House and Senate appropriations committees recently received a letter from the American Soybean Association (ASA) and other agricultural groups seeking support for the growing funds for inland waterways infrastructure functions performed by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers.

The expected amount for full funding is $390 million and at least $3.1 billion for Operations & Maintenance for Fiscal Year 2017. The letter explains how important it is for the agricultural community to have access to a modern and efficient inland waterways transportation system in order to work to grow, produce, market and ship goods.

The ASA along with state soybean associations and soybean industry partners signed a letter asking for support of the Navigation Ecosystem Sustainability Program, which is responsible for upgrades to the locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River System. 

This letter was led by the Waterways Council and sent to Reps. Hal Rogers (R-KY), the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee; Nita Lowey (D-NY), ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee; Mike Simpson (R-ID), the chairman of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee; and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), ranking member of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee.