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wears on the waterway and infrastructure, federal budgets stagnate and maintenance is deferred. WRRDA requires the Corps to assess the O&M costs of both the Atlantic and the Gulf Intracoastal waterways with an emphasis on identifying costs to achieve authorized length, width, and on identifying the unmet O&M needs of the waterways.

This assessment, and the funding that will hopefully fol- low in the President’s budget, are essential steps to ensur- ing tows and barges have safe moorings and lock delays and groundings are kept to a minimum.

In a study, currently undergoing peer review, industry output losses and impacts due to unplanned, extended waterway closures were examined. Closures may occur for any number of reasons, but primarily failed or damaged infrastructure is usually the culprit. In relative, annualized terms, estimated losses associated with a GIWW water- way closure are far greater than those associated with the

Mississippi or Ohio River systems. This is most certainly due to the high value of GIWW cargoes – predominately crude oils, petroleum products and chemicals – and the increasing volumes we’re seeing on the waterway. This tells us the “Silent Giant” is making some noise and verifi es that the GIWW’s importance and value to the nation is grow- ing. Continued strong industry and stakeholder advocacy,

WRRDA implementation and adequate appropriations are the keys to ensuring that the noise on the GIWW con- tinues via this essential, safe and prosperous route for in- land commerce.

Jim Stark is the Executive Director Gulf Intracoastal Canal

Association. GICA’s mission is to ensure the Gulf Intracoastal

Waterway is maintained, operated and improved to provide safe, effi cient, economical and environmentally- sound water transportation across Gulf coast states. Stark has earned an M.B.A. from the College of William and

Mary and a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Science from the United States Coast Guard Academy. MN 17www.marinelink.com

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