The National Grain and Feed Association welcomed unanimous approval of the Water Resources Development Act by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, calling the action an important step toward strengthening the nation's inland waterways system and supporting the long-term competitiveness of U.S. agriculture.
The association thanked Committee Chairman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and other committee members for advancing the bipartisan legislation.
NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert said the nation's inland waterways are a critical part of the agricultural supply chain, connecting producers with domestic customers and export markets. He said the committee's bipartisan action demonstrates Congress' continued commitment to infrastructure investments that help keep U.S. agriculture competitive while providing certainty for long-term modernization projects.
The grain and feed industry relies on an integrated transportation network that includes inland waterways, railroads and highways. According to NGFA, about 80 million tons of grain and oilseeds move by barge each year, alongside hundreds of millions of tons transported by truck and rail.
NGFA said continued investment in locks, dams and navigation infrastructure helps improve the efficient movement of agricultural products, reduce transportation costs and strengthen supply chain reliability.
The association also supports provisions in the bill aimed at maintaining and modernizing the inland waterway system, reducing delays caused by aging infrastructure and improving freight movement efficiency.
Seyfert said the bipartisan support for the legislation in both chambers gives Congress an opportunity to advance another WRDA bill that strengthens the nation's infrastructure and economy. He added that NGFA will continue working with lawmakers to move the legislation forward and support enactment of a final bipartisan bill this year.
Source: National Grain and Feed Association, "NGFA welcomes Senate committee approval of bipartisan WRDA legislation"