August 2019

Importance of Inland Waterways 

to U.S. Agriculture

Prepared For:
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Table of Contents

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY................................................................................................................................................................1

II. INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................................................7

III. TRANSPORTATION BACKGROUND ..........................................................................................................................................11

A. TRANSPORTATION OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................................. 11

B. COMMODITY MOVEMENTS ON THE INLAND WATERWAYS........................................................................................... 16

C. LOCK AND DAM INFRASTRUCTURE......................................................................................................................... 23

D. RAIL SYSTEM.................................................................................................................................................... 25

IV. METHODOLOGY .....................................................................................................................................................................27

A. SCENARIO ASSUMPTIONS.................................................................................................................................... 27

B. ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS FOR PLANNING (IMPLAN) .......................................................................................... 29

C. BASELINE—CURRENT ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE INLAND WATERWAYS............................................................. 32

V. ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE UNDER STATUS QUO INVESTMENT..................................................................................................36

A. SCENARIO DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................................................... 36

1. Status Quo by 2029....................................................................................................................................................................... 38

2. Status Quo by 2045....................................................................................................................................................................... 39

B. IMPLAN ANALYSIS........................................................................................................................................... 40

3. Projected Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways through 2029 ................................................................................ 40

4. Summary Results by 2029............................................................................................................................................................. 44

5. Projected Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways in 2045 .......................................................................................... 45

6. Summary Results by 2045............................................................................................................................................................. 49

7. Total Cumulative Economic Impacts with Status Quo Investment, 2029 and 2045..................................................................... 50

VI. ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE WITH INCREASED INVESTMENT ......................................................................................................52
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A. SCENARIO DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................................................... 52

B. IMPLAN ANALYSIS........................................................................................................................................... 57

1. Projected Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways through 2029 ................................................................................ 57

2. Projected Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways through 2045 ................................................................................ 61

3. Total Cumulative Economic Impacts with Increased Investment, 2029 and 2045 ....................................................................... 65

VII. ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE WITH REDUCED INVESTMENT........................................................................................................67

C. SCENARIO DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................................................... 67

D. IMPLAN ANALYSIS........................................................................................................................................... 71

1. Projected Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways through 2029 ................................................................................ 71

2. Projected Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways through 2045 ................................................................................ 75

3. Total Cumulative Economic Impacts with Reduced Investment, 2029 and 2045......................................................................... 79

E. IMPACT OF A LOCK FAILURE................................................................................................................................. 81

VIII. CURRENT ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF CORN AND SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG THE INLAND WATERWAYS BY 

STATE..........................................................................................................................................................................................83

A. ARKANSAS ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF CORN AND SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG INLAND WATERWAYS ..................... 86

B. ILLINOIS ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF CORN AND SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG INLAND WATERWAYS ........................ 90

C. INDIANA ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF CORN, SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG INLAND WATERWAYS ............................. 94

D. IOWA ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF CORN AND SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG INLAND WATERWAYS ........................... 98

E. KENTUCKY ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF CORN AND SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG INLAND WATERWAYS ................... 102

F. LOUISIANA ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG INLAND WATERWAYS...................................... 106

G. MINNESOTA ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF CORN AND SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG INLAND WATERWAYS................. 108

H. MISSISSIPPI ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF CORN AND SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG INLAND WATERWAYS.................. 112

I. MISSOURI ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF CORN AND SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG INLAND WATERWAYS.................... 116

J. OHIO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF CORN AND SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG INLAND WATERWAYS.......................... 120

K. TENNESSEE ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF CORN AND SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG INLAND WATERWAYS .................. 124

L. WISCONSIN ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF CORN AND SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED ALONG INLAND WATERWAYS ................. 128

IX. OTHER ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE INLAND WATERWAYS SYSTEM......................................................................................132
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X. U.S. AGRICULTURAL COMPETITIVENESS WITH BRAZIL ............................................................................................................136

XI. CONCLUSIONS ......................................................................................................................................................................142

XII. APPENDIX A: ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION ANALYSES DETAIL ................................................................................................147

M. STATUS QUO SCENARIO ANALYSIS RESULTS, 2016.............................................................................................. 147

N. STATUS QUO OPERATIONS SCENARIO ANALYSIS RESULTS, 2029................................................................................ 148

O. STATUS QUO OPERATIONS SCENARIO ANALYSIS RESULTS, 2045................................................................................ 149

P. INCREASED INVESTMENT SCENARIO ANALYSIS RESULTS, 2029................................................................................... 150

Q. INCREASED INVESTMENT SCENARIO ANALYSIS RESULTS, 2045................................................................................... 151

R. REDUCED INVESTMENT SCENARIO ANALYSIS RESULTS, 2029..................................................................................... 152

S. REDUCED INVESTMENT SCENARIO ANALYSIS RESULTS, 2045..................................................................................... 153

XIII. APPENDIX B: INLAND WATERWAYS TRUST FUND................................................................................................................154
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List of Exhibits

Exhibit 1: Direct Economic Contributions....................................................................................................................................4

Exhibit 2: Total Economic Contributions.....................................................................................................................................4

Exhibit 3: Infrastructure Provides a Critical Framework for the Competitiveness of U.S. Farmers ...........................................8

Exhibit 4: Inland Waterways Navigation System Overlaid with U.S. Soybean Production Density..........................................13

Exhibit 5: Inland Waterways Traffic by Barge Type (2018 estimated and 2019 forecasted) ...................................................14

Exhibit 6: Inland Waterways Traffic by Barge Type (2018 estimated 2019 forecasted)...........................................................15

Exhibit 7: Inland Waterways Commodity Movements in Short Tons, 2013 – 2017 .................................................................17

Exhibit 8: Inland Waterways Commodity Average Share in Ton-Miles, 2013-2017.................................................................19

Exhibit 9: Inland River Covered Barge Commodity in Short Tons, Average, 2013-2017 ..........................................................20

Exhibit 10: Inland River Covered Barge Commodity Average Share in Ton-Miles, 2013-2017 ................................................20

Exhibit 11: Covered Barge Traffic of Farm and Food, Average Share 2013-2017.....................................................................22

Exhibit 12: Percent of Lockages and Vessel Delay, All Waterways...........................................................................................23

Exhibit 13: Percent of Lockages and Vessel Delay, Mississippi River........................................................................................24

Exhibit 14: Rail Grain Shuttle Loading Facilities and Class I Railroad Network.........................................................................26

Exhibit 15: Direct Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways, 2016 ............................................................................33

Exhibit 16: Total Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways, 2016 ..............................................................................34

Exhibit 17: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by GDP................................................................................35

Exhibit 18: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by Employment..................................................................35

Exhibit 19: Forecast Inland Waterway Commodity Share, Status Quo Investment, 2029 .......................................................38

Exhibit 20: Forecast Inland Waterway Commodity Share, Status Quo Investment, 2045 .......................................................39

Exhibit 21: Direct Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2029 Status Quo .........................................................41

Exhibit 22: Total Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2029 Status Quo...........................................................42

Exhibit 23: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by GDP, 2029 Status Quo...................................................43

Exhibit 24: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by Employment, 2029 Status Quo .....................................43

Exhibit 25: Forecast Inland Waterways Commodity Share, Status Quo Investment, 2029......................................................44

Exhibit 26: Direct Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2045 Status Quo .........................................................46
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Exhibit 27: Total Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2045 Status Quo...........................................................47

Exhibit 28: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by GDP, 2045 Status Quo...................................................48

Exhibit 29: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by Employment, 2045 Status Quo .....................................48

Exhibit 30: Forecast Inland Waterways Commodity Share, Status Quo Investment, 2045......................................................49

Exhibit 31: Summary of Economic Contribution of Inland Waterways System with the Status Quo Investment Trend.........50

Exhibit 32: Total Cumulative Economic Impact with Status Quo Inland Waterways System Investment to 2029 and 2045 

(Employment Actual Count, GDP and Sales in Millions of Dollars)...........................................................................................51

Exhibit 33: Projects Awaiting Construction and Rehabilitation ................................................................................................53

Exhibit 34: Potential Navigation Investments, and Corn and Soybean Production Density ....................................................54

Exhibit 35: Extended Soybean Draw Area on the Inland Waterways with Dredging Lower Mississippi River to 50-Feet.......56

Exhibit 36: Direct Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2029 Increased Investment........................................58

Exhibit 37: Total Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2029 Increased Investment .........................................59

Exhibit 38: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways, GDP, 2029 Increased Investment .....................................60

Exhibit 39: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways, Employment, 2029 Increased Investment........................60

Exhibit 40: Direct Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2045 Increased Investment........................................62

Exhibit 41: Total Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2045 Increased Investment .........................................63

Exhibit 42: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways, GDP, 2045 Increased Investment .....................................64

Exhibit 43: Top 10 Industries Affected the Inland Waterways, Employment, 2045 Increased Investment.............................64

Exhibit 44: Summary of Economic Contribution of Inland Waterways System with Increased Investment............................65

Exhibit 45: Total Cumulative Economic Impact with Increased Inland Waterways System Investment to 2029 and 2045 

(Employment Actual Count, GDP and Sales in Millions of Dollars)...........................................................................................66

Exhibit 46: Reduced Corn Draw Area with Increased Barge Locking Delays on the Inland Waterways ..................................68

Exhibit 47: Comparison of Impact of Increased Investment vs. Reduced Investment in the Inland Waterways System........69

Exhibit 48: Direct Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2029 Reduced Investment .........................................72

Exhibit 49: Total Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2029 Reduced Investment...........................................73

Exhibit 50: Top 10 Industries Affected the Inland Waterways by GDP, 2029 Reduced Investment........................................74

Exhibit 51: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by Employment, 2029 Reduced Investment......................74

Exhibit 52: Direct Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2045 Reduced Investment .........................................76

Exhibit 53: Total Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2045 Reduced Investment...........................................77
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Exhibit 54: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by GDP, 2045 Reduced Investment ...................................78

Exhibit 55: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by Employment, 2045 Reduced Investment......................78

Exhibit 56: Summary of Economic Contribution of Inland Waterways System with Reduced Investment .............................79

Exhibit 57: Total Cumulative Economic Impact with Reduced Inland Waterways System Investment to 2029 and 2045 

(Employment Actual Count, GDP and Sales in Millions of Dollars)...........................................................................................80

Exhibit 58: Lock 25 Annual Tonnage by Commodity Grouping.................................................................................................81

Exhibit 59: Economic Impact of Corn and Soybean Exports via Inland Waterways by Select States, 2016.............................84

Exhibit 60: Total Contributions from State Commodity Production for Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ........................85

Exhibit 61: Direct Economic Contributions from Arkansas Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016...............................86

Exhibit 62: Total Economic Contributions from Arkansas Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ................................86

Exhibit 63: Top 10 Industries Affected by Arkansas Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP.......................................87

Exhibit 64: Top 10 Industries Affected by Arkansas Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment .........................87

Exhibit 65: Direct Economic Contributions from Arkansas Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 .......................88

Exhibit 66: Total Economic Contributions from Arkansas Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016.........................88

Exhibit 67: Top 10 Industries Affected by Arkansas Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP ...............................89

Exhibit 68: Top 10 Industries Affected by Arkansas Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment..................89

Exhibit 69: Direct Economic Contributions from Illinois Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ...................................90

Exhibit 70: Total Economic Contributions from Illinois Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016.....................................90

Exhibit 71: Top 10 Industries Affected by Illinois Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP ...........................................91

Exhibit 72: Top 10 Industries Affected by Illinois Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment .............................91

Exhibit 73: Direct Economic Contributions from Illinois Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ...........................92

Exhibit 74: Total Economic Contributions from Illinois Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016.............................92

Exhibit 75: Top 10 Industries Affected by Illinois Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP ...................................93

Exhibit 76: Top 10 Industries Affected by Illinois Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment......................93

Exhibit 77: Direct Economic Contributions from Indiana Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 .................................94

Exhibit 78: Total Economic Contributions from Indiana Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016...................................94

Exhibit 79: Top 10 Industries Affected by Indiana Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP .........................................95

Exhibit 80: Top 10 Industries Affected by Indiana Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment............................95

Exhibit 81: Direct Economic Contributions from Indiana Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016..........................96
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Exhibit 82: Total Economic Contributions from Indiana Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ...........................96

Exhibit 83: Top 10 Industries Affected by Indiana Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP..................................97

Exhibit 84: Top 10 Industries Affected by Indiana Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment....................97

Exhibit 85: Direct Economic Contributions from Iowa Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016......................................98

Exhibit 86: Total Economic Contributions from Iowa Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 .......................................98

Exhibit 87: Top 10 Industries Affected by Iowa Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP..............................................99

Exhibit 88: Top 10 Industries Affected by Iowa Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment................................99

Exhibit 89: Direct Economic Contributions from Iowa Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016........................... 100

Exhibit 90: Total Economic Contributions from Iowa Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ............................ 100

Exhibit 91: Top 10 Industries Affected by Iowa Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP ................................... 101

Exhibit 92: Top 10 Industries Affected by Iowa Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment ..................... 101

Exhibit 93: Direct Economic Contributions from Kentucky Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016............................ 102

Exhibit 94: Total Economic Contributions from Kentucky Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ............................. 102

Exhibit 95: Top 10 Industries Affected by Kentucky Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP.................................... 103

Exhibit 96: Top 10 Industries Affected by Kentucky Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment...................... 103

Exhibit 97: Direct Economic Contributions from Kentucky Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016.................... 104

Exhibit 98: Total Economic Contributions from Kentucky Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ..................... 104

Exhibit 99: Top 10 Industries Affected by Kentucky Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP............................ 105

Exhibit 100: Top 10 Industries Affected by Kentucky Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment............ 105

Exhibit 101: Direct Economic Contributions from Louisiana Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016.................. 106

Exhibit 102: Total Economic Contributions from Louisiana Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ................... 106

Exhibit 103: Top 10 Industries Affected by Louisiana Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP.......................... 107

Exhibit 104: Top 10 Industries Affected by Louisiana Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment............ 107

Exhibit 105: Direct Economic Contributions from Minnesota Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ....................... 108

Exhibit 106: Total Economic Contributions from Minnesota Corn Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016............................. 108

Exhibit 107: Top 10 Industries Affected by Minnesota Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP ............................... 109

Exhibit 108: Top 10 Industries Affected by Minnesota Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment ................. 109

Exhibit 109: Direct Economic Contributions from Minnesota Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ............... 110

Exhibit 110: Total Economic Contributions from Minnesota Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016................. 110
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Exhibit 111: Top 10 Industries Affected by Minnesota Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP ....................... 111

Exhibit 112: Top 10 Industries Affected by Minnesota Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment.......... 111

Exhibit 113: Direct Economic Contributions from Mississippi Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016....................... 112

Exhibit 114: Total Economic Contributions from Mississippi Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ........................ 112

Exhibit 115: Top 10 Industries Affected by Mississippi Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP ............................... 113

Exhibit 116: Top 10 Industries Affected by Mississippi Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment ................. 113

Exhibit 117: Direct Economic Contributions from Mississippi Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ............... 114

Exhibit 118: Total Economic Contributions from Mississippi Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016................. 114

Exhibit 119: Top 10 Industries Affected by Mississippi Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP ....................... 115

Exhibit 120: Top 10 Industries Affected by Mississippi Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment ......... 115

Exhibit 121: Direct Economic Contributions from Missouri Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 .......................... 116

Exhibit 122: Total Economic Contributions from Missouri Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ............................ 116

Exhibit 123: Top 10 Industries Affected by Missouri Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP .................................. 117

Exhibit 124: Top 10 Industries Affected by Missouri Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment..................... 117

Exhibit 125: Direct Economic Contributions from Missouri Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016................... 118

Exhibit 126: Total Economic Contributions from Missouri Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 .................... 118

Exhibit 127: Top 10 Industries Affected by Missouri Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP........................... 119

Exhibit 128: Top 10 Industries Affected by Missouri Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment............. 119

Exhibit 129: Direct Economic Contributions from Ohio Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016................................. 120

Exhibit 130: Total Economic Contributions from Ohio Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 .................................. 120

Exhibit 131: Top 10 Industries Affected by Ohio Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP......................................... 121

Exhibit 132: Top 10 Industries Affected by Ohio Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment........................... 121

Exhibit 133: Direct Economic Contributions from Ohio Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ......................... 122

Exhibit 134: Total Economic Contributions from Ohio Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016........................... 122

Exhibit 135: Top 10 Industries Affected by Ohio Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP ................................. 123

Exhibit 136: Top 10 Industries Affected by Ohio Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment ................... 123

Exhibit 137: Direct Economic Contributions from Tennessee Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ....................... 124

Exhibit 138: Total Economic Contributions from Tennessee Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016......................... 124

Exhibit 139: Top 10 Industries Affected by Tennessee Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP ............................... 125
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Exhibit 140: Top 10 Industries Affected by Tennessee Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment.................. 125

