Support funding for America's lock and dam infrastructure

It's imperative essential funding in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) is included to improve the inland waterways infrastructure, especially the locks and dams vital for moving agricultural products to market.This funding is currently included in the Senate version with Section 109 being the only provision addressing these improvements. As the bill moves to conference, a committee will be formed to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions. Use this action alert to call on lawmakers to ask members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee to support adopting Section 109 from the Senate bill in the final WRDA conference report.

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Your Message to the legislators

Dear (name and title inserted automatically),

I am writing on behalf of the agriculture community to urge your support essential funding in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to improve the inland waterways infrastructure, especially the locks and dams vital for moving agricultural products to market.

As farmers, we rely heavily on these waterways to transport our crops and goods efficiently and cost effectively. Ensuring this infrastructure is maintained and modernized is vital to the continued success and global competitiveness of American agriculture.

The aging infrastructure of our locks and dams, much of which was built in the 1930s, poses a significant risk to this critical supply chain. If these structures were to fail or fall into further disrepair, the resulting disruption could devastate the agricultural sector, as alternative modes of transportation like road and rail cannot handle the volume of goods that move on our rivers.

Specifically, we ask that you urge members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee to support adopting the Senate WRDA's Section 109 in conference.

Section 109 of the Senate bill is currently the only section addressing construction and rehabilitation of lock-and-dam infrastructure. This section proposes an adjustment to the cost share for capital improvements, shifting it from the current 65 percent general revenues and 35 percent Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF) to 75 percent general revenues and 25 percent IWTF. This change is crucial for accelerating the much-needed upgrades to our waterway infrastructure, ensuring farmers can continue to rely on this mode of transportation.

Our waterways are a lifeline for moving bulk agricultural commodities like grains, soybeans and fertilizers. These products are fundamental to our economy and are crucial for feeding both our nation and the world.

Thank you for your consideration and continued support.