ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) is applauding a unanimous vote by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to advance the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), describing the move as a crucial step toward improving the country’s inland waterways and keeping American agriculture competitive on a global scale.
The NGFA extended its thanks to Committee Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and the full committee for pushing the bipartisan measure forward.
“America’s inland waterways are a cornerstone of the agricultural supply chain, connecting producers to domestic customers and export markets around the world,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “The committee’s bipartisan action reinforces Congress’s longstanding commitment to investing in the infrastructure that keeps U.S. agriculture competitive while providing the certainty needed to plan and deliver critical modernization projects.”
The grain and feed industry relies heavily on a dependable network of waterways, railroads, and highways to move products across the country. Each year, around 80 million tons of grain and oilseeds travel by barge alone, on top of the hundreds of millions of tons shipped by truck and rail. Ongoing investment in locks, dams, and navigation infrastructure is seen as essential to keeping goods moving efficiently, reducing transportation costs, and maintaining a stable supply chain.
The NGFA has voiced support for provisions within the bill that focus on maintaining and upgrading the inland waterway system, cutting down on delays caused by outdated infrastructure, and boosting the overall efficiency of freight movement.
“With strong bipartisan support in both chambers, Congress has an opportunity to deliver another WRDA bill that strengthens America’s infrastructure and economy,” Seyfert added. “NGFA looks forward to working with lawmakers to advance this legislation and ensure a final bipartisan WRDA bill reaches the President’s desk this year.”
