High Water and Lock Closures Impact Barge Grain Movements to the Gulf. High water levels and numerous lock closures have impacted grain deliveries via the Mississippi River to the Gulf region. Since early April, 28 percent fewer grain barges have been unloaded in the New Orleans area compared to the same period in 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Last fall, Congress overrode President Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)—legislation that authorizes $23 billion for updating the nation’s lock and dam system, augmenting flood protection and environmental restoration. However, legislation authorized is not legislation appropriated. While the veto override did create a road map for eventual funding, the federal government still has not allocated the funding for actual repairs to this critical component of the nation’s infrastructure.
	The Soy Transportation Coalition is comprised of seven state soybean boards, the American Soybean Association, and the United Soybean Board. The National Grain and Feed Association and the National Oilseed Processors Association serve as ex-officio members of the organization.