Inland Navigation Requires More Funding, Say White House, Industry

摘要

WHILE ALL FACETS of the nation's transportation infrastructure face funding shortages, the deterioration of the inland navigation system has some observers warning about potentially dire consequences if the system is not upgraded and expanded soon. Although the message appears to be getting through to policy makers, it remains to be seen whether increased funding will materialize at a time when Congress is examining ways to significantly reduce the federal deficit. One option could involve increased fees for users of the system, an idea that was recently suggested by the Obama administration. During a recent congressional hearing on the inland navigation system, industry representatives expressed their willingness to pay more to support the system, provided certain changes are made in the way the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers selects and funds capital projects related to navigation.