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Transportation Overview: U.S. Keeping Pace . . . For Now
Vince Peterson, U.S. Wheat Associates
Earmarks for lock and dam systems, like this one on the Illinois River, were left off the list for projects to receive funding from the stimulus package because it was not deemed as a “shovel ready” project. Only projects that had already received approval from the Army Corps of Engineers and deemed ready to begin construction in a short period of time were included in the package.
Jay O’Neil, International Grains Program,
Kansas State University
The majority of funds designated for enhancing rail infrastructure will help passenger rail projects, so freight infrastructure improvements must come from the rail companies.
Kendell Keith, president NGFA
Garry Niemeyer, farmer/director, NCGA
Construction and renovation of roadway and bridges infrastructure projects were big winners in the transportation section of the $787 billion stimulus package.
Rep. Steve Kagen (D-WI)
Gerry Leukam, T.E. Ibberson Company
Steven Day, John Deere Agri Services, Inc.
NGFA
SUMMARY
While the president’s stimulus package may have some positive impact on rural infrastructure, it leaves improvements to the rail and waterways systems in the hands of those who use it. Keeping an open dialogue (and a little lobbying) with key stakeholders like the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Transportation and the Class I railroads may be the best stimulus package the feed and grain industry, and American production agriculture in general, can hope for now — and for years to come.
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