INCREASE THE INLAND WATERWAYS BARGE DIESEL USER FEE: SEND YOUR LETTER TO CONGRESS TODAY!

Lindsay Mitchell

Sep 22, 2014  |  Today's News

With the successful enactment of WRRDA 2014, along with higher FY ’15 appropriations levels for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works mission, there remains a critical need for higher investment in our inland waterways transportation system. As you know, towboat operators (300 total) currently pay 20 cents-per-gallon on diesel fuel consumed while operating on the inland system that is deposited into the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and matched by General Treasury funds, for lock and dam construction and major rehabilitation. Towboat operators are the only waterways’ beneficiary among many others (hydropower, flood control, municipal water supply, recreational boating, national security) to pay into this Trust Fund to modernize the system.

IL Corn, along with other Waterways Council, Inc members and stakeholders, is urging that the fee they pay be increased to 26- to 29-cents-per-gallon to sustain and improve this vital transportation link to domestic and export markets.

We need your help to communicate this message to Congress, especially as they head back home to prepare for mid-term elections.  Please use the link below to send a letter to your elected Members of Congress today!  Thank you.

Sign the User Fee Letter Here.