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"Special Report 315: Funding and Managing the U.S. Inland Waterways System: What Policymakers Need to Know explores the role and importance of the federally funded inland waterways system, priorities for future investment, its beneficiaries, and sources of funding. In recent years, the inland waterways system has transported six to seven percent of all domestic ton-miles of cargo. The system is a small but important component of the national freight system, particularly for bulk commodities. The study committee finds that, to ensure efficient use of limited navigation resources, the most critical need for the inland waterways system is a sustainable and well-executed plan for maintaining system reliability and performance. Reliability and performance will depend on placing higher priority on investments in operations and maintenance (O&M). Without a funding strategy that prioritizes system preservation, maintenance may continue to be deferred; this would result in further deterioration and in a less cost effective and less reliable system. The committee finds that more reliance on a "user-pays" funding strategy for the commercial navigation system is feasible, would generate new revenues for maintenance, and would promote economic efficiency. The committee suggests that an asset management program focused on economic efficiency, fully implemented and linked to the budgeting process, would help prioritize maintenance spending and ascertain the funding levels required for reliable freight service"-- Provided by publisher.
The United States is currently the international leader in economic prosperity, producing the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the world. As the only remaining military superpower, the United States also has the ability to rapidly project combat forces anywhere in the world to protect its vital national interests. Experts, however, predict U.S. economic dominance may be overcome by the year 2020. Globalization creates unlimited potential for both international economic growth and conflict around the world. In order to maintain a competitive edge, the United States must assure the strategic mobility of our economic and military elements of power. This project examines the strategic value inland waterways provide to the current and future economic prosperity and national security of the United States. The research reveals that the strategic contributions of these inland waterways are not well understood. The lack of adequate understanding impacts decisions contributing to efficient management, adequate funding, and effective integration with other modes of transportation at the national level. Recommendations demonstrate that leveraging the strategic value of U.S. inland waterways will contribute to building an effective and reliable national transportation network for the 21st Century.
Inland Waterway Transportation explores how tools of economic analysis can improve the efficiency of both public and private investment in inland waterway transportation. Originally published in 1969, this study investigates how waterway transportation has been affected by public operating policy, costs and charges for the use of waterways in the United States as well as the impact of relationships central to waterway policy and individual firms such as the effect of the waterway environment on a firm’s efficiency. This title will be of interest to students of Environmental Studies and professionals.
Harbors and waterways are a significant part of the nation's transportation system. Because of the national economic benefits of maritime transport, the federal government has invested in navigation infrastructure for two centuries. The future direction of federal financing of the system, however, remains uncertain. A recent proposal by the Bush Administration and proposed legislation are in opposite directions: the Administration proposed reducing the navigation system's draw on general revenue funds, while H.R. 2557 (passed by the House, September 24, 2003) could increase federal investment in the nation's harbors. There are also many other areas of debate, such as how to balance navigation uses and other river uses and how to improve the efficacy and environmental sensitivity of federal investments. Moreover, there is much debate over individual projects and the planning processes used to justify them. This report outlines the commercial navigation system, how the federal government finances the system, some of the proposals to change federal financing, and current challenges to the future of harbors and inland waterways. The contentious policy issues related to the harbor maintenance tax are not addressed in this report; see CRS Report RL31264, Harbor Maintenance Funding, by John F. Frittelli. This report will be updated as developments warrant.
Rivers have tumbled down mountains and floated lazily through flat plains in the US since long before Europeans first came to this continent. They were the only highways Native Americans used or needed. Even America’s first settlers found it much easier to travel on the waterways than to build roads through the forests. Today our inland waterways carry millions of tons of cargo each year. But our waterways have not received the attention needed to continue their important role in the commerce of our country. Waterways infrastructure such as locks, dams, channels, and levees need help. Many elements are old and need repair or replacement. Expanded infrastructure would allow the US to increase shipping on the waterways. Shipping via water has always been cheaper than shipping by land and remains so today. The US economy can only benefit from investment in our inland waterways.