Exhibit 141: Direct Economic Contributions from Tennessee Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ............... 126

Exhibit 142: Total Economic Contributions from Tennessee Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ................. 126

Exhibit 143: Top 10 Industries Affected by Tennessee Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP ....................... 127

Exhibit 144: Top 10 Industries Affected by Tennessee Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment.......... 127

Exhibit 145: Direct Economic Contributions from Wisconsin Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016........................ 128

Exhibit 146: Total Economic Contributions from Wisconsin Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ......................... 128

Exhibit 147: Top 10 Industries Affected by Wisconsin Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP................................ 129

Exhibit 148: Top 10 Industries Affected by Wisconsin Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment .................. 129

Exhibit 149: Direct Economic Contributions from Wisconsin Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016 ................ 130

Exhibit 150: Total Economic Contributions from Wisconsin Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016.................. 130

Exhibit 151: Top 10 Industries Affected by Wisconsin Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by GDP ........................ 131

Exhibit 152: Top 10 Industries Affected by Wisconsin Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways by Employment .......... 131

Exhibit 153: Modal Comparison of Fuel Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions............................................................. 133

Exhibit 154: State Comparison Share of Bridges with Shoring, Closing and Posting Status.................................................. 135

Exhibit 155: Comparison of Landed Costs of Soybeans Shipped to Shanghai, China............................................................ 139

Exhibit 156: Soybean Transportation Costs to China: United States vs. Brazil...................................................................... 141

Exhibit 157: Direct Economic Contributions by Investment Scenario and Timeframe.......................................................... 146

Exhibit 158: Total Economic Contributions by Investment Scenario and Timeframe ........................................................... 146

Exhibit 159: 2016 Economic Contribution – All Activities...................................................................................................... 147

Exhibit 160: 2016 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Status Quo................................................... 147

Exhibit 161: 2016 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Status Quo................................................. 147

Exhibit 162: 2029 Economic Contribution – All Activities, Status Quo .................................................................................. 148

Exhibit 163: 2029 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Status Quo................................................... 148

Exhibit 164: 2029 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Status Quo................................................. 148

Exhibit 165: 2045 Economic Contribution – All Activities, Status Quo .................................................................................. 149

Exhibit 166: 2045 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Status Quo................................................... 149

Exhibit 167: 2045 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Status Quo................................................. 149

Exhibit 168: 2029 Economic Contribution – All Activities, Increased Investment................................................................. 150
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Exhibit 169: 2029 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Increased Investment.................................. 150

Exhibit 170: 2029 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Increased Investment ............................... 150

Exhibit 171: 2045 Economic Contribution – All Activities, Increased Investment................................................................. 151

Exhibit 172: 2045 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Increased Investment.................................. 151

Exhibit 173: 2045 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Increased Investment ............................... 151

Exhibit 174: 2029 Economic Contribution – All Activities, Reduced Investment .................................................................. 152

Exhibit 175: 2029 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Reduced Investment ................................... 152

Exhibit 176: 2029 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Reduced Investment................................. 152

Exhibit 177: 2045 Economic Contribution – All Activities, Reduced Investment .................................................................. 153

Exhibit 178: 2045 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Reduced Investment ................................... 153

Exhibit 179: 2045 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Reduced Investment................................. 153

Exhibit 180: Inland Waterways Trust Fund End-of-Year Balance........................................................................................... 154
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Disclaimer

This report was produced for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), 

through Cooperative Agreement Number 18-TMTSD-TN-0011. The opinions and conclusions expressed do not necessarily 

represent the views of USDA or AMS. Informa Agribusiness Consulting (Informa) has used the best and most accurate 

information available to complete this study. Informa is not in the business of soliciting or recommending specific 

investments. The reader of this report should consider the market risks inherent in any financial investment opportunity. 

Furthermore, while Informa has extended its best professional efforts in completing this analysis, the liability of Informa to 

the extent permitted by law, is limited to the professional fees received in connection with this project.

Objective

Conduct a study of the importance of the inland waterways to U.S. agriculture and requirements for maintaining the 

competitive position of U.S. agriculture in world markets. 
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Acronyms

AM Asset Management

AMS Agricultural Marketing Service

BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics

BTS Bureau of Transportation Statistics

DDGS Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles

EIA Energy Information Administration

GDP Gross Domestic Product (which IMPLAN calls value added)

IMPLAN Economic Impact Analysis for Planning Model which calculates 

value added GDP among other impacts

IWTF Inland Waterways Trust Fund

NAICS North American Industry Classification System

NESP Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program

O&M Operations and Maintenance

PNW Pacific Northwest

USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDOT U.S. Department of Transportation

WRDA Water Resources Development Act
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 U.S. farmers have enjoyed a competitive advantage accessing the global export market in larger part due to an effective, 

robust and resilient infrastructure and transportation network.

 U.S. corn and soybean farmers produce abundant quantities of competitively priced crops.

 The inland waterways system carries large volumes of bulk commodities and farm inputs, such as fertilizer, over 

long distances mainly for export or import, and is of vital importance to numerous industries. In 2017, 532.8 million 

tons of domestic barge traffic worth $220 billion moved on the system.

 The Mississippi River System is America’s primary inland waterways system. It comprises the Mississippi, Arkansas, 

Illinois, Ohio, and Tennessee Rivers, and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. This extensive waterway system feeds 

exports from grain elevators from Baton Rouge through New Orleans, to Myrtle Grove, LA. This region which 

handles 57 percent of U.S. corn exports in volume (valued at $4.8 billion) and 59 percent of U.S. soybean exports

($12.4 billion), as well as 55 percent of soybean meal exports and 72 percent of distiller’s dried grains with solubles 

(DDGS) exports.

 Due to its efficiencies and lower costs, the inland waterwayssystem saves between $7 billion and $9 billion annually 

over the cost of shipping by other modes.

 The infrastructure, however, is aging and needs major rehabilitation and construction to restore it to its full 

capability and forestall major disruptions, while providing opportunities for growth.

 The U.S. economy depends on farmers using the inland waterways system to maintain a competitive position in the 

global export marketplace, with agricultural exports providing a significant positive contribution to the U.S. balance of 

trade.

 In 2016, the total economic contribution of the waterways system resulted in employment of nearly 256,000 jobs and 

$27.2 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 Every $1 of output of waterways activity results in another $1.89 in economic activity across the U.S.
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 Historically, barge traffic has grown, but lagging infrastructure maintenance and improvement needs have resulted in 

more frequent delays, with the percentage of vessels delayed increasing from 35 percent in 2010 to 49 percent in 2017. 

Delays can cost up to $739 per hour for an average tow, amounting to more than $44 million per year.

 The added costs associated with delays are ultimately borne by shippers, especially farmers, who will pay more 

(and in the case of farmers, get a lower price) for goods shipped on the inland waterways system. Higher costs also 

reduce the competitiveness of the river system.

 Without consistent, predictable funding, the grain and soybean export draw area around the waterways system 

could shrink from an average of 150 miles, currently, to as little as 75 miles under a constrained scenario, as the 

cost to ship on the river increases. For corn, delays on the Mississippi River could have up to a $0.24 per bushel 

impact. The impact to soybeans could be up to $0.25 per bushel.

In 10 Years, by 2029 – Three Possible Scenarios

1) Status Quo Infrastructure Investment (no new construction or additional dredging) 

 Delays on the system will continue at a higher pace, resulting in a diversion to rail or truck at an additional cost to 

shippers, most of which typically get passed back to the producer in terms of lower farmgate prices given the highly 

competitive global grain and oilseed market.

 The forecasted volume growth of farm products transiting the inland waterways system would be 25 percent, and 

the related economic impact would be over 312,000 jobs created and $37.2 billion added to GDP.

2) Reduced Infrastructure Investment (no investment for construction and a reduced operations and maintenance (O&M)

budget):

 Relative to the status quo scenario, employment will fall 7 percent to 290,000 jobs, and the contribution to GDP 

will decline 7 percent to $34.7 billion.

 The forecasted volume growth of farm products transiting the inland waterways system would be 15 percent.

3) Increased Infrastructure Investment (full investment to meet all volume, maintenance, and upgrade needs would be 

$6.3 billion over 10 years):
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 Relative to the status quo scenario, employment will increase 11 percent to more than 346,000 jobs, and the 

contribution to GDP will expand 10 percent to $41.0 billion.

 The forecasted volume growth of farm products transiting the inland waterways system would be 38 percent.

In 25 Years, by 2045 – 3 Possible Scenarios

 1) Status Quo Infrastructure Investment:

 Commodity volumes moved on the waterways system are forecast to increase to 618.8 million tons by 2045 (with 

farm products increasing 29 percent). Projected employment will increase to nearly 395,000 jobs, and the 

contribution to GDP will increase to $54 billion.

 2) Reduced Infrastructure Investment (no investment for construction):

 Relative to the status quo scenario, employment will fall 18 percent to 323,000 jobs, and the contribution to GDP 

will fall 18 percent to $44 billion.

 Commodity volumes moved on the waterways system are forecast to decrease to 520.4 million tons by 2045 (with 

farm products decreasing 20 percent).

 3) Increased Infrastructure Investment (full investment in the inland waterways infrastructure to meet the volume, 

maintenance, and upgrade needs would be $0.4 billion per year after the initial investment through 2029):

 Relative to the status quo scenario, employment will increase 19 percent to 472,000 jobs, and the contribution to 

GDP will expand 20 percent to $64.6 billion. This option will more than offset the cost of completing all proposed 

projects.

 Commodity volumes moved on the waterways system are forecast to increase to 744.3 million tons by 2045 (with 

farm products increasing 93 percent).

 Increased investment in the inland waterways will increase the market value of corn and soybeans by $39 billion

from the status quo investment level. Alternatively, reduced investment would result in a decline of $58 billion. 
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Exhibit 1: Direct Economic Contributions

Status Quo Investment Trend Increased Investment Reduce Investment

2016 2029 2045 2016 2029 2045 2016 2029 2045

Employment 60,285 65,734 70,850 60,285 74,810 84,233 60,285 60,062 58,513

Labor Income $5,232 $7,261 $10,534 $5,232 $8,023 $12,462 $5,232 $6,740 $8,852

GDP $8,263 $11,372 $16,508 $8,263 $12,504 $19,554 $8,263 $10,594 $13,888

Output $18,367 $25,623 $37,226 $18,367 $28,231 $44,463 $18,367 $23,883 $31,089

Note: $ values in millions.

Note: Direct Economic Contributions stem from sales and operations from companies operating on the waterway. Total Economic Contributions stem from sales 

and operations from companies operating on the waterways as well as economic contributions from companies operating in the direct contributors supply 

chain as well as spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Exhibit 2: Total Economic Contributions

Status Quo Investment Trend Increased Investment Reduce Investment

2016 2029 2045 2016 2029 2045 2016 2029 2045

Employment 255,782 312,121 394,993 255,782 346,129 472,287 255,782 289,916 322,753

Labor Income $16,606 $22,796 $33,121 $16,606 $25,122 $39,515 $16,606 $21,242 $27,163

GDP $27,188 $37,226 $54,095 $27,188 $40,977 $64,563 $27,188 $34,716 $44,416

Output $52,833 $72,757 $104,520 $52,833 $80,176 $125,078 $52,833 $67,847 $85,965

Note: $ values in millions.
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Infrastructure Investment Impacts to America’s Agricultural Export Competitiveness

 The United States and Brazil compete directly for export business. Given the fungible nature of commodity supplies, the 

corn and soybean prices in the United States and Brazil are interrelated. 

 Improvements in the U.S. infrastructure, such as a more efficient inland waterways system, would contribute to 

improved farm income.

 Infrastructure problems in the United States will increase the price to the end user, lower prices paid to farmers,

and make U.S. grains and soybeans less competitive in global markets. Similarly, improvement to Brazil’s 

infrastructure will result in less expensive and more competitive grain and soybeans to the end user, and challenge 

demand for U.S. grain and soybeans. 

 The United States is in direct competition with Brazil, therefore infrastructure investment in both countries can have a 

tremendous impact on a farmer’s profitability. 

 Multinational corporations are making significant investments in the Brazilian grain and soybean transportation and 

handling system, including barge equipment, barge loading elevators, the rail network, and export elevators. 

 The U.S. currently has an advantage of $5.35 per metric ton over Brazil when shipping soybeans from Davenport, Iowa,

to Shanghai, China, via the inland waterways system. 

 If the current navigaton infrastructure spending trend is continued through 2045, the U.S. advantage declines to 

$3.03 per metric ton before any additional improvements in Brazil’s infrastructure are deployed.

 With increased infrastructure investment in the U.S. inland waterways system, barge rates decrease, and the landed cost 

of grain at destination markets improves the U.S. advantage to $22.55 per metric ton over Brazil with all other items 

unchanged.

 Reduced investment in the U.S. inland waterways system results in an increase in barge costs resulting in shipments of 

soybeans from the United States increasing to $3.89 per metric ton more than from Brazil. To be competitive, the U.S. 

soybean price would have to decline.
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Implications for America’s Overall Freight Transportation Infrastructure Network and Other Industries

 Shifting the equivalent volume of a typical 15-barge tow to surface transportation would require 216 rail cars or 1,050 

trucks, leading to increased congestion of the rail and road systems.1 In aggregate, this is the equivalent of an additional 

49.1 million truck loads.

 Barge transportation is the most environmentally friendly mode, with an advantage in fuel efficiency and greenhouse 

gas emissions as well. Inland towing can move 647 ton-miles per gallon as opposed to 477 ton-miles for rail and only 145 

ton-miles for truck. Inland towing CO2 emissions are only 15.62 grams per ton-mile as compared to 21.19 for rail and 

154.08 for truck.

2 This is an emissions reduction of 2.8 million grams per ton-mile.

 Water transport is safer. On a million-ton-mile basis, there are 21.9 rail fatalities and 79.3 truck fatalities for every 1 on 

the waterways system. A shift from water to truck is projected to increase fatalities by over 475 per year, an 11 percent 

increase. Injuries showed that for every 1 on the water, there were 80.9 on rail and 696.2 on truck.

 Other commodities also will benefit from improved investment in America’s infrastructure, including petroleum with 

volume up 14 percent.

 1 Compare. Iowa Department of Transportation. February 25, 2019. https://iowadot.gov/compare.pdf, accessed February 2019. 2 Texas Transportation Institute, “A Modal Comparison of Domestic Freight Transportation Effects on the General Public: 2001-2014,” January 2017.

http://nationalwaterwaysfoundation.org/documents/Final%20TTI%20Report%202001-2014%20Approved.pdf.
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II. INTRODUCTION

The inland waterways system facilitates a strong U.S. economy, providing safe, cost-effective and environmentally friendly 

transportation of agricultural products and other goods, such as coal, petroleum and chemicals, for export and import and 

for domestic consumption. Informa’s Agribusiness Consulting has been retained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Agricultural Marketing Service to document and quantify the importance of the waterways system to the U.S. economy, 

specifically to U.S. agriculture. 

U.S. agriculture depends on an efficient and reliable infrastructure system to move grains, soybeans, and other products to 

the global market place. The United States has been the envy of the world with a robust and expansive transportation 

infrastructure. However, that infrastructure has aged over time. An aging and less reliable inland waterways infrastructure 

has resulted in lower effective transportation capacity. That lower capacity leads to higher freight rates for other modes. 

Those higher freight rates decrease farmer returns, leading to lower economic activity. Finally, without infrastructure 

investment, the farmer and the agribusiness sector are less competitive globally. Thus, to be competitive in the global 

marketplace, the U.S. farmer and U.S. agriculture need a reliable transportation infrastructure system, including a wellfunctioning inland waterways system. 
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Exhibit 3: Infrastructure Provides a Critical Framework for the Competitiveness of U.S. Farmers
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 This study examines the economic value of the system if the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ current budget was 

maintained by looking at the present value, the value in 10 years, and the value in 25 years. Similarly, the study looks at 

the value if all currently identified inland waterway improvement projects (USACE’s 2016 Capital Investment Strategy) 

were completed and the value if no additional investment were made.

 The analysis evaluated the impact on sectors specific to agriculture while taking into account the forecast volumes 

of other commodities and products moved on the inland navigation system.

 The inland waterways system for this study comprises the navigable areas of the upper and lower Mississippi River, 

McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River, Illinois and Ohio River Systems, Tennessee River, and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. 

 Nearly 12,000 miles of inland and intracoastal shallow-draft waterways (9- to 14-foot draft) and 13,000 miles of 

greater than 14-foot deep coastal channels, for a total of 25,000 miles are operated and maintained for commerce. 

 The system is comprised of locks and dams along the upper reaches of the navigation system, north of St. Louis, 

Mo. and up the Ohio River from Cairo, Ill. 

