Mississippi River Shutdown Could Cost Barge Industry $2.8 Billion

The American Waterways Operators and Waterways Council have released updated data on the economic impact of a potential shutdown of the Mississippi River’s barge traffic.

The organizations say that a shutdown in January could affect 7.2 million tons of commodities valued at $2.8 billion.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ latest forecast suggests that commerce on the river could come to a halt between Jan. 5 and Jan. 15, when the nine-foot draft required for most towboats will fall to an eight-foot draft.

The organizations continue to urge the Obama administration to direct the corps to sustain navigation on the Mississippi River by releasing water from dams and blasting rock pinnacles.