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14% of commodity volumes on the system in 2016 to growers globally, increased inland waterways investment 25% by 2029 and 29% by 2045. would result in a $39 billion increase in corn and soy-

Under the reduced investment scenario, the economic beans market value from status quo investment levels, impact of the waterways system would decrease from while a decreased investment case would lower market 312,000 jobs and a GDP impact of $37.2 billion in 2029 value by $58 billion.

for the status quo scenario to 290,000 jobs and a GDP According to the report, inadequate infrastructure leads impact of $34.7 billion. to less effective and reduced transport capacity, which

In 2045, the employment impact of reduced invest- leads to higher freight rates (and higher dependency on ment would be 323,000 jobs, as opposed to 395,000 jobs rail and truck modes). Higher freight rates hurt farm in- under the status quo. The GDP impact of the reduced come (and therefore U.S. economic activity), boost road investment would be $44 billion as opposed to $54 bil- congestion and create more rail service issues. Ultimately, lion under status quo. without proper infrastructure investment, U.S. farmers

For U.S. farmers, in tight competition with other are less competitive globally.

Direct Economic Contributions by Investment Scenario Timeframe

Status Quo Investment TrendIncreased InvestmentReduced Investment 201620292045201620292045201620192045 60,285 65,73470,85060,28574,81084,23360,28560,062 58,513

Employment $5,232 $7,261$10,534$5,232$8,023$12,462$5,232$6,740$8,852

Labor Income $8,263 $11,372$16,508$8,263$12,504$19,554$8,263$10,594 $8,852

GDP $18,367 $25,623$37,226$18,367$28,231$44,463$18,367$23,883 $31,089

Output

Note: Values in million dollars (Source: Agribusiness Consulting)

Total Economic Contributions by Investment Scenario Timeframe

Status Quo Investment TrendIncreased InvestmentReduced Investment 201620292045201620292045201620192045 255,782312,121394,993255,782346,129472,287255,782289,916 322,753

Employment $16,606$22,796 $33,121$16,606$25,122$39,515$16,606$21,242$27,163

Labor Income $27,188$37,226$54,095$27,188$40,977$64,563$27,188$34,716$44,416

GDP $52,833$72,757$104,520$52,833$80,176$125,078$52,833$67,847 $85,965

Output

Note: Values in million dollars (Source: Agribusiness Consulting)

Percent of Lockages and Vessel Delay, All Waterways

Percent

Average Delay Percent of Vessels

Total VesselsTotal Lockages Commercial

Minutes Delayed

Lockages 2000 1,140,428797,13773.1%63.635% 2010 855,121641,84674.5%79.836% 2017 746,095584,56378.8%154.249% (Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Note: Lockage is the term used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the act of locking through or passing through a lock. Multiple vessels may pass through a lock in one lockage depending on their size.

See the full report here: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/f les/media/ImportanceofInlandWaterwaystoUSAgricultureFullReport.pdf 11 www.marinelink.com MN