 These locks and dams are important, allowing for the safe and efficient transit of the nation’s commodities and 

products. 

 More than half of all barge trips traverse at least one lock.

 Commodity volumes moved on the internal inland waterways during 2017 totaled 532.8 million tons.3

 Food and farm products represented 14 percent of these commodities, with further-processed products such as 

flour, animal feed, and fertilizer, accounting for an additional 5 percent.

 The inland waterways system has 193 lock sites and 239 lock chambers.4

 The locks on the upper Mississippi River were mostly built during the 1930s with an average age of 75 years. 

 3 Waterborne Commerce of the United States 2017: Part 5 National Summary, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

4 The U.S. Waterway System, 2017 Transportation Facts & Information, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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 The 16 locks on the Mississippi River from the northern border of Iowa to the mouth of the Missouri River upriver 

from St. Louis have an average age of 77 years.5

 On the Illinois Waterway, the locks average nearly 80 years of age, while the locks on the Ohio River were built 

between 1921 and 2009 and average nearly 55 years of age.

 Most of the locks have exceeded their 50-year designed and engineered lifespan.

 5 Upper Mississippi River Locks and Dams 2018. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Mississippi Valley Division. (Average age based on Lock and Dam 10 to Melvin 

Price Lock and Dam). https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll11/id/3033.
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III. TRANSPORTATION BACKGROUND 

A. Transportation Overview

 The transportation system moved 17.7 billion tons of goods valued at over $18.1 trillion in 2016.6

 Trucks carried 62.7 percent of the tonnage, 11.1 billion tons, and 61.9 percent of the value. 

 Rail moved 1.6 billion tons, 8.9 percent of goods, and water moved 0.8 billion tons, or 4.5 percent, in 2016. The 

remainder was carried by air, pipeline, or a combination of modes.

 Goods valued at $527 billion moved on all waterways of the United States. 

 Transportation’s total contribution to the U.S. GDP was $1,066.9 billion in 2016 according to the U.S. Department of 

Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).7

 For-hire transportation contributed $562.4 billion or 2.97 percent to the U.S. GDP. 

 In-house transportation contributed another $504.5 billion or 2.66 percent. 

 Inland water transportation contributed $19.2 billion to U.S. GDP. 

 For-hire water transportation contributed $16.5 billion and in-house contributed $2.8 billion.8

 6 Transportation Statistics Annual Report, 2018. U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics

7 In-house transportation is business-related transportation. Business-related transportation includes privately owned and operated vehicles of all body types, 

used primarily on public rights of way, and the supportive services to store, maintain, and operate those vehicles. For-hire transportation consists of the 

services provided by transportation firms to industries and the public on a fee-basis. For more information, see: 

https://www.bts.gov/transportation_satellite_accounts. 8 This GDP contribution is for all water transportation in the United States and includes only the direct contribution from transportation. The inland waterways 

are not differentiated. Indirect and induced impacts are not included.
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 The U.S. inland waterways system examined in this study comprises the navigable areas of: 

 The upper and lower Mississippi River, 

 Illinois River,

 Missouri River,

 McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River, 

 Ohio River System, 

 Tennessee River, and 

 Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

 The inland waterways system consists of nearly 12,000 miles of navigation channels with 193 lock sites and 239 locks. 

 More than half of all barge trips traverse at least one lock.

 Locks and dams make it possible for safe and efficient transit of commodities and products.

 The 2018 fleet of barges totaled 22,801 of which 19,141 were dry cargo barges. This total includes 12,893 covered barges, 

which are used to move agricultural commodities, such as soybeans and corn.

9

 9 Agribusiness Intelligence, IEG Vantage, annual Barge Fleet Profile, and annual Barge Commodity Profile reports, www.bargefleet.com.
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Exhibit 4: Inland Waterways Navigation System Overlaid with U.S. Soybean Production Density
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 Commodity volumes moved on the inland waterways during 2017 totaled 532.8 million tons, as presented in Exhibit 5,

and is forecasted to increase to 618.8 million by 2045 under current investment trends.

 Farm product movements on the inland waterways in 2017 were 94.8 million tons, slightly less than the record set 

in 2016 at 96.9 million tons. The volumes are estimated for 2018 and forecast for 2019.

Exhibit 5: Inland Waterways Traffic by Barge Type (2018 estimated and 2019 forecasted)

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (actual) and IEG Vantage (estimated and forecast)
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 Ton-miles transported in 2017 totaled 264.2 billion, as seen in Exhibit 6.

 Commodities moved in tank and covered barges are expected to lead the projected increase in volumes through 2045, 

but declining coal movements will reduce open barge volumes and ton-miles.

Exhibit 6: Inland Waterways Traffic by Barge Type (2018 estimated 2019 forecasted)

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (actual) and IEG Vantage (estimated and forecasted)
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B. Commodity Movements on the Inland Waterways

 “Farm products” are 14 percent of the total. Further processed “flour, animal feed and milled grain products” and 

fertilizers (a subcategory of Chemical Products) add another 5 percent to agriculture related products.

 “Crude petroleum” and “petroleum & coal products” account for 28 percent of moves on the inland waterways making 

them the largest related commodity movements.

 “Coal” is the second largest commodity moved on the inland waterways with 24 percent of moves. However, coal 

declined 36 percent between 2013 and 2017.
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Exhibit 7: Inland Waterways Commodity Movements in Short Tons, 2013 – 2017

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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 “Farm products” jump from the third largest commodity to the leading commodity category — with 28 percent of the 

total — when barge traffic is measured in ton-miles. 

 “Flour, animal feed & grain products” and fertilizers (a subcategory of Chemical Products) together add another 10

percent to agriculture-related products.

 Agricultural products are lower in total volume than coal and petroleum products, but they move greater distances.

 “Coal” and petroleum products (including “crude petroleum”) decline to 17 percent each when measured in ton-miles.
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Exhibit 8: Inland Waterways Commodity Average Share in Ton-Miles, 2013-2017

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, IEG Vantage
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 Covered barge movements are dominated by farm products, as seen in Exhibit 9 and Exhibit 10, which are in turn 

dominated by grains and oilseeds and related products, as seen in Exhibit 11.

Exhibit 9: Inland River Covered Barge Commodity in 

Short Tons, Average, 2013-2017

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, IEG Vantage

Exhibit 10: Inland River Covered Barge Commodity 

Average Share in Ton-Miles, 2013-2017
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 Corn, soybeans, and wheat dominate the “farm products” volume and ton-miles with an 83 percent share. 

 Corn is the highest volume agricultural commodity exported through the export grain complex of elevators from Baton 

Rouge through New Orleans to Myrtle Grove, LA on the Mississippi River in the Center Gulf, but the value of soybeans is 

higher. 

 At crop year 2018/19 prices, corn exports totaled $4.8 billion versus $12.4 billion for soybeans.

 Soybean exports through the export grain complex of elevators from Baton Rouge through New Orleans to Myrtle Grove, 

LA on the Mississippi River in the Center Gulf have been increasing faster than corn. 

 With U.S. farmers producing record crop harvests and increasing wealth in Asia, increasing consumption for grain-based 

products, grain and oilseed barge movements are expected to continue to increase over the long term.

 With larger ending stocks, if a production problem does occur in another country, the United States is able to meet that 

demand. 

 For example, in 2016 Brazil had lower yields that ultimately shifted the source of Chinese imports to the United 

States, which resulted in a surge of barge movements.

 Trade issues are currently impacting agricultural exports to China.
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Exhibit 11: Covered Barge Traffic of Farm and Food, Average Share 2013-2017

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, IEG Vantage
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C. Lock and Dam Infrastructure

 Lock and dam performance is declining under current investment trends. 

 The average delay in minutes, and the percent of vessels delayed, has increased between 2000 and 2017.

 The average delay in 2017 was 1.4 times the delay in 2000.

 Exhibit 12 shows performance metrics for the nine waterways for which the USACE has responsibility for maintaining 

the operation and condition of the locks. Exhibit 13 shows performance metrics for the Mississippi River alone.

Exhibit 12: Percent of Lockages and Vessel Delay, All Waterways

Total Vessels Total 

Lockages

Percent 

Commercial 

Lockages

Average 

Delay 

Minutes

Percent of 

Vessels 

Delayed

2000 1,140,428 797,137 73.1% 63.6 35.0%

2010 855,121 641,846 74.5% 79.8 36.0%

2017 746,095 584,563 78.8% 154.2 49.0%

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Note: Lockage is the term used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the act of locking through or passing through a lock. Multiple vessels 

may pass through a lock in one lockage depending on their size.
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Exhibit 13: Percent of Lockages and Vessel Delay, Mississippi River

Total Vessels Total 

Lockages

Percent 

Commercial 

Lockages

Average 

Delay 

Minutes

Percent of 

Vessels 

Delayed

2000 231,145 160,640 69.9% 90.0 20.0%

2010 139,768 109,205 68.2% 81.0 19.0%

2017 118,647 113,014 79.9% 121.8 53.0%

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

 Total vessels passing through locks declined by 35 percent while lockages declined by 27 percent between 2000 and 

2017. 

 Commercial lockages declined from 582,707 to 460,636, or 21 percent over this period.

 Vessel delays on the Mississippi River increased from 20 percent in 2000 to 53 percent in 2017.

 The average delay in 2017 of 121.8 minutes is 1.4 times the delay in 2000.

 Total vessels passing through locks on the Mississippi River declined by 49 percent while lockages declined by 30 percent 

between 2000 and 2017. 

 Commercial lockages on the Mississippi River declined from 112,287 to 90,298, or 20 percent, over this period.
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D. Rail System

 The United States had about 138,500 railroad route-miles in 2017, including approximately 93,000 miles owned and 

operated by the seven Class I railroads.10

 About 570 local and regional railroads operated the remaining 45,500 miles. 

 Over the past 50 years, Class I railroads and connecting facilities have developed increasingly efficient ways to carry and 

transfer cargo, allowing more cargo to be carried with fewer railcars. Average freight car capacity was about 93 tons in 

2000 and reached 105 tons in 2016 due to construction of larger cars, particularly new hopper and tank cars. 

 Freight rail ton-miles tripled to 1.8 trillion between 1960 and 2016 despite system mileage declining by half. 

 Class I railroads had approximately 184,000 network route miles before the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory 

Reform Act of 1976. The act led to the sale of rail lines to short-line railroads or the complete abandonment of rail-lines 

permanently reducing route-miles.

 The Staggers Rail Act of 1980 is a federal law that greatly deregulated the railroad industry.

 The Staggers Act ended restrictions on rate setting and allowed rail carriers to set market rates and abandon 

unprofitable lines.

 Since passage of the Staggers Act, the modal share of grains, oilseeds, and grain products hauled by rail has declined 

from 50 percent in 1980 to about 25 percent in 2016.

11

 10 Association of American Railroads, Railroad Facts, Statistical Highlights (Washington, DC: Annual Issues), available at https://www.aar.org/ as of August 2018. 11 Chang, Kuo-Liang “Matt”, Peter Caffarelli, Jesse Gastelle, and Adam Sparger. Transportation of U.S. Grains: A Modal Share Analysis, April 2019. U.S. Dept. of 

Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service. Web. https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/TransportationofUSGrainsModalShare1978_2016.pdf.
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Exhibit 14: Rail Grain Shuttle Loading Facilities and Class I Railroad Network
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IV. METHODOLOGY

A. Scenario Assumptions

 Three scenarios were used for this study. 

 The status quo scenario continued current spending trends in the President’s budget requests. 

 The second scenario had increased investment on the Inland Waterways System and the completion of all approved 

projects and rehabilitation projects required to increase reliability, resulting in reduced delay time, lower barge 

freight rates, higher farmer returns, increased export competitiveness, and more jobs.

 The last scenario examined the impact of reduced investment with no new construction or rehabilitation, resulting 

in rapidly increasing delay times, higher barge rates, and lower farmer returns. 

 Each scenario considered the current value of the inland waterways system, its value in 10 years (in 2029), and its 

value in 2045.

 Each scenario then was evaluated using Economic Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN).

 Based on a literature review, there were numerous transportation savings resulting from using the inland 

waterways. These were used in addition to the IMPLAN analysis in calculating the economic impact.

 The status quo scenario continued current investment trends under the following assumptions:

 The annual construction program for new construction and rehabilitation will remain around $215 million based on

the current funding trend in the President’s Budget, and operations and maintenance (O&M) will remain at $665 

million.

12

 USACE will continue its asset management (AM) program targeting repair funding to fix critical failures and the 

highest-risk items.

 12 It should be noted that annual appropriations and/or continuing resolutions passed by Congress and signed into law determine the annual construction 

program and not the President’s budget request. The 2016 President’s budget was used as a proxy.
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 The cost to transport commodities on the inland waterwaysis roughly half the cost to ship by rail — this assumption was 

maintained throughout the study period. 

 Estimates of transportation cost savings published by the USACE and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce range from $7 

billion to $9 billion annually. These values are based on all goods currently being moved on water compared to the same 

volume moved by rail.13 14 15

 13 Waterways Work for America. U.S. Chamber of Commerce 

https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/legacy/USChamb_Waterway_MainFactSheet_090613a.pdf. 14 https://www.iwr.usace.army.mil/Portals/70/docs/VTN/VTNCivilWorksBro_lores.pdf. 15 Based on barge transportation costs of $15.60 per ton from the Midwest to the Gulf and rail transportation costs of $31.60 per ton from the Midwest to the 

Pacific Northwest, the cost savings for transporting 532.8 million tons would be $8.5 billion.
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B. Economic Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN)

 To estimate the “ripple effects”16 that the U.S. inland waterways system’s output has on the entire U.S. economy, the 

IMPLAN economic input-output software was used. Results from the models provide insight into the number of jobs, 

labor income, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (which IMPLAN calls Value Added), and output (industry sales) created by

three different impact categories—Direct, Indirect, and Induced.

 Employment is the total number of jobs supported by the economic activity.

 Labor Income is the total value of all employment income, including employee compensation and proprietor 

income.

 GDP is the total value added by each step in the supply chain. The GDP can be thought of as the summation of labor 

income, profit, taxes, and indirect business taxes.

 Output can be defined as the summation of the business revenues that are associated with activities on the inland 

waterway.

 The different impacts estimated by IMPLAN are defined as follows:

 Direct impacts reflect the economic activity that occurs in the industries in which investments are made or changes 

occur. In the status quo case, the direct impacts are those that occur at organizations operating on and along the 

U.S. inland waterways system.

 Indirect impacts are the additional economic impacts that occur to industries upstream (or through “backward 

linkages”) to the industry that was directly impacted as it purchases inputs and services in order to produce or 

provide its own product or service.

 Induced impacts are those impacts created by changes in the spending of labor income and profits generated by 

the direct and indirect impacts. Wages for the jobs directly supported by the industry are spent on housing, medical 

treatments, groceries, etc. The spending in these industries creates induced (and positive) impacts for the housing, 

medical, and grocery store industries, along with other such industries.

 16 The indirect and induced impacts.
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 To estimate the economic impact of the U.S. inland waterways system on the U.S. economy, three key pieces of 

information associated with activities along the waterways were utilized:

 Economic Output

 Employment

 Employee Compensation

 This data was derived from several sources17 through taking shares of NAICS codes associated with economic activity on 

the waterways, as well as freight movement along the waterways.

 The NAICS codes most closely associated with the inland waterways system and used in this study were:

 483113 “Coastal and Great Lakes Freight Transportation”

 483211 “Inland Water Freight Transportation”

 488310 “Port and Harbor Operations”

 488320 “Marine Cargo Handling”

 488330 “Navigational services to shipping”

 488390 “Other Support Activities for Water Transportation” 

 Shares of these NAICS codes to be attributed to the waterways were developed from:

 2012 Economic Census

 2016 Waterborne Commerce Statistics

 2016 Service Annual Survey

 17 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Waterborne Commerce Statistics, Service Annual Survey, IMPLAN, Economic Census and PwC.
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 Related 2017 PWC study on the tugboat, towboat and barge industry18

 Once the inland waterways shares were developed for each NAICS code, estimates for 2016 were established using the 

derived shares from:

 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

 Service Annual Survey

 The President’s Budget for the inland waterways provides for investment and maintenance of the inland waterway 

infrastructure. This expenditure provides a positive economic impact and supports activities on the waterways. In 2016, 

The President’s Budget allocated:

 $665 million for operations and maintenance

 $215 million for construction

 This level of investment was inflated by two percent each year through 2029 and 2045. This federal investment and 

activities along the inland waterways were used to estimate direct, indirect, and induced impacts on the inland 

waterways system using IMPLAN.

