MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Corn Growers Association (WCGA) applauds the Wisconsin Legislature on its passage of Senate Joint Resolution 33, confirming their support of the modernization of seven locks on the Upper Mississippi River.
“Our state ships over 30 million tons of commodities on the Mississippi River annually,” says Doug Rebout, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association President. “We commend Representative Oldenburg and Senator Marklein for co-sponsoring the rehabilitation of the lock and dam system responsible for transporting more than 60 percent of our nation’s agricultural exports.”
According to the Waterways Council, Inc., Wisconsin’s waterways and ports support 26,850 jobs and directly contribute $4.9 billion to the state’s economy. In addition to many other products, including manufactured goods and non-metallic minerals, Wisconsin’s waterways transport over $3 billion of agricultural products including over 500,000 tons of grain for international export. They note that for every dollar invested in Wisconsin’s inland waterways, $10 is returned to the nation’s economy.
“Waterways Council values our partnership with Wisconsin Corn Growers Association in shining a spotlight on the importance of America’s river lock and dam infrastructure. Barge transportation on our waterways are crucial not only to Wisconsin agriculture and manufacturing but to all consumers,” says Paul Rohde, Waterways Council, Inc. Vice President – Midwest Region. “If you flip the wall switch and expect the lights to come on, you’re impacted by river transportation. We’re grateful to the Wisconsin legislature for recognizing the importance of river transportation to the nation, and the critical need to fund locks and dams at maximum efficiency.”
To learn more about WCGA’s grassroots efforts on behalf of Wisconsin corn growers, visit wicorn.org.
Wisconsin Corn serves the state’s corn growers through the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board (WCPB) and Wisconsin Corn Growers Association (WCGA). The WCPB utilizes checkoff funds to develop and defend markets, fund research and provide education about corn and corn products. WCGA is a united, grassroots-driven member organization representing growers from across Wisconsin on important state and national agricultural issues in an effort to increase member profitability and opportunity. For more information, visit wicorn.org.
