![Report: Lack of Infrastructure Investment Threatens Export Future](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2016/06/County-Road-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Report: Lack of Infrastructure Investment Threatens Export Future
An independent report says a lack of funding for infrastructure improvements could put more than $72 billion in additional GDP and 77,000 new jobs at risk. The report by Agribusiness Intelligence was commissioned by the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
The study examined three scenarios that included potential impacts of reduced investment for U.S. waterways, maintaining the status quo of less than two percent growth, or increased investment of $6.3 billion during the next ten years. Currently, appropriated funds, which are considered maintaining the status quo, do not enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to keep pace with barge-volume traffic, or growth and infrastructure maintenance needs. As a result, the percentage of vessels delayed on all waterways has increased from 35% in 2010 to 49% in 2017, which, in turn, adds to the total shipping cost.
A spokesperson concludes, “the U.S. inland waterways infrastructure needs major rehabilitation and construction to restore it to its full capability, to forestall major disruptions, and provide opportunities for growth.”
If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com
More From PNW Ag Network
![Analysis Looks At Economic Impact Of The Potato Industry](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2023/03/attachment-Potato-Impact-On-US-Economy.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![House GOP Calls For WOTUS To Be Postponed](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2020/07/Water-Pond-3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![EPA Posts Revised WOTUS to Federal Register](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2022/12/attachment-Wetland-Water-2022-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![USDA Investments to Strengthen the U.S. Meat Supply Chain](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2020/11/Meat-Inspection-Red-Meat-Male.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![USDA Invests in Infrastructure to Combat Climate Change in Rural America](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2020/03/USDA-Building-4.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Expert Looks At What Makes A Successful Dairy Operator](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2020/03/Dairy-Farm-Generic-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![USDA Expects Ag Exports To Drop In 2023](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2022/09/attachment-Trade-13.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![UI Rolls Out Program To Help Rural Residents Work From Home](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2022/11/attachment-Amber-Smyer-Photo-UI.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![IFBF Looks To Replace Existing Boise Building](http://townsquare.media/site/1144/files/2021/05/Boise-ID-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)