 Three scenarios were run analyzing the economic importance of the inland waterways system:

 Status Quo Investment Scenario is the inland waterway’s contribution to the U.S. economy under a continuation of 

current allocated funds for construction and operations and maintenance, and the impact such investment would 

have on the inland waterways system as well as the U.S. economy.

 Increased Investment Operations Scenario is the inland waterway’s contribution to the U.S. economy under full 

funding for all construction projects proposed by the USACE, along with continued allocated funds for investment 

and operations and maintenance and the impact such investment would have on the inland waterways, as well as 

the U.S. economy.

 18 http://www.americanwaterways.com/sites/default/files/Econ%20Impact%20of%20US%20Tugboat%20Towboat%20and%20Barge%20Industry%20lh%206-

22-17.pdf.
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 Reduced Investment Scenario is the inland waterways system’s contribution to the U.S. economy under gradually 

decreasing funding and purchasing power for construction and operations and maintenance, and the impact such 

investment would have on the inland waterways system as well as the U.S. economy.

C. Baseline—Current Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways

To forecast future contributions of the inland waterways under each of the three scenarios, a baseline for the present 

valuation of the inland waterways was conducted resulting in the below direct and total economic contributions of the 

waterways to the U.S. economy:

 Direct Economic Contributions are stem from sales and operations from companies operating on the waterway.

 In 2016, the U.S. inland waterways system directly contributed:

 $17.5 billion in Economic Output

 55,200 Jobs

 $7.7 billion in GDP

 Government investment to the inland waterways via the President’s Budget in 2016 was roughly:

 $665 million for Operations and Maintenance

 $215 million for Construction

 According to the USACE, about 55 percent of these funds were spent through federal channels while the remaining 

45 percent was spent through private sector contracting. This investment resulted in a direct contribution of:

 $880 million in Economic Output

 5,100 Jobs

 $570 million in GDP
33 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 15: Direct Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 55,231 $4,818 $7,693 $17,487

Construction and O&M 5,054 $414 $570 $880

Government 2,390 $258 $364 $484

Private 2,664 $156 $206 $396

Total 60,285 $5,232 $8,263 $18,367

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from sales and operations from companies operating on the waterways, from 

companies operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those 

companies. Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, the U.S. inland waterways system in total contributed:

 $50.6 billion in Economic Output

 242,900 Jobs

 $25.9 billion in GDP

 According to the USACE, approximately 55 percent of these budget funds were spent through federal channels 

while the remaining 45 percent was spent through private sector contracting.

19 This investment resulted in a total 

contribution of:

 $2.2 billion in Economic Output

 12,900 Jobs

 $1.3 billion in GDP

 19 This represents who is doing the work, for example the USACE would perform certain maintenance and construction activity, while private sector is 

contracted outside of government to perform necessary work.
34 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 16: Total Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 242,880 $15,764 $25,877 $50,588

Construction and O&M 12,902 $842 $1,311 $2,245

Government 6,291 $468 $729 $1,140

Private 6,611 $373 $582 $1,105

Total 255,782 $16,606 $27,188 $52,833

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
35 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 17 and Exhibit 18 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from activities and investment along 

the U.S. inland waterways.

 As expected, water transportation and 

support activities for water 

transportation rank at the top of the 

list for jobs supported by activities and 

investment on the U.S. inland 

waterways system.

 Water Transportation

 Employment: 26,100

 GDP: $4.4 Billion

 Support Activities

 Employment: 38,600

 GDP: $4.1 Billion

Exhibit 17: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

410 Water transportation 26,088 $2,217 $4,417 $11,156

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 38,617 $3,258 $4,110 $7,960

440 Real estate 8,675 $219 $1,326 $1,826

395 Wholesale trade 7,265 $610 $1,182 $1,768

441 Owner-occupied dwellings 0 $0 $964 $1,485

433 Monetary authorities and 

depository credit Intermediation 2,121 $185 $508 $703

415 Couriers and messengers 8,114 $326 $492 $899

437 Insurance carriers 1,625 $174 $461 $792

156 Petroleum refineries 272 $70 $415 $1,455

461 Management of companies and 

enterprises 2,707 $332 $411 $667

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 18: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by

Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 38,617 $3,258 $4,110 $7,960

410 Water transportation 26,088 $2,217 $4,417 $11,156

440 Real estate 8,675 $219 $1,326 $1,826

415 Couriers and messengers 8,114 $326 $492 $899

395 Wholesale trade 7,265 $610 $1,182 $1,768

501 Full-service restaurants 5,508 $136 $152 $281

464 Employment services 5,114 $209 $310 $409

502 Limited-service restaurants 4,961 $101 $246 $425

518 Postal service 4,632 $398 $408 $467

482 Hospitals 4,472 $355 $409 $708

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
36 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

V. ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE UNDER STATUS QUO INVESTMENT

A. Scenario Description

 Three scenarios were used for this study. 

 The status quo scenario continued current trends in the President’s budget. 

 The second scenario had increased investment on the Inland Waterway System and the completion of all approved 

projects and rehabilitation projects required to increase reliability resulting in reduced delay time, lower barge rates, 

higher farmer returns, increased export competitiveness and more jobs.

 The last scenario was the impact of reduced investment with no new construction or rehabilitation resulting in rapidly 

increasing delay times, higher barge rates and lower farmer returns. 

 Each scenario considered the current value of the inland waterway system, its value in 10 years and its value in 2045.

 Each scenario was then evaluated using IMPLAN.

 Based on a literature review, there were numerous transportation savings using the inland waterway. These were 

used in addition to the IMPLAN analysis which calculates the economic impact.

 The status quo scenario continued current investment trends. 

 The current funding trend in the President’s Budget (PBud) had the annual construction program for new construction 

and rehabilitation to remain around $215 million, and O&M will remain at $665 million.20

 USACE will continue its asset management (AM) program targeting repair funding to fix critical failures and the highest 

risk items.

 20 It should be noted that annual appropriations and/or continuing resolutions passed by Congress and signed into law determine the annual construction 

program and not the President’s budget request. The 2016 President’s budget was used as a proxy.
37 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 The cost to transport commodities on the inland waterway is approximately half the cost to ship by rail with barge costs 

of $0.01 per ton-mile and rail costs of $0.02 per ton-mile. Estimates of transportation cost savings published by the 

USACE and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce range from $7 billion to $9 billion annually. These values are based on all 

goods currently being moved on water compared to the same volume moved by rail.

21 22 23

 21 https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/legacy/USChamb_Waterway_MainFactSheet_090613a.pdf. 22 https://www.iwr.usace.army.mil/Portals/70/docs/VTN/VTNCivilWorksBro_lores.pdf. 23 Based on barge transportation costs of $15.60 per ton from the Midwest to the Gulf and rail transportation costs of $31.60 per ton from the Midwest to the 

Pacific Northwest, the cost savings for transporting 532.8 million tons would be $8.5 billion.
38 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

1. Status Quo by 2029

 Food and farm products grow to 23 percent from 17 

percent of goods moved on the inland waterway, 

totaling 135.1 million tons. 

 In the forecast, corn movements increase 92 percent 

to 65.2 million tons.

 Soybean movements increase 25 percent to 42.3 

million tons. 

 Wheat movements increase 41 percent to 11.7 

million tons. 

 Animal feed movements, mainly DDGS, increases 5 

percent to 5.6 million tons as the growth in cornbased ethanol is assumed to grow minimally. 

 Total commodity flows on the inland waterway system 

are forecasted to reach 583.2 million tons by 2029, 

which is an annual growth of 0.7 percent. 

 Coal and petroleum related volumes are based upon 

EIA Long-Term Energy forecasts. 

 Food and food related movements along with 

fertilizer flows are based upon IEG Vantage longterm crop forecasts. 

 Crude materials, manufactured goods and other 

items are based upon projected population growth 

and trends.

 Petroleum and related products remain at 29 percent 

of commodity flows. Coal declines from 109.8 million 

tons to 100.8 million tons in 2029.

Exhibit 19: Forecast Inland Waterway Commodity Share, 

Status Quo Investment, 2029

Source: IEG Vantage
39 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Status Quo by 2045

 IEG Vantage forecasted commodity flows on the inland 

waterways out to 2045.

 Total commodity flows are forecasted to reach 618.8 

million tons by 2045, a 0.5 percent annual growth rate. 

 Petroleum and related products remain at 29 percent 

of commodity flows.

 Food and farm products constitute 26 percent of goods 

moved on the inland waterway, totaling 160.8 million 

tons. 

 In the forecast, corn movements increase to 78.9 

million tons. 

 Soybean movements increase to 51.6 million tons. 

 Wheat movements increase to 12.7 million tons.

 Animal feed movements increase to 6.1 million tons. 

 Coal declines from 109.8 million tons in 2016 to 86.2 

million tons in 2045.

Exhibit 20: Forecast Inland Waterway Commodity Share, 

Status Quo Investment, 2045

Source: IEG Vantage
40 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

B. IMPLAN Analysis

3. Projected Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways through 2029

Looking forward 10 years to 2029 under the Status Quo Operations Scenario, direct and total economic contributions of 

the waterways to the U.S. economy were derived and are shown below:

 Direct Economic Contributions:

 In 2029, the U.S. inland waterways are estimated to directly contribute:

 $24.5 billion in Economic Output

 59,800 Jobs

 $10.6 billion in GDP

 Government investment via the President’s Budget in 2029, in real terms, was estimated at:

 $860 million for Operations and Maintenance

 $278 million for Construction

 The USACE share of spending was held constant at approximately 55 percent spent through federal channels while 45

percent was spent through private sector contracting.

24 This investment resulted in a direct contribution of:

 $1.1 billion in Economic Output

 6,000 Jobs

 $732 million in GDP

 24 The percentage represents the portion of spending handled internally by the USACE compared to the portion contracted out to the private sector. With a 

higher budget, a larger portion is contracted out to private contractors; with a constrained budget, more work is performed by the USACE, which reduces the 

portion of the budget contracted out. Higher investment allows up to 70 percent of the budget to be contracted out; whereas, reduced investment only allows 

for 20 percent to be contracted.
41 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 21: Direct Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2029 Status Quo

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 59,780 $6,729 $10,640 $24,485

Construction and O&M 5,954 $532 $732 $1,138

Government 2,858 $336 $473 $626

Private 3,096 $196 $260 $512

Total 65,734 $7,261 $11,372 $25,623

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions:

 In 2029, the U.S. inland waterways system, in total, will contribute:

 $69.9 billion in Economic Output

 296,900 Jobs

 $35.5 billion in GDP

 The USACE share of spending was held constant at approximately 55 percent spent through federal channels while 45

percent was spent through private sector contracting. This investment resulted in a direct contribution of:

 $2.9 billion in Economic Output

 15,200 Jobs

 $1.7 billion in GDP
42 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 22: Total Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2029 Status Quo

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 296,898 $21,716 $35,545 $69,882

Construction and O&M 15,223 $1,079 $1,681 $2,875

Government 7,541 $609 $948 $1,472

Private 7,682 $471 $733 $1,403

Total 312,121 $22,796 $37,226 $72,757

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
43 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 23 and Exhibit 24 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from activities and investment along 

the U.S. inland waterways system.

 As expected, water transportation and 

support activities for water 

transportation rank at the top of the 

list for jobs supported by activities and 

investment on the U.S. inland 

waterways system.

 Water Transportation

 Employment: 28,200

 GDP: $6.1 Billion

 Support Activities

 Employment: 43,400

 GDP: $5.7 Billion

Exhibit 23: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by GDP, 

2029 Status Quo

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

410 Water transportation 28,244 $3,101 $6,089 $15,621

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 43,439 $4,524 $5,688 $11,137

440 Real estate 10,926 $299 $1,812 $2,537

395 Wholesale trade 9,134 $832 $1,612 $2,343

441 Owner-occupied dwellings 0 $0 $1,322 $2,041

433 Monetary authorities and 

depository credit intermediation 2,673 $252 $694 $918

415 Couriers and messengers 10,210 $445 $671 $1,261

437 Insurance carriers 2,047 $238 $630 $1,109

156 Petroleum refineries 341 $95 $565 $2,222

461 Management of companies and 

enterprises 3,408 $453 $561 $915

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 24: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by

Employment, 2029 Status Quo

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 43,439 $4,524 $5,688 $11,137

410 Water transportation 28,244 $3,101 $6,089 $15,621

440 Real estate 10,926 $299 $1,812 $2,537

415 Couriers and messengers 10,210 $445 $671 $1,261

395 Wholesale trade 9,134 $832 $1,612 $2,343

501 Full-service restaurants 6,960 $186 $209 $389

464 Employment services 6,436 $286 $423 $557

502 Limited-service restaurants 6,271 $138 $337 $588

518 Postal service 5,829 $544 $557 $652

482 Hospitals 5,659 $488 $561 $920

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
44 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

4. Summary Results by 2029

 Total commodity flows on the inland waterways

system are forecasted to reach 583.2 million tons by 

2029, which is an annual growth of 0.7 percent. 

 Food and farm products grow to 23 percent from 17 

percent of goods moved on the inland waterways, 

totaling 135.1 million tons. 

 In the forecast, corn movements increase 92 percent 

to 65.2 million tons.

 Soybean movements increase 25 percent to 42.3 

million tons.

 Wheat movements increase 41 percent to 11.7 

million tons.

 Animal feed movements, mainly DDGS, increases 5 

percent to 5.6 million tons as the growth in cornbased ethanol is assumed to grow minimally. 

 Petroleum and related products remain at 29 percent 

of commodity flows. 

 Coal declines from 109.8 million tons to 100.8 million 

tons in 2029.

Exhibit 25: Forecast Inland Waterways Commodity 

Share, Status Quo Investment, 2029

Source: IEG Vantage
45 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

5. Projected Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways in 2045

Looking forward 25 years to 2045 under the Status Quo Investment Scenario, direct and total economic contributions of 

the inland waterways to the U.S. economy were derived and are shown below:

 Direct Economic Contributions:

 In 2045, the U.S. inland waterways system is estimated to directly contribute:

 $35.7 billion in Economic Output

 63,400 Jobs

 $15.5 billion in GDP

 Government investment via the President’s Budget in 2045 in real terms was estimated at:

 $1.2 billion for Operations and Maintenance

 $382 million for Construction

 The USACE share of spending was held constant at approximately 55 percent spent through federal channels while 45

percent was spent through private sector contracting. This investment resulted in a direct contribution of:

 $1.6 billion in Economic Output

 7,400 Jobs

 $1 billion in GDP
46 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 26: Direct Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2045 Status Quo

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 63,428 $9,801 $15,498 $35,664

Construction and O&M 7,422 $733 $1,010 $1,563

Government 3,576 $464 $654 $860

Private 3,846 $269 $356 $703

Total 70,850 $10,534 $16,508 $37,226

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions:

 In 2045, the U.S. inland waterways system, in total, will contribute:

 $101.6 billion in Economic Output

 376,000 Jobs

 $51.8 billion in GDP

 The USACE share of spending was held constant at approximately 55 percent spent through federal channels while 45

percent was spent through private sector contracting. This investment resulted in a direct contribution of:

 $3.9 billion in Economic Output

 19,000 Jobs

 $2.3 billion in GDP
47 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 27: Total Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2045 Status Quo

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 375,985 $31,631 $51,774 $100,609

Construction and O&M 19,008 $1,490 $2,321 $3,911

Government 9,464 $844 $1,314 $2,010

Private 9,544 $646 $1,007 $1,901

Total 394,993 $33,121 $54,095 $104,520

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
48 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 The impact of activities and investment 

on the U.S. inland waterways system 

does not benefit all industries to the 

same degree.

 The charts to the right show the top ten 

(ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from activities and investment along 

the U.S. inland waterways system.

 As expected, water transportation and 

support activities for water 

transportation rank at the top of the 

list for jobs supported by activities and 

investment on the U.S. inland 

waterways system.

 Water Transportation

 Employment: 30,000

 GDP: $8.9 Billion

 Support Activities

 Employment: 49,100

 GDP: $8.3 Billion

Exhibit 28: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by GDP, 

2045 Status Quo

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

410 Water transportation 29,979 $4,516 $8,868 $22,753

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 49,136 $6,589 $8,285 $16,221

440 Real estate 14,369 $434 $2,633 $3,686

395 Wholesale trade 12,014 $1,210 $2,343 $3,289

441 Owner-occupied dwellings 0 $0 $1,921 $2,966

433 Monetary authorities and 

depository credit intermediation 3,517 $367 $1,009 $1,262

415 Couriers and messengers 13,456 $647 $977 $1,836

437 Insurance carriers 2,693 $347 $915 $1,612

156 Petroleum refineries 449 $138 $822 $3,234

461 Management of companies and 

enterprises 4,484 $659 $816 $1,330

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 29: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by 

Employment, 2045 Status Quo

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 49,136 $6,589 $8,285 $16,221

410 Water transportation 29,979 $4,516 $8,868 $22,753

440 Real estate 14,369 $434 $2,633 $3,686

415 Couriers and messengers 13,456 $647 $977 $1,836

395 Wholesale trade 12,014 $1,210 $2,343 $3,289

501 Full-service restaurants 9,151 $271 $303 $565

464 Employment services 8,468 $415 $616 $809

502 Limited-service restaurants 8,246 $200 $490 $854

518 Postal service 7,681 $792 $811 $949

482 Hospitals 7,441 $709 $815 $1,249

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
49 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

6. Summary Results by 2045

 Total commodity flows are forecasted to reach 618.8 

million tons by 2045, a 0.5 percent annual growth rate. 

