Candidate Notes on 01-SGA14

01-SGA14 on Feb 27, 2001

• Whereas, the flow of commerce on the Mississippi River is essential to the economic welfare of the nation;
• Whereas, the USDA reports that 70% of the nation’s total grain exports were handled through Mississippi River port elevators;
• Whereas, free movement of water-borne commerce on the Inland Waterway System is critical to the delivery of goods to deep-water ports for international trade;
• Whereas, the reliability of adequate flows for navigation is a key requirement for fulfillment of delivery contracts, employment in ports and terminals, and energy efficiency;
• Whereas, delays and stoppages would threaten the successful implementation of international trade agreements under NAFTA and GATT;
• Whereas, the Missouri River contributes up to 65% of the Mississippi River flow at St. Louis during low water conditions;
• Whereas, reduction of Missouri River flows above St. Louis would result in more frequent

and more costly impediments to the flow of commerce on the Mississippi River;

Whereas, the reach of the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Cairo, Illinois is at highest risk for delays and stoppages of navigation because of low-water conditions; and

Whereas, the US Army Corps of Engineers is considering several proposed alterations to the current edition of the Master Water Control Manual for the Missouri River that would reduce support of water-borne commerce by restricting the flow of the river during the summer and fall, low-water period at St. Louis; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Southern Governors’ Association would strongly oppose any alterations that would have such an effect and would urge the Corps to consult with affected inland waterway states prior to endorsing any proposal that would alter the current edition of the manual.