JEFFERSON CITY, M0. — Today [January 19, 2022], the Missouri Corn Growers Association, alongside other industry partners, celebrated the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ announcement to fully fund the update of Lock and Dam 25 in Winfield, Mo.  A link to the announcement can be found here. The allocation of $732 million will improve critical infrastructure and create jobs for the region.

Missouri Corn Growers Association President Jay Schutte of Benton City, Mo., issued the following statement:

“This is great news for Missouri, Illinois, all the states along the Mississippi River–and the agriculture community as a whole. Last fall, a group of Missouri Corn board members had the opportunity to tour Lock and Dam 25. Commissioned in 1939, this facility was clearly well past its 50-year lifespan.

“Missouri Corn has been pushing river transportation improvements for decades, and today’s announcement will result in much-needed infrastructure upgrades on the Mississippi River. It is no secret in bulk commerce there is inherent value in efficiency. Missouri corn growers rely on sound lock and dam infrastructure to keep barges moving and commodities flowing downstream. This is quite literally our pipeline in getting our products to other global markets.

“Thanks go out to our partners at the Waterways Council, Inc., Illinois Corn Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, and others for never relenting in the fight. We also appreciate the work of Missouri’s congressional delegation to improve a dilapidated infrastructure system. Our collaborative efforts will allow for the upgrades desperately needed on this section of the Mississippi River, ultimately benefiting farmers by having a more reliable and efficient transportation system for corn going to other markets.”

— MCGA