 Food and farm products constitute 26 percent of goods 

moved on the inland waterways, totaling 160.8 million 

tons. 

 In the forecast, corn movements increase to 78.9 

million tons.

 Soybean movements increase to 51.6 million tons.

 Wheat movements increase to 12.7 million tons.

 Animal feed movements increase to 6.1 million tons. 

 Petroleum and related products remain at 29 percent 

of commodity flows. 

 Coal declines from 109.8 million tons in 2016 to 86.2 

million tons in 2045.

Exhibit 30: Forecast Inland Waterways Commodity 

Share, Status Quo Investment, 2045

Source: IEG Vantage
50 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 31: Summary of Economic Contribution of Inland Waterways System with the Status Quo Investment Trend

Direct Total

2016 2029 2045 2016 2029 2045

Employment 60,285 65,734 70,850 255,782 312,121 394,993

Labor Income $5,232 $7,261 $10,534 $16,606 $22,796 $33,121

GDP $8,263 $11,372 $16,508 $27,188 $37,226 $54,095

Output $18,367 $25,623 $37,226 $52,833 $72,757 $104,520

Note: $ values in millions.

7. Total Cumulative Economic Impacts with Status Quo Investment, 2029 and 2045

 The cumulative economic impacts for GDP and output (sales) were calculated as the average between time periods (2016 

to 2029, and 2029 to 2045) multiplied by the number of years between those time periods. Employment reflects a job 

added by the respective year, 2029 and 2045.

 The employment count, cumulative GDP, and output (sales) to 2029 and 2045 for the status quo investment scenario 

are summarized in Exhibit 32.
51 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 32: Total Cumulative Economic Impact with Status Quo Inland Waterways System Investment 

to 2029 and 2045 (Employment Actual Count, GDP and Sales in Millions of Dollars)

$100,000

$50,000

312,000

$354,000

$185,000

395,000

0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000 400,000 450,000

Sales

GDP

Employment

Sales

GDP

Employment

2029 2045
52 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

VI. ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE WITH INCREASED INVESTMENT

A. Scenario Description

 Under the second scenario with increased investment: 

 All authorized new construction projects would be completed, existing lock and dam sites would be rehabilitated, and 

proactive/advance maintenance would be performed to ensure the highest possible reliability. 

 Seven locks (five Upper Mississippi River and two Illinois Waterway) would be expanded to 1,200 feet and dual 

chambers under the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP). 

 Dredging of the lower Mississippi River to 50 feet from Baton Rouge, LA, to the Southwest Pass would be included.

 The Olmsted Locks and Dam was formally dedicated on August 30, 2018. The new facility replaces Locks and Dams 52 

and 53 on the Ohio River. 

 The project had a cost of $2.7 billion dollars with an estimated annual net benefit of $640 million. It should be noted 

that the projects had an original estimated cost of $775 million and completion date of 1998. Escalating costs, 

unpredictable funding and building in the “wet” contributed to the delay and cost increase.

 Average delays in 2016 for Lock 52 were 3.71 hours and at Lock 53 were 3.28 hours. Delays of 20 or more hours were 

for over 800 tows reported in 2018 with locking times of 1 to 2 hours at Lock 52.

25

 Transit times for the 2 locks could take up to 6 hours. Olmsted upon completion should have a processing time of 45 

minutes to one hour, resulting in a time savings of up to four hours.

 Twenty-one additional projects that are either awaiting construction or major rehabilitation with a combined cost of 

almost $6.3 billion will be completed. 

 It has been assumed for the purposes of this analysis that the projects would be completed over a 10-year period 

beginning in 2019 with completion by 2029. 

 Investments are spread evenly over this time period.

 25 https://www.waterwaysjournal.net/2018/08/30/olmsted-locks-and-dam-formally-and-finally-dedicated/
53 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 33: Projects Awaiting Construction and Rehabilitation

Potential Investments River State River Mile Amount 

($Million)

NAVIGATION & ECOSYSTEM SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM (NESP) PROJECTS - AWAITING CONSTRUCTION

LaGrange Lock Illinois River/IL 80 $361.30

Peoria Lock Illinois River/IL 158 $362.50

Upper Mississippi River Lock and Dam 20 Mississippi River/MO 343 $326.30

Upper Mississippi River Lock and Dam 21 Mississippi River/MO 325 $454.20

Upper Mississippi River Lock and Dam 22 Mississippi River/MO 301 $376.60

Upper Mississippi River Lock and Dam 24 Mississippi River/MO 273 $438.30

Upper Mississippi River Lock and Dam 25 Mississippi River/MO 241 $548.50

PROJECTS AWAITING CONSTRUCTION

Brazos High Island Gulf Intracoastal Waterway/TX $17.60

Brazos River to Port O'Connor Gulf Intracoastal Waterway/TX $22.20

Calcasieu Lock Gulf Intracoastal Waterway/TX 63 $16.90

Dashields Lock Ohio River/PA 13 $808.70

Dredging Lower-Mississippi River to 50ft Mississippi River/LA $159.10

Emsworth Lock Ohio River/PA 6 $744.40

Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Lock Mississippi River/LA 63 $1,009.90

Montgomery Lock Ohio River/PA 32 $362.50

MAJOR REHABILITATION PROJECTS

Brandon Road Lock Illinois River/IL 286 $69.20

Dresden Island Illinois River/IL 271.5 $50.50

Greenup Lock Ohio River/OH & KY 341 $55.00

J.T. Myers Lock Ohio River/IN & KY 846 $45.20

Starved Rock Illinois River/IL 231 $30.30

TJ O'Brien Illinois River/IL 327 $47.00

TOTAL $6,306

Source: National Waterways Foundation and INLAND WATERWAYS USERS BOARD 30th ANNUAL REPORT, December 2017
54 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 34: Potential Navigation Investments, and Corn and Soybean Production Density

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USDA and IEG Vantage
55 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Construction of a second 1,200-foot lock at Locks 20, 21, 22, 24, and 25 (above St. Louis) on the Mississippi River, and at 

LaGrange and Peoria on the Illinois Waterway is particularly important to agricultural shippers and barge operators. This 

project is referred to as the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP).

 Corn and soybeans, and to a lesser extent wheat, are the dominant commodities in terms of tonnage shipped through 

these locks. 

 These products typically are bound for the lower Mississippi River region to be transloaded to an export elevator and

oceangoing ships for export. 

 Fertilizer, moving northbound by barge, is also a significant commodity being shipped through these locks. 

 All seven of these locks are currently 600 feet in length and 110 feet in width, which means that the 15-barge tows 

typically found on the river moving grain for export must be split into two sections to pass through. By constructing 

a new 1,200 foot lock, a 15-barge tow could pass through the lock in one lockage. 

 Congress authorized expansions of the seven NESP locks in WRDA 2007 (P.L. 110-114, Title VIII). No appropriations 

have been provided for construction, and limited funding for preliminary work (referred to as preconstruction 

engineering and design) has been provided.26 

 An increase in lock size would result in cutting in half the time it takes for a 15-barge tow to transit each lock.

 26 USACE, Rock Island District, NESP Program Status; http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/NESP/Program-Status/.
56 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 The deepening of the lower Mississippi River 

will attract more grain and soybean volumes 

flowing to the river for export positioning on 

the lower Mississippi River.

 Improving the draft of the lower 

Mississippi River from 45 feet to 50 feet 

would increase reliability of river 

navigation and reduce the impact of lowwater events.

 With the lower Mississippi River dredged 

to 50 feet, the effective draw area around 

the waterways system would be 

increased from 205 miles to 247 miles.

 The impact of the deeper draft on the 

lower Mississippi River will save $5 per 

metric ton in ocean freight as the average 

weight loaded onto ocean going vessels 

increases from 66,000 metric tons to 

78,000 metric tons.

 From a basis standpoint, the basis will 

improve 13 cents per bushel for 205 miles 

from the river and decline steadily until 

reaching zero at 247 miles. An increase in 

basis (price) received by farmers leads to 

an increase in land values.

Exhibit 35: Extended Soybean Draw Area on the Inland Waterways 

with Dredging Lower Mississippi River to 50-Feet

Source: Agribusiness Consulting and IEG Vantage
57 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

B. IMPLAN Analysis

1. Projected Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways through 2029

Looking forward 10 years to 2029 under the Increased Investment Scenario, direct and total economic contributions of the 

waterways to the U.S. economy were derived and are presented below:

 Direct Economic Contributions:

 In 2029, the U.S. inland waterways system is estimated to directly contribute:

 $26.4 billion in Economic Output

 64,400 Jobs

 $11.5 billion in GDP

 Government investment via the President’s Budget in 2029 in real terms is estimated at:

 $860 million for Operations and Maintenance

 $1 billion for Construction

 According to USACE, it is estimated that approximately 30 percent of funds would be spent through federal channels 

while the remaining 70 percent would be spent through private sector contracting.

27 This investment resulted in a 

direct contribution of:

 $1.9 billion in Economic Output

 10,500 Jobs

 $1.1 billion in GDP

 27 Increased investment will require that a greater percentage of the investment be allocated to private sector contractors than under status quo investment.
58 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 36: Direct Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2029 Increased Investment

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 64,350 $7,243 $11,453 $26,356

Construction and O&M 10,460 $780 $1,050 $1,875

Government 2,262 $260 $366 $562

Private 8,198 $519 $685 $1,312

Total 74,810 $8,023 $12,504 $28,231

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions:

 In 2029, the U.S. inland waterways system in total contributes:

 $75.2 billion in Economic Output

 319,600 Jobs

 $38.3 billion in GDP

 According to the USACE, it is estimated that roughly 30 percent of funds would be spent through federal channels 

while the remaining 70 percent would be spent through contracting private sector entities. This investment resulted 

in a direct contribution of:

 $5 billion in Economic Output

 26,500,200 Jobs

 $2.7 billion in GDP
59 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 37: Total Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2029 Increased Investment

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 319,592 $23,376 $38,262 $75,223

Construction and O&M 26,537 $1,746 $2,714 $4,953

Government 6,784 $531 $831 $1,389

Private 19,753 $1,215 $1,884 $3,564

Total 346,129 $25,122 $40,977 $80,176

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
60 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 38 and Exhibit 39 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from activities and investment along 

the U.S. inland waterways system.

 As expected, water transportation and 

support activities for water 

transportation rank at the top of the 

list for jobs supported by activities and 

investment on the U.S. inland 

waterways system.

 Water Transportation

 Employment: 30,400

 GDP: $6.6 Billion

 Support Activities

 Employment: 46,800

 GDP: $6.1 Billion

Exhibit 38: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways, GDP, 

2029 Increased Investment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

410 Water transportation 30,404 $3,338 $6,554 $16,816

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 46,789 $4,871 $6,126 $11,993

440 Real estate 11,989 $328 $1,988 $2,783

395 Wholesale trade 10,151 $925 $1,791 $2,604

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $1,457 $2,249

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 2,942 $278 $764 $1,010

415 Couriers and messengers 11,023 $480 $724 $1,361

437 Insurance carriers 2,233 $260 $687 $1,209

461 Management of companies and 

enterprises 3,762 $500 $620 $1,010

482 Hospitals 6,233 $537 $617 $1,013

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 39: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways, 

Employment, 2029 Increased Investment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 46,789 $4,871 $6,126 $11,993

410 Water transportation 30,404 $3,338 $6,554 $16,816

440 Real estate 11,989 $328 $1,988 $2,783

415 Couriers and messengers 11,023 $480 $724 $1,361

395 Wholesale trade 10,151 $925 $1,791 $2,604

501 Full-service restaurants 7,675 $205 $230 $429

464 Employment services 7,076 $314 $466 $613

502 Limited-service restaurants 6,910 $152 $372 $647

62 Maintenance and repair construction of 

nonresidential structures 6,905 $438 $581 $1,175

518 Postal service 6,297 $587 $602 $704

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
61 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Projected Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways through 2045

Looking forward 25 years to 2045 under the Increased Investment Scenario, direct and total economic contributions of the 

waterways to the U.S. economy were derived and are shown below:

 Direct Economic Contributions:

 In 2045, the U.S. inland waterways system is estimated to directly contribute:

 $42.9 billion in Economic Output

 76,300 Jobs

 $18.6 billion in GDP

 Government investment via the President’s Budget in 2045 is estimated at:

 $1.2 billion for Operations and Maintenance

 $382 million for Construction

 The USACE share of spending was held constant at approximately 30 percent spent through federal channels while 70

percent spent through private sector contracting. This investment resulted in a direct contribution of:

 $1.6 billion in Economic Output

 7,900 Jobs

 $900 million in GDP
62 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 40: Direct Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2045 Increased Investment

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 76,299 $11,790 $18,643 $42,900

Construction and O&M 7,934 $672 $911 $1,563

Government 1,950 $253 $357 $469

Private 5,983 $419 $554 $1,094

Total 84,233 $12,462 $19,554 $44,463

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions:

 In 2045, the U.S. inland waterways system in total contributes:

 $121 billion in Economic Output

 452,300 Jobs

 $62.3 billion in GDP

 The USACE share of spending was held constant at approximately 30 percent spent through federal channels with 70

percent spent through private sector contracting. This investment resulted in a direct contribution of:

 $4 billion in Economic Output

 20,000 Jobs

 $2.3 billion in GDP
63 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 41: Total Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2045 Increased Investment

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 452,278 $38,050 $62,280 $121,024

Construction and O&M 20,008 $1,465 $2,283 $4,054

Government 5,162 $460 $717 $1,096

Private 14,846 $1,005 $1,566 $2,958

Total 472,287 $39,515 $64,563 $125,078

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
64 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 42 and Exhibit 43 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from activities and investment along 

the U.S. inland waterways system.

 As expected, water transportation and 

support activities for water 

transportation rank at the top of the 

list for jobs supported by activities and 

investment on the U.S. inland 

waterways system.

 Water Transportation

 Employment: 36,000

 GDP: $10.7 Billion

 Support Activities

 Employment: 59,100

 GDP: $10.0 Billion

Exhibit 42: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways, GDP, 

2045 Increased Investment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

410 Water transportation 36,062 $5,433 $10,668 $27,369

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 59,097 $7,925 $9,965 $19,510

440 Real estate 17,112 $517 $3,136 $4,390

395 Wholesale trade 14,404 $1,450 $2,809 $3,944

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $2,293 $3,539

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 4,205 $439 $1,206 $1,509

415 Couriers and messengers 16,178 $779 $1,175 $2,208

437 Insurance carriers 3,211 $413 $1,091 $1,922

156 Petroleum refineries 540 $166 $988 $3,889

461 Management of companies and 

enterprises 5,365 $788 $977 $1,592

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 43: Top 10 Industries Affected the Inland Waterways, 

Employment, 2045 Increased Investment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 59,097 $7,925 $9,965 $19,510

410 Water transportation 36,062 $5,433 $10,668 $27,369

440 Real estate 17,112 $517 $3,136 $4,390

415 Couriers and messengers 16,178 $779 $1,175 $2,208

395 Wholesale trade 14,404 $1,450 $2,809 $3,944

501 Full-service restaurants 10,920 $323 $362 $674

464 Employment services 10,103 $496 $735 $965

502 Limited-service restaurants 9,838 $239 $585 $1,018

62 Maintenance and repair construction of 

nonresidential structures 9,265 $649 $861 $1,742

518 Postal service 9,230 $951 $975 $1,140

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
65 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 44: Summary of Economic Contribution of Inland Waterways System with Increased Investment

Direct Total

2016 2029 2045 2016 2029 2045

Employment 60,285 74,810 84,233 255,782 346,129 472,287

Labor Income $5,232 $8,023 $12,462 $16,606 $25,122 $39,515

GDP $8,263 $12,504 $19,554 $27,188 $40,977 $64,563

Output $18,367 $28,231 $44,463 $52,833 $80,176 $125,078

Note: $ values in millions.

3. Total Cumulative Economic Impacts with Increased Investment, 2029 and 2045

 The cumulative economic impacts for GDP and output (sales) were calculated as the average between time periods (2016 

to 2029, and 2029 to 2045) multiplied by the number of years between those time periods. Employment reflects a job 

added by the respective year, 2029 and 2045. 

 The employment count, cumulative GDP, and output (sales) to 2029 and 2045 for the increased investment scenario are 

summarized in Exhibit 45.
66 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 45: Total Cumulative Economic Impact with Increased Inland Waterways System Investment

to 2029 and 2045 (Employment Actual Count, GDP and Sales in Millions of Dollars)

$137,000

$69,000

346,000

$496,000

$258,000

472,000

0 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000

Sales

GDP

Employment

Sales

GDP

Employment

2029 2045
67 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

VII. ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE WITH REDUCED INVESTMENT

C. Scenario Description

 Under the third scenario, with reduced investment and no new construction or additional dredging of the inland 

waterways system:

 USACE O&M funds are to be decreased one percent every year. A reduction combined with increasing costs due to 

inflation will progressively lead to increased delays as the system falls behind in repairs.

 Locks and dams would continue to be operated with minimal maintenance performed. 

 Repairs would be made only after operational failure of a lock, with no proactive maintenance or repairs (a “fix-asfails” approach). 

 Such a scenario is expected to result in more frequent short-term closures for repairs required to keep the affected lock 

operating and increased delay times as barge traffic increased. 

 The cost of increasing delays also is expected to result in the diversion of waterborne commodity traffic to rail and 

truck. 

 Agriculture-related movements diverted to rail would either ship to the Pacific Northwest, to Canada for export or to 

below the last lock on the Mississippi River for export through the Gulf. Rail capacity issues in St. Louis are to be 

expected if that mode and route are chosen; only five trains per day currently serve the greater St. Louis area grain 

barge loading facilities. 

 It is more likely that shipments will be by truck to below the locking portion of the inland waterways.
68 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 The average lock delay is forecast to increase over time 

as maintenance is curtailed. The more locks a shipment 

must pass through, the greater is the delay per 

shipment.

 A tow passing through only Lock 27 on the 

Mississippi River is projected to have an increase of 

just under $0.01 per bushel while a tow beginning 

at Lock 1 just below Minneapolis would have an 

increase of roughly $0.24 per corn bushel and $0.25 

per soybean bushel.

 Similarly on the Illinois Waterway, the per-bushel 

impact would increase from just over $0.01 at 

LaGrange to more than $0.08 per bushel at 

Lockport.

 Assuming an average draw area of 150 miles from the 

waterways system, the increased barge transportation 

cost must be offset by a decrease in truck 

transportation. The draw area would progressively 

decline until it reached only 77 miles near Minneapolis.

 The decline on the Illinois River will be 25 miles due 

to fewer locks.

 The increase in waterways costs and a declining draw 

area would shift agriculture exports to the rail system. 

The IMPLAN analysis assumes that rail shipments 

would increase to 20 trains per day to the PNW, five

trains per day to St. Louis, and four trains per day to 

Canada for export out of Vancouver.

Exhibit 46: Reduced Corn Draw Area with Increased 

Barge Locking Delays on the Inland Waterways

Source: Agribusiness Intelligence
69 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Farmers potentially can shift their crop mix to a limited degree, but it is more likely thatsome acres, particularly marginal 

land, will be taken out of production, thereby potentially reducing production and the resulting economic multiplier 

benefits ag production brings to rural areas and the U.S. economy.

 Increased transportation costs are forecast to be borne by producers and could reduce farmgate prices by up to $0.24 

per corn bushel and $0.25 per soybean bushel.

 When the impact of the reduced investment in the inland waterways system is compared to the impact of status quo 

investment, there is a $58 billion decline in the market value of corn and soybeans. When compared to the market value 

of increased investment in the inland waterways system, the difference reaches $97 billion in 2045.

Exhibit 47: Comparison of Impact of Increased Investment vs. Reduced Investment in the Inland Waterways System
70 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 The reduction in agricultural commodity prices is forecast to have additional impacts:

 Reduced soybean and corn prices could lead to increased domestic crushing and grind.

 There is potential for livestock herds and flocks expansion, though not substantially, as a result of reduced feed costs.
71 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

D. IMPLAN Analysis

1. Projected Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways through 2029

Looking forward 10 years to 2029 under the Reduced Investment Scenario, direct and total economic contributions of the 

waterways to the U.S. economy were derived and are shown below:

 Direct Economic Contributions:

 In 2029, the U.S. inland waterways system is estimated to directly contribute:

 $23.2 billion in Economic Output

 56,800 Jobs

 $10.1 billion in GDP

 Government investment via the President’s Budget in 2029 in real terms is estimated at:

 $638 million for Operations and Maintenance

 $0 million for Construction

 According to the USACE, it is estimated that roughly 80 percent of funds would be spent through federal channels 

while the remaining 20 percent would be spent through private sector contracting. This investment resulted in a 

direct contribution of:

 $638 million in Economic Output

 3,300 Jobs

 $493 million in GDP
72 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 48: Direct Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2029 Reduced Investment

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 56,753 $6,388 $10,101 $23,245

Construction and O&M 3,309 $352 $493 $638

Government 2,559 $304 $430 $511

Private 750 $48 $63 $128

Total 60,062 $6,740 $10,594 $23,883

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions:

 In 2029, the U.S. inland waterways system in total will contribute:

 $66.3 billion in Economic Output

 281,900 Jobs

 $33.7 billion in GDP

 According to USACE, it is estimated that roughly 80 percent of funds would be spent through federal channels while 

the remaining 20 percent would be spent through private sector contracting. This investment resulted in a direct 

contribution of:

 $1.5 billion in Economic Output

 8,100 Jobs

 $971 million in GDP
73 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 49: Total Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2029 Reduced Investment

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 281,866 $20,617 $33,746 $66,344

Construction and O&M 8,050 $625 $971 $1,503

Government 6,142 $508 $788 $1,151

Private 1,908 $117 $182 $352

Total 289,916 $21,242 $34,716 $67,847

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
74 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 50 and Exhibit 51 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from activities and investment along 

the U.S. inland waterways system.

 As expected, water transportation and 

support activities for water 

transportation rank at the top of the 

list for jobs supported by activities and 

investment on the U.S. inland 

waterways system.

 Water Transportation

 Employment: 26,800

 GDP: $5.8 Billion

 Support Activities

 Employment: 41,200

 GDP: $5.4 Billion

Exhibit 50: Top 10 Industries Affected the Inland Waterways by GDP, 

2029 Reduced Investment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

410 Water transportation 26,812 $2,943 $5,780 $14,829

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 41,221 $4,293 $5,398 $10,569

440 Real estate 10,191 $279 $1,690 $2,366

395 Wholesale trade 8,477 $772 $1,496 $2,175

441 Owner-occupied dwellings 0 $0 $1,232 $1,903

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 2,494 $235 $647 $856

415 Couriers and messengers 9,672 $421 $636 $1,194

437 Insurance carriers 1,920 $224 $591 $1,040

156 Petroleum refineries 321 $89 $532 $2,094

518 Postal service 5,518 $515 $528 $617

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 51: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by

Employment, 2029 Reduced Investment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 41,221 $4,293 $5,398 $10,569

410 Water transportation 26,812 $2,943 $5,780 $14,829

440 Real estate 10,191 $279 $1,690 $2,366

415 Couriers and messengers 9,672 $421 $636 $1,194

395 Wholesale trade 8,477 $772 $1,496 $2,175

501 Full-service restaurants 6,480 $174 $194 $362

464 Employment services 5,998 $266 $395 $519

502 Limited-service restaurants 5,843 $128 $314 $547

518 Postal service 5,518 $515 $528 $617

482 Hospitals 5,275 $455 $523 $857

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
75 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Projected Economic Contributions of the Inland Waterways through 2045

Looking forward 25 years to 2045 under the Reduced Investment Scenario, direct and total economic contributions of the 

waterways to the U.S. economy were derived and are shown below:

 Direct Economic Contributions:

 In 2045, the U.S. inland waterways system is estimated to directly contribute:

 $30.6 billion in Economic Output

 56,000 Jobs

 $13.5 billion in GDP

 Government investment via the President’s Budget in 2045 in real terms is estimated at:

 $543 million for Operations and Maintenance

 $0 million for Construction

 The USACE share of spending was held constant at roughly 80 percentspent through federal channels while 20 percent

spent through private sector contracting. This investment resulted in a direct contribution of:

 $543 million in Economic Output

 2,600 Jobs

 $421 million in GDP
76 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 52: Direct Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2045 Reduced Investment

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 55,956 $8,551 $13,468 $30,546

Construction and O&M 2,558 $300 $421 $543

Government 1,980 $260 $367 $435

Private 578 $41 $54 $109

Total 58,513 $8,852 $13,888 $31,089

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions:

 In 2045, the U.S. inland waterways system in total will contribute:

 $84.7 billion in Output

 316,500 Jobs

 $43.6 billion in GDP

 The USACE share of spending was held constant at roughly 80 percentspent through federal channels while 20 percent

spent through private sector contracting. This investment resulted in a direct contribution of:

 $1.3 billion in Output

 6,200 Jobs

 $830 million in GDP
77 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 53: Total Economic Contributions by the Inland Waterways, 2045 Reduced Investment

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Inland Waterways 316,526 $26,629 $43,587 $84,698

Construction and O&M 6,227 $534 $830 $1,267

Government 4,757 $435 $674 $971

Private 1,470 $99 $155 $296

Total 322,753 $27,163 $44,416 $85,965

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
78 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 54 and Exhibit 55 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from activities and investment along 

the U.S. inland waterways system.

 As expected, water transportation and 

support activities for water 

transportation rank at the top of the 

list for jobs supported by activities and 

investment on the U.S. inland 

waterways system.

 Water Transportation

 Employment: 25,200

 GDP: $6.2 Billion

 Support Activities

 Employment: 41,300

 GDP: $5.8 Billion

Exhibit 54: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by GDP, 

2045 Reduced Investment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

410 Water transportation 25,236 $3,172 $6,229 $15,502

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 41,338 $4,626 $5,817 $11,127

440 Real estate 11,799 $298 $1,804 $2,484

395 Wholesale trade 9,838 $827 $1,601 $2,394

441 Owner-occupied dwellings 0 - $1,315 $2,027

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 2,893 $252 $692 $959

415 Couriers and messengers 11,297 $454 $685 $1,252

437 Insurance carriers 2,224 $239 $631 $1,085

156 Petroleum refineries 374 $96 $572 $2,004

518 Postal service 6,442 $554 $568 $650

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 55: Top 10 Industries Affected by the Inland Waterways by

Employment, 2045 Reduced Investment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

414 Support activities for water 

transportation 41,338 $4,626 $5,817 $11,127

410 Water transportation 25,236 $3,172 $6,229 $15,502

440 Real estate 11,799 $298 $1,804 $2,484

415 Couriers and messengers 11,297 $454 $685 $1,252

395 Wholesale trade 9,838 $827 $1,601 $2,394

501 Full-service restaurants 7,501 $185 $207 $383

464 Employment services 6,966 $285 $423 $557

502 Limited-service restaurants 6,762 $137 $336 $579

518 Postal service 6,442 $554 $568 $650

482 Hospitals 6,104 $485 $558 $967

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
79 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 56: Summary of Economic Contribution of Inland Waterways System with Reduced Investment

Direct Total

2016 2029 2045 2016 2029 2045

Employment 60,285 60,062 58,513 255,782 289,916 322,753

Labor Income $5,232 $6,740 $8,852 $16,606 $21,242 $27,163

GDP $8,263 $10,594 $13,888 $27,188 $34,716 $44,416

Output $18,367 $23,883 $31,089 $52,833 $67,847 $85,965

Note: $ values in millions.

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

3. Total Cumulative Economic Impacts with Reduced Investment, 2029 and 2045

 The cumulative economic impacts for GDP and output (sales) were calculated as the average between time periods (2016 

to 2029, and 2029 to 2045) multiplied by the number of years between those time periods. Employment reflects a job 

added by the respective year, 2029 and 2045. 

 The employment count, cumulative GDP, and output (sales) to 2029 and 2045 for the reduced investment scenario are 

summarized in Exhibit 57.
80 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 57: Total Cumulative Economic Impact with Reduced Inland Waterways System Investment 

to 2029 and 2045 (Employment Actual Count, GDP and Sales in Millions of Dollars)

$75,000

$38,000

290,000

$220,000

$115,000

323,000

0 50,000 100,000 150,000 200,000 250,000 300,000 350,000

Sales

GDP

Employment

Sales

GDP

Employment

2029 2045
81 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

E. Impact of a Lock Failure

The possibility of an extended lock failure could be one of the outcomes of a “No Investment” approach. Although not 

specifically part of this study, research has been performed in the past on the consequences of such a failure.

 Lock and Dam 25 on the Mississippi River is an older structure, has not been approved for a major rehabilitation as of 

2019 and has been the subject of previous studies. Lock and Dam 25 links the Upper Mississippi River with the remainder 

of the inland waterways system. 

 A failure here would impact over 7.5 million tons of corn and almost 6 million tons of soybeans headed to export at

the Gulf, based upon 2017 commodity flows. 

 In addition, more than 3 million tons of fertilizer shipped up-bound would be impacted.

Exhibit 58: Lock 25 Annual Tonnage by Commodity Grouping

CY2010 CY2011 CY2012 CY2013 CY2014 CY2015 CY2016 CY2017

00 - All Units (Ferried Autos, Passengers, Railway Cars) - - - - - - - -

10 - All Coal, Lignite, and Coal Coke 2,068,539 1,528,178 928,588 731,700 752,600 435,200 298,949 311,373

20 - All Petroleum and Petroleum Products 370,009 245,230 184,300 376,600 348,740 295,000 244,557 254,279

30 - All Chemicals and Related Products 3,019,716 3,582,237 3,444,506 3,900,426 4,393,941 4,222,345 4,701,027 4,296,964

40 - All Crude Materials, Inedible, Except Fuels 2,296,529 2,611,946 1,975,340 2,303,676 3,106,028 2,347,780 1,958,472 1,915,251

50 - All Primary Manufactured Goods 1,017,574 1,329,147 1,543,665 1,458,020 1,724,156 1,475,263 1,859,864 1,859,270

60 - All Food and Farm Products 15,274,530 13,643,310 13,927,272 8,457,467 11,292,154 16,066,195 22,509,356 22,686,412

70 - All Manufactured Equipment & Machinery 32,393 75,480 139,897 78,860 46,895 71,910 176,210 176,154

80 - All Waste Material 3,100 2,605 4,800 -

90 - All Unknown or Not Elsewhere Classified - 90 37,809 17,531 16,600 9,200 6,400 1,600 8,200 8,197

Total 24,117,099 23,033,059 22,163,268 17,315,949 21,673,519 24,920,093 31,756,635 31,507,900

Total Loaded Barges 15,455 14,742 14,505 11,131 13,886 16,100 20,264 20,244

Empty 7,018 5,711 6,579 3,741 4,839 7,084 11,434 8,552

Total Barges 22,473 20,453 21,084 14,872 18,725 23,184 31,698 28,796

Barge Load Weight 1,560 1,562 1,528 1,556 1,561 1,548 1,567 1,556

Empty/Total Barges 45% 39% 45% 34% 35% 44% 56% 42%

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
82 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 A 2011 study (Kruse) identified Locks and Dams 20 and 25 as the two most critical structures on the Upper Mississippi, 

based on their age, need for maintenance, and the economic consequences of their failure.28

 A Mid-America Freight Coalition study from 2017 reports that, “Under the extreme closure of the entire system north of 

lock 25, and with 100 percent of the tonnage going to trucks, there would be an additional 12,337,400 tons of goods 

moved on 489,496 truckloads.”

 Pavement damage costs are estimated at $28,841,353 and additional costs to the trucking industry would be 

approximately $283,072,536. 

 Further, “there would be an additional 212,464 tons of CO2 with an approximate social cost of $7,720,704.”29 The 

study assumes that all agricultural products would be trucked to St. Louis.

 A study prepared for the National Waterways Foundation and the U.S. Maritime Administration estimated the cost of 

an unplanned closure of Lock 25 would be $1.57 billion.30 

 A closure of Lock 25 would impact 132 counties in 17 States, affect the primary path for corn and soybean exports, 

test the nation’s railroads, and discourage 80 percent of users from returning to the waterways.

 28 Kruse, James, Zafarbek Ahmedov, Bruce McCarl, Ximing Wu, and James Mjelde. America’s Locks & Dams: “A Ticking Time Bomb for Agriculture?” College 

Station, Texas. Texas Transportation Institute, December 2011. https://unitedsoybean.org/wp-content/uploads/Americas_Locks_And_Dams.pdf. 29 Mid-America Freight Coalition, “Modal Investment Comparison: The Impact of Upper Mississippi River Lock and Dam Shutdowns on State Highway 

Infrastructure, October 2017.

30 Center for Transportation Research, University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt Engineering Center for Transportation and Operational Resiliency, Vanderbilt 

University, “The Impacts of Unscheduled Lock Outages”, October 2017.
83 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

VIII. CURRENT ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF CORN AND SOYBEAN EXPORTS MOVED 

ALONG THE INLAND WATERWAYS BY STATE

The inland waterways support a significant portion of corn and soybean exports moving from States adjacent to the 

navigable waterways of the Mississippi River down through to the Gulf of Mexico. This section summarizes analysis of the 

present economic contribution to State economies from the production of corn and soybeans that are estimated to be

transported via the inland waterways by barge and destined for export through the export grain complex of elevators from 

Baton Rouge through New Orleans to Myrtle Grove, LA on the Mississippi River in the Center Gulf. Corn and soybean 

production do not impact every industry in each State to the same degree. Presented for each State are the direct 

contributions, total contributions, and the top 10 industries affected and ranked in terms of GDP and employment. Exhibit 

60 shows a summary of the results by State.
84 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 59: Economic Impact of Corn and Soybean Exports via Inland Waterways by Select States, 2016

Source: Agribusiness Intelligence
85 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 60: Total Contributions from State Commodity Production for Exports via 

Inland Waterways, 2016

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

State Commodity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Arkansas

Corn 1,171 $32.9 $49.1 $154.8

Soybean 7,805 $562.7 $746.4 $1,433.4

Total 8,976 $595.5 $795.6 $1,588.2

Illinois

Corn 8,684 $279.4 $622.5 $1,880.5

Soybean 9,960 $371.2 $1,062.8 $2,946.7

Total 18,644 $650.6 $1,685.3 $4,827.2

Indiana

Corn 1,654 $55.0 $96.8 $291.6

Soybean 4,377 $259.9 $454.8 $1,036.7

Total 6,031 $314.9 $551.6 $1,328.3

Iowa

Corn 812 $37.7 $68.5 $221.8

Soybean 10,137 $1,036.2 $1,408.0 $3,038.2

Total 10,949 $1,073.8 $1,476.6 $3,260.0

Kentucky

Corn 2,599 $48.7 $80.8 $271.7

Soybean 4,604 $190.0 $294.5 $708.7

Total 7,203 $238.6 $375.3 $980.3

Louisiana

Corn 0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0

Soybean 3,471 $177.1 $255.9 $552.8

Total 3,471 $177.1 $255.9 $552.8

Minnesota

Corn 1,317 $55.3 $90.4 $281.9

Soybean 5,583 $494.7 $667.9 $1,446.4

Total 6,900 $549.9 $758.3 $1,728.2

Mississippi

Corn 1,129 $28.8 $47.7 $148.1

Soybean 5,234 $330.5 $478.0 $946.3

Total 6,364 $359.3 $525.7 $1,094.4

Missouri

Corn 1,267 $27.0 $50.4 $171.3

Soybean 8,280 $278.7 $566.6 $1,564.9

Total 9,547 $305.7 $617.0 $1,736.3

Ohio

Corn 381 $8.6 $16.5 $49.9

Soybean 4,861 $182.8 $327.2 $882.2

Total 5,242 $191.4 $343.6 $932.1

Tennessee

Corn 1,284 $17.8 $34.9 $102.5

Soybean 4,876 $113.8 $221.1 $595.7

Total 6,160 $131.6 $255.9 $698.3

Wisconsin

Corn 72 $2.2 $3.7 $11.0

Soybean 4,097 $273.8 $387.7 $830.8

Total 4,170 $276.0 $391.3 $841.7
86 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

A. Arkansas Economic Contribution of Corn and Soybean Exports Moved Along Inland Waterways

1. Arkansas Corn Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Arkansas corn produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $85 Million in Economic Output

 597 Jobs

 $9.2 Million in GDP

Exhibit 61: Direct Economic Contributions from Arkansas Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 597 $9.6 $9.2 $85.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Arkansas corn produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $155 Million in Output

 1,171 Jobs

 $49 Million in GDP

Exhibit 62: Total Economic Contributions from Arkansas Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 1,171 $32.9 $49.1 $154.8

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
87 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 63 and Exhibit 64 show the top 10

(ranked by employment and GDP gains) 

IMPLAN industries that benefit from 

Arkansas corn produced for exports via 

inland waterways.

 As expected, grain farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Arkansas corn production for exports via 

inland waterways.

 Grain Farming

 Employment: 597

 GDP: $9.2 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 227

 GDP: $9.3 Million

Exhibit 63: Top 10 Industries Affected by Arkansas Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 227 $6,396 $9,322 $12,118

2 Grain farming 597 $1,372 $9,217 $85,000

440 Real estate 39 $324 $5,207 $7,537

395 Wholesale trade 25 $1,732 $4,114 $6,139

441 Owner-occupied dwellings 0 $0 $1,751 $2,703

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 10 $597 $1,278 $2,173

437 Insurance carriers 5 $455 $1,245 $2,376

411 Truck transportation 9 $444 $660 $1,522

62 Maintenance and repair construction of 

nonresidential structures 11 $333 $631 $1,495

526 Other local government enterprises 4 $287 $624 $1,460

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 64: Top 10 Industries Affected by Arkansas Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 597 $1,372 $9,217 $85,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 227 $6,396 $9,322 $12,118

440 Real estate 39 $324 $5,207 $7,537

395 Wholesale trade 25 $1,732 $4,114 $6,139

62 Maintenance and repair construction of 

nonresidential structures 11 $333 $631 $1,495

502 Limited-service restaurants 11 $175 $422 $824

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 10 $597 $1,278 $2,173

411 Truck transportation 9 $444 $660 $1,522

501 Full-service restaurants 9 $173 $206 $428

438 Insurance agencies, brokerages, and 

related activities 9 $328 $562 $1,419

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
88 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Arkansas Soybeans Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Arkansas soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $826 Million in Economic Output

 2,934 Jobs

 $403 Million in GDP

Exhibit 65: Direct Economic Contributions from Arkansas Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 2,934 $371.1 $403.1 $826.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Arkansas soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $ 1.4 Billion in Output

 7,805 Jobs

 $746 Million in GDP

Exhibit 66: Total Economic Contributions from Arkansas Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 7,805 $562.7 $746.4 $1,433.4

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
89 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 67 and Exhibit 68 show the top 10

(ranked by employment and GDP gains) 

IMPLAN industries that benefit from 

Arkansas soybean produced for exports 

via inland waterways.

 As expected, oilseed farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Arkansas soybean production for exports 

via inland waterways.

 Oilseed Farming

 Employment: 2,934

 GDP: $403 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 1,063

 GDP: $44 Million

Exhibit 67: Top 10 Industries Affected by Arkansas Soybeans to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 2,934 $3,856 $403,075 $826,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 1,063 $29,983 $43,695 $56,800

440 Real estate 265 $2,187 $35,170 $50,902

395 Wholesale trade 195 $13,618 $32,351 $48,275

441 Owner-occupied dwellings 0 $0 $30,925 $47,742

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 81 $5,041 $10,789 $18,341

482 Hospitals 138 $8,108 $9,935 $19,202

475 Offices of physicians 89 $8,062 $8,210 $12,559

437 Insurance carriers 34 $2,861 $7,833 $14,953

502 Limited-service restaurants 175 $2,807 $6,753 $13,181

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 68: Top 10 Industries Affected by Arkansas Soybeans to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 2,934 $3,856 $403,075 $826,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 1,063 $29,983 $43,695 $56,800

440 Real estate 265 $2,187 $35,170 $50,902

395 Wholesale trade 195 $13,618 $32,351 $48,275

502 Limited-service restaurants 175 $2,807 $6,753 $13,181

501 Full-service restaurants 145 $2,700 $3,208 $6,670

482 Hospitals 138 $8,108 $9,935 $19,202

62 Maintenance and repair construction of 

nonresidential structures 107 $3,204 $6,062 $14,375

405 Retail - General merchandise stores 91 $2,446 $4,394 $6,749

411 Truck transportation 90 $4,259 $6,331 $14,595

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
90 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

B. Illinois Economic Contribution of Corn and Soybean Exports Moved Along Inland Waterways

1. Illinois Corn Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Illinois corn produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $1.1 Billion in Economic Output

 4,222 Jobs

 $135 Million in GDP

Exhibit 69: Direct Economic Contributions from Illinois Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 4,222 $22.9 $135.0 $1,069.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Illinois corn produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $1.9 Billion in Output

 8,684 Jobs

 $623 Million in GDP

Exhibit 70: Total Economic Contributions from Illinois Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 8,684 $279.4 $622.5 $1,880.5

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
91 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 71 and Exhibit 72 show the top 10

(ranked by employment and GDP gains) 

IMPLAN industries that benefit from 

Illinois corn produced for exports via 

inland waterways.

 As expected, grain farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by Illinois 

corn production for exports via inland 

waterways.

 Grain Farming

 Employment: 4,222

 GDP: $135 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 956

 GDP: $38 Million

Exhibit 71: Top 10 Industries Affected by Illinois Corn to Exports via Inland 

Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 4,222 $26,336 $134,973 $1,069,000

440 Real estate 476 $7,995 $87,413 $115,636

395 Wholesale trade 318 $27,809 $58,489 $84,424

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 956 $19,685 $37,735 $49,525

437 Insurance carriers 78 $9,499 $31,933 $48,290

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 92 $8,934 $20,994 $29,581

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $14,785 $22,826

156 Petroleum refineries 6 $1,164 $11,989 $34,711

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 116 $5,877 $10,539 $19,540

438 Insurance agencies, brokerages, and 

related activities 71 $4,567 $9,272 $15,961

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 72: Top 10 Industries Affected by Illinois Corn to Exports via Inland 

Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 4,222 $26,336 $134,973 $1,069,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 956 $19,685 $37,735 $49,525

440 Real estate 476 $7,995 $87,413 $115,636

395 Wholesale trade 318 $27,809 $58,489 $84,424

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 116 $5,877 $10,539 $19,540

411 Truck transportation 101 $4,397 $7,576 $16,915

464 Employment services 93 $3,590 $5,296 $7,113

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 92 $8,934 $20,994 $29,581

468 Services to buildings 85 $1,479 $2,303 $3,649

501 Full-service restaurants 82 $2,014 $2,414 $4,375

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
92 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Illinois Soybeans Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Illinois soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $1.8 Billion in Economic Output

 3,525 Jobs

 $368 Million in GDP

Exhibit 73: Direct Economic Contributions from Illinois Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 3,525 $3.1 $367.5 $1,785.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Illinois soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $2.9 Billion in Output

 9,960 Jobs

 $1.1 Billion in GDP

Exhibit 74: Total Economic Contributions from Illinois Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 9,960 $371.2 $1,062.8 $2,946.7

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
93 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 75 and Exhibit 76 show the top 10

(ranked by employment and GDP gains) 

IMPLAN industries that benefit from 

Illinois soybean produced for exports via 

inland waterways.

 As expected, oilseed farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by Illinois 

soybean production for exports via inland 

waterways.

 Oilseed Farming

 Employment: 3,525

 GDP: $367 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 1,216

 GDP: $48 Million

Exhibit 75: Top 10 Industries Affected by Illinois Soybeans to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 3,525 $12,719 $367,481 $1,785,000

440 Real estate 608 $10,220 $111,747 $147,827

395 Wholesale trade 537 $46,993 $98,839 $142,665

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 1,216 $25,024 $47,970 $62,958

437 Insurance carriers 83 $10,066 $33,839 $51,172

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 129 $12,508 $29,392 $41,415

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 287 $14,523 $26,042 $48,284

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $19,607 $30,270

156 Petroleum refineries 8 $1,620 $16,682 $48,295

416 Warehousing and storage 242 $12,774 $16,667 $26,248

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 76: Top 10 Industries Affected by Illinois Soybeans to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 3,525 $12,719 $367,481 $1,785,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 1,216 $25,024 $47,970 $62,958

440 Real estate 608 $10,220 $111,747 $147,827

395 Wholesale trade 537 $46,993 $98,839 $142,665

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 287 $14,523 $26,042 $48,284

416 Warehousing and storage 242 $12,774 $16,667 $26,248

411 Truck transportation 216 $9,370 $16,145 $36,049

464 Employment services 132 $5,125 $7,559 $10,152

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 129 $12,508 $29,392 $41,415

502 Limited-service restaurants 111 $2,182 $6,067 $10,163

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
94 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

C. Indiana Economic Contribution of Corn, Soybean Exports Moved Along Inland Waterways

1. Indiana Corn Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Indiana corn produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $164 Million in Economic Output

 840 Jobs

 $21 Million in GDP

Exhibit 77: Direct Economic Contributions from Indiana Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 840 $9.9 $20.9 $164.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Indiana corn produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $292 Million in Output

 1,654 Jobs

 $97 Million in GDP

Exhibit 78: Total Economic Contributions from Indiana Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 1,654 $55.0 $96.8 $291.6

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
95 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 79 and Exhibit 80 show the top 10

(ranked by employment and GDP gains) 

IMPLAN industries that benefit from 

Indiana corn produced for exports via 

inland waterways.

 As expected, grain farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Indiana corn production for exports via 

inland waterways.

 Grain Farming

 Employment: 840

 GDP: $21 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 223

 GDP: $14 Million

Exhibit 79: Top 10 Industries Affected by Indiana Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 840 $3,490 $20,901 $164,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 223 $4,272 $13,674 $16,430

440 Real estate 76 $780 $11,831 $16,317

395 Wholesale trade 42 $3,004 $6,182 $9,619

172 Pesticide and other agricultural 

chemical manufacturing 5 $717 $5,486 $10,774

437 Insurance carriers 11 $1,047 $4,036 $6,335

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $2,994 $4,622

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 20 $844 $1,429 $3,015

438 Insurance agencies, brokerages, and 

related activities 12 $570 $1,286 $2,445

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 13 $806 $1,252 $2,479

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 80: Top 10 Industries Affected by Indiana Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 840 $3,490 $20,901 $164,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 223 $4,272 $13,674 $16,430

440 Real estate 76 $780 $11,831 $16,317

395 Wholesale trade 42 $3,004 $6,182 $9,619

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 20 $844 $1,429 $3,015

502 Limited-service restaurants 18 $299 $737 $1,415

501 Full-service restaurants 18 $344 $394 $815

411 Truck transportation 16 $811 $1,251 $2,749

464 Employment services 16 $532 $769 $1,081

482 Hospitals 15 $994 $1,197 $2,201

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
96 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Indiana Soybeans Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Indiana soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $618 Million in Economic Output

 1,600 Jobs

 $210 Million in GDP

Exhibit 81: Direct Economic Contributions from Indiana Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 1,600 $114.8 $210.1 $618.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Indiana soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $1 Billion in Output

 4,377 Jobs

 $455 Million in GDP

Exhibit 82: Total Economic Contributions from Indiana Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 4,377 $259.9 $454.8 $1,036.7

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
97 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 83 and Exhibit 84 show the top 10

(ranked by employment and GDP gains) 

IMPLAN industries that benefit from 

Indiana soybean produced for exports via 

inland waterways.

 As expected, oilseed farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Indiana soybean production for exports 

via inland waterways.

 Oilseed Farming

 Employment: 1,600

 GDP: $210 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 534

 GDP: $33 Million

Exhibit 83: Top 10 Industries Affected by Indiana Soybeans to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,600 $3,804 $210,074 $618,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 534 $10,211 $32,682 $39,268

440 Real estate 207 $2,136 $32,401 $44,686

395 Wholesale trade 145 $10,357 $21,314 $33,161

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $14,366 $22,178

172 Pesticide and other agricultural 

chemical manufacturing 14 $1,816 $13,884 $27,268

437 Insurance carriers 26 $2,512 $9,681 $15,194

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 96 $3,968 $6,718 $14,171

482 Hospitals 70 $4,674 $5,626 $10,346

411 Truck transportation 70 $3,488 $5,380 $11,821

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 84: Top 10 Industries Affected by Indiana Soybeans to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,600 $3,804 $210,074 $618,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 534 $10,211 $32,682 $39,268

440 Real estate 207 $2,136 $32,401 $44,686

395 Wholesale trade 145 $10,357 $21,314 $33,161

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 96 $3,968 $6,718 $14,171

502 Limited-service restaurants 84 $1,372 $3,382 $6,488

501 Full-service restaurants 78 $1,527 $1,749 $3,620

416 Warehousing and storage 72 $3,258 $4,511 $7,377

482 Hospitals 70 $4,674 $5,626 $10,346

411 Truck transportation 70 $3,488 $5,380 $11,821

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
98 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

D. Iowa Economic Contribution of Corn and Soybean Exports Moved Along Inland Waterways

1. Iowa Corn Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Iowa corn produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $133 Million in Economic Output

 261 Jobs

 $18 Million in GDP

Exhibit 85: Direct Economic Contributions from Iowa Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 261 $12.5 $17.7 $133.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Iowa corn produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $222 Million in Output

 812 Jobs

 $69 Million in GDP

Exhibit 86: Total Economic Contributions from Iowa Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 812 $37.7 $68.5 $221.8

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
99 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 87 and Exhibit 88 show the top 10

(ranked by employment and GDP gains) 

IMPLAN industries that benefit from Iowa 

corn produced for exports via inland 

waterways.

 As expected, grain farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by Iowa 

corn production for exports via inland 

waterways.

 Grain Farming

 Employment: 261

 GDP: $18 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 132

 GDP: $4.7 Million

Exhibit 87: Top 10 Industries Affected by Iowa Corn to Exports via Inland 

Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 261 $1,773 $17,748 $133,000

440 Real estate 55 $481 $7,979 $11,243

395 Wholesale trade 34 $2,315 $4,743 $7,534

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 132 $2,621 $4,739 $6,361

172 Pesticide and other agricultural 

chemical manufacturing 4 $417 $4,365 $8,293

437 Insurance carriers 8 $880 $3,844 $5,560

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 17 $1,254 $2,072 $3,679

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $2,038 $3,146

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 16 $717 $1,199 $2,473

169 Nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturing 1 $178 $975 $2,616

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 88: Top 10 Industries Affected by Iowa Corn to Exports via Inland 

Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 261 $1,773 $17,748 $133,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 132 $2,621 $4,739 $6,361

440 Real estate 55 $481 $7,979 $11,243

395 Wholesale trade 34 $2,315 $4,743 $7,534

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 17 $1,254 $2,072 $3,679

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 16 $717 $1,199 $2,473

411 Truck transportation 12 $560 $886 $2,023

502 Limited-service restaurants 11 $173 $415 $806

501 Full-service restaurants 10 $186 $219 $467

468 Services to buildings 9 $152 $240 $380

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
100 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Iowa Soybeans Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Iowa soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $1.8 Billion in Economic Output

 1,767 Jobs

 $713 Million in GDP

Exhibit 89: Direct Economic Contributions from Iowa Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 1,767 $674.7 $713.0 $1,811.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Iowa soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $3 Billion in Output

 10,137 Jobs

 $1.4 Billion in GDP

Exhibit 90: Total Economic Contributions from Iowa Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 10,137 $1,036.2 $1,408.0 $3,038.2

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
101 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 91 and Exhibit 92 show the top 10

(ranked by employment and GDP gains) 

IMPLAN industries that benefit from Iowa 

soybean produced for exports via inland 

waterways.

 As expected, oilseed farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by Iowa 

soybean production for exports via inland 

waterways.

 Oilseed Farming

 Employment: 1,767

 GDP: $713 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 1,053

 GDP: $38 Million

Exhibit 91: Top 10 Industries Affected by Iowa Soybeans to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,767 $6,982 $713,002 $1,811,000

440 Real estate 577 $5,039 $83,652 $117,875

395 Wholesale trade 436 $29,484 $60,394 $95,937

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $57,322 $88,496

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 1,053 $20,981 $37,940 $50,924

172 Pesticide and other agricultural 

chemical manufacturing 35 $3,541 $37,076 $70,433

437 Insurance carriers 78 $8,357 $36,510 $52,808

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 225 $16,348 $27,012 $47,966

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 271 $11,830 $19,794 $40,827

482 Hospitals 207 $13,501 $18,921 $32,884

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 92: Top 10 Industries Affected by Iowa Soybeans to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,767 $6,982 $713,002 $1,811,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 1,053 $20,981 $37,940 $50,924

440 Real estate 577 $5,039 $83,652 $117,875

395 Wholesale trade 436 $29,484 $60,394 $95,937

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 271 $11,830 $19,794 $40,827

502 Limited-service restaurants 266 $4,343 $10,425 $20,227

501 Full-service restaurants 252 $4,528 $5,315 $11,346

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 225 $16,348 $27,012 $47,966

416 Warehousing and storage 225 $10,573 $13,096 $21,988

482 Hospitals 207 $13,501 $18,921 $32,884

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
102 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

E. Kentucky Economic Contribution of Corn and Soybean Exports Moved Along Inland Waterways

1. Kentucky Corn Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Kentucky corn produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $162 Million in Economic Output

 1,605 Jobs

 $18 Million in GDP

Exhibit 93: Direct Economic Contributions from Kentucky Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 1,605 $11.1 $17.6 $162.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Kentucky corn produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $272 Million in Output

 2,599 Jobs

 $81 Million in GDP

Exhibit 94: Total Economic Contributions from Kentucky Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 2,599 $48.7 $80.8 $271.7

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
103 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 95 and Exhibit 96 show the top 10

(ranked by employment and GDP gains) 

IMPLAN industries that benefit from 

Kentucky corn produced for exports via 

inland waterways.

 As expected, grain farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Kentucky corn production for exports via 

inland waterways.

 Grain Farming

 Employment: 1,605

 GDP: $18 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 366

 GDP: $13 Million

Exhibit 95: Top 10 Industries Affected by Kentucky Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 1,605 $3,348 $17,553 $162,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 366 $10,079 $12,649 $17,164

440 Real estate 70 $564 $9,806 $13,961

395 Wholesale trade 42 $2,797 $6,526 $9,918

437 Insurance carriers 13 $1,362 $2,858 $5,541

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $2,529 $3,905

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 17 $1,067 $1,760 $3,316

526 Other local government enterprises 9 $870 $1,508 $3,192

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 19 $695 $1,323 $2,829

482 Hospitals 13 $885 $1,033 $1,909

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 96: Top 10 Industries Affected by Kentucky Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 1,605 $3,348 $17,553 $162,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 366 $10,079 $12,649 $17,164

440 Real estate 70 $564 $9,806 $13,961

10 All other crop farming 65 $300 $510 $1,014

395 Wholesale trade 42 $2,797 $6,526 $9,918

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 19 $695 $1,323 $2,829

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 17 $1,067 $1,760 $3,316

502 Limited-service restaurants 16 $279 $658 $1,241

464 Employment services 16 $513 $755 $1,060

411 Truck transportation 15 $655 $1,022 $2,432

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
104 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Kentucky Soybeans Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Kentucky soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $432 Million in Economic Output

 2,152 Jobs

 $137 Million in GDP

Exhibit 97: Direct Economic Contributions from Kentucky Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 2,152 $97.0 $137.1 $432.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Kentucky soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $709 Million in Output

 4,604 Jobs

 $295 Million in GDP

Exhibit 98: Total Economic Contributions from Kentucky Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 4,604 $190.0 $294.5 $708.7

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
105 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 99 and Exhibit 100 show the top 10

(ranked by employment and GDP gains) 

IMPLAN industries that benefit from 

Kentucky soybean produced for exports 

via inland waterways.

 As expected, oilseed farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Kentucky soybean production for exports 

via inland waterways.

 Oilseed Farming

 Employment: 2,152

 GDP: $137 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 629

 GDP: $22 Million

Exhibit 99: Top 10 Industries Affected by Kentucky Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 2,152 $2,582 $137,068 $432,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 629 $17,301 $21,714 $29,464

440 Real estate 141 $1,132 $19,689 $28,033

395 Wholesale trade 105 $7,067 $16,487 $25,056

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $10,346 $15,972

437 Insurance carriers 23 $2,408 $5,051 $9,793

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 65 $2,328 $4,429 $9,471

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 40 $2,522 $4,162 $7,839

482 Hospitals 51 $3,486 $4,067 $7,518

416 Warehousing and storage 61 $2,887 $3,418 $5,815

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 100: Top 10 Industries Affected by Kentucky Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 2,152 $2,582 $137,068 $432,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 629 $17,301 $21,714 $29,464

10 All other crop farming 215 $990 $1,684 $3,346

440 Real estate 141 $1,132 $19,689 $28,033

395 Wholesale trade 105 $7,067 $16,487 $25,056

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 65 $2,328 $4,429 $9,471

416 Warehousing and storage 61 $2,887 $3,418 $5,815

502 Limited-service restaurants 60 $1,054 $2,491 $4,695

501 Full-service restaurants 54 $1,050 $1,292 $2,571

482 Hospitals 51 $3,486 $4,067 $7,518

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
106 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

F. Louisiana Economic Contribution Soybean Exports Moved Along Inland Waterways

1. Louisiana Soybeans Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Louisiana soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $304 Million in Economic Output

 1,477 Jobs

 $117 Million in GDP

Exhibit 101: Direct Economic Contributions from Louisiana Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 1,477 $99.5 $116.5 $304.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Louisiana soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $553 Million in Output

 3,471 Jobs

 $256 Million in GDP

Exhibit 102: Total Economic Contributions from Louisiana Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 3,471 $177.1 $255.9 $552.8

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
107 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 103 and Exhibit 104 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Louisiana soybean produced for 

exports via inland waterways.

 As expected, oilseed farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Louisiana soybean production for exports 

via inland waterways.

 Oilseed Farming

 Employment: 1,477

 GDP: $116 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 584

 GDP: $17 Million

Exhibit 103: Top 10 Industries Affected by Louisiana Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,477 $1,966 $116,473 $304,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 584 $14,074 $16,877 $24,077

440 Real estate 119 $857 $13,558 $20,631

395 Wholesale trade 82 $5,381 $12,146 $18,834

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $9,856 $15,216

172 Pesticide and other agricultural 

chemical manufacturing 7 $915 $6,465 $12,815

482 Hospitals 46 $3,063 $3,597 $6,706

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 49 $2,355 $3,459 $7,253

156 Petroleum refineries 2 $371 $3,346 $10,265

416 Warehousing and storage 21 $1,189 $2,719 $3,558

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 104: Top 10 Industries Affected by Louisiana Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,477 $1,966 $116,473 $304,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 584 $14,074 $16,877 $24,077

440 Real estate 119 $857 $13,558 $20,631

395 Wholesale trade 82 $5,381 $12,146 $18,834

502 Limited-service restaurants 53 $886 $2,314 $4,283

501 Full-service restaurants 50 $1,053 $1,213 $2,400

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 49 $2,355 $3,459 $7,253

482 Hospitals 46 $3,063 $3,597 $6,706

411 Truck transportation 32 $1,233 $1,964 $4,875

475 Offices of physicians 30 $2,286 $2,486 $3,978

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
108 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

G. Minnesota Economic Contribution of Corn and Soybean Exports Moved Along Inland 

Waterways

1. Minnesota Corn Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Minnesota corn produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $160 Million in Economic Output

 522 Jobs

 $23 Million in GDP

Exhibit 105: Direct Economic Contributions from Minnesota Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 522 $14.6 $22.6 $160.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Minnesota corn produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $282 Million in Output

 1,317 Jobs

 $90 Million in GDP

Exhibit 106: Total Economic Contributions from Minnesota Corn Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 1,317 $55.3 $90.4 $281.9

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
109 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 107 and Exhibit 108 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Minnesota corn produced for 

exports via inland waterways.

 As expected, grain farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Minnesota corn production for exports 

via inland waterways.

 Grain Farming

 Employment: 522

 GDP: $23 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 168

 GDP: $5.2 Million

Exhibit 107: Top 10 Industries Affected by Minnesota Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 522 $2,593 $22,649 $160,000

440 Real estate 83 $985 $8,690 $13,589

395 Wholesale trade 56 $4,756 $8,547 $13,085

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 168 $3,342 $5,183 $7,254

437 Insurance carriers 17 $2,279 $4,209 $7,879

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 18 $1,782 $3,253 $4,966

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $3,005 $4,639

156 Petroleum refineries 1 $215 $1,757 $6,092

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 19 $893 $1,557 $3,028

482 Hospitals 14 $1,076 $1,290 $2,206

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 108: Top 10 Industries Affected by Minnesota Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 522 $2,593 $22,649 $160,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 168 $3,342 $5,183 $7,254

440 Real estate 83 $985 $8,690 $13,589

395 Wholesale trade 56 $4,756 $8,547 $13,085

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 19 $893 $1,557 $3,028

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 18 $1,782 $3,253 $4,966

437 Insurance carriers 17 $2,279 $4,209 $7,879

501 Full-service restaurants 15 $350 $420 $784

438 Insurance agencies, brokerages, and 

related activities 15 $896 $1,280 $2,707

411 Truck transportation 15 $610 $1,080 $2,433

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
110 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Minnesota Soybeans Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Minnesota soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $807 Million in Economic Output

 1,324 Jobs

 $310 Million in GDP

Exhibit 109: Direct Economic Contributions from Minnesota Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 1,324 $279.5 $309.5 $807.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Minnesota soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $1.4 Billion in Output

 5,583 Jobs

 $668 Million in GDP

Exhibit 110: Total Economic Contributions from Minnesota Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 5,583 $494.7 $667.9 $1,446.4

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
111 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 111 and Exhibit 112 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Minnesota soybean produced for 

exports via inland waterways.

 As expected, oilseed farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by

Minnesota soybean production for 

exports via inland waterways.

 Oilseed Farming

 Employment: 1,324

 GDP: $310 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 511

 GDP: $16 Million

Exhibit 111: Top 10 Industries Affected by Minnesota Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,324 $3,782 $309,501 $807,000

395 Wholesale trade 268 $22,924 $41,197 $63,067

440 Real estate 320 $3,818 $33,681 $52,666

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $27,389 $42,283

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 511 $10,171 $15,776 $22,078

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 88 $8,469 $15,461 $23,607

437 Insurance carriers 62 $8,133 $15,018 $28,114

482 Hospitals 119 $9,427 $11,295 $19,320

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 113 $5,330 $9,292 $18,077

475 Offices of physicians 65 $7,448 $7,412 $10,610

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 112: Top 10 Industries Affected by Minnesota Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,324 $3,782 $309,501 $807,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 511 $10,171 $15,776 $22,078

440 Real estate 320 $3,818 $33,681 $52,666

395 Wholesale trade 268 $22,924 $41,197 $63,067

501 Full-service restaurants 122 $2,793 $3,352 $6,263

482 Hospitals 119 $9,427 $11,295 $19,320

502 Limited-service restaurants 114 $2,117 $5,643 $9,842

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 113 $5,330 $9,292 $18,077

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 88 $8,469 $15,461 $23,607

411 Truck transportation 87 $3,630 $6,429 $14,478

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
112 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

H. Mississippi Economic Contribution of Corn and Soybean Exports Moved Along Inland 

Waterways

1. Mississippi Corn Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Mississippi corn produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $82 Million in Economic Output

 564 Jobs

 $13 Million in GDP

Exhibit 113: Direct Economic Contributions from Mississippi Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 564 $7.8 $12.5 $82.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Mississippi corn produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $148 Million in Output

 1,129 Jobs

 $48 Million in GDP

Exhibit 114: Total Economic Contributions from Mississippi Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 1,129 $28.8 $47.7 $148.1

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
113 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 115 and Exhibit 116 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Mississippi corn produced for 

exports via inland waterways.

 As expected, grain farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Mississippi corn production for exports 

via inland waterways.

 Grain Farming

 Employment: 564

 GDP: $12 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 234

 GDP: $9.2 Million

Exhibit 115: Top 10 Industries Affected by Mississippi Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 564 $1,058 $12,472 $82,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 234 $6,346 $9,154 $12,040

440 Real estate 34 $233 $4,055 $6,042

395 Wholesale trade 21 $1,151 $2,760 $4,443

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $1,568 $2,420

172 Pesticide and other agricultural 

chemical manufacturing 3 $257 $1,083 $4,227

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 8 $533 $1,064 $1,853

437 Insurance carriers 3 $251 $908 $1,499

445 Commercial and industrial machinery 

and equipment rental and leasing 2 $104 $572 $782

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 10 $292 $566 $1,339

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 116: Top 10 Industries Affected by Mississippi Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 564 $1,058 $12,472 $82,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 234 $6,346 $9,154 $12,040

440 Real estate 34 $233 $4,055 $6,042

10 All other crop farming 22 $88 $214 $477

395 Wholesale trade 21 $1,151 $2,760 $4,443

502 Limited-service restaurants 10 $153 $367 $748

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 10 $292 $566 $1,339

468 Services to buildings 10 $79 $144 $296

411 Truck transportation 10 $376 $536 $1,417

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 8 $533 $1,064 $1,853

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
114 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Mississippi Soybeans Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Mississippi soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $559 Million in Economic Output

 1,948 Jobs

 $271 Million in GDP

Exhibit 117: Direct Economic Contributