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With more than 1,100 miles of navigable waterways bordering or passing through the state, barge transportation is the most economical, environmentally friendly way to move soybeans. Our waters provide a valuable connection to foreign and domestic markets, but locks and dams have not been adequately rehabilitated or substantially improved since the Great Depression.
These deteriorating locks and dams, along with silt-filled waterways, cause delays and inefficiencies. The results are higher costs all the way down the transportation line, ending with a lower margin per bushel for farmers. Achieving ISA’s goal to increase Illinois’ soybeans and soybean products’ values depends on the efficiency and reliability of the 29 locks and dams that support barge movement of Illinois soybeans to market.
ISA has discussed the current status of the lock and dams with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure they receive needed maintenance. Because planning studies, environmental and financial modeling, and other political previews take a very long time, supplemental support is necessary to improve the locks and dams. Public private partnerships are projected to be one means able to meet funding needs in this regard for the future. For greater detail, please read the 2012 Illinois Soybean Association study.
Below is a study done by the United Soybean Board (USB) to show what the cost would be to you if a lock were to fail. For more information from USB on how deteriorating locks and dams put farmers and consumers at risk, click here.
Additional Waterway Tools, Resources and studies
- Upper Mississippi River – Illinois Waterway System: Locks & Dams provides extensive details on each of our state’s locks and dams, including annual tonnage, commodities and current maintenance issues.
- Lock and Dam Locations Map illustrates all of the lock and dam locations throughout Illinois and adjoining states.
- Facts & Figures: Transportation Infrastructure
Are You a Soybean Farmer?
Find out how your operation could be impacted by an aging infrastructure and what you can do to help. Visit VoiceforSoy.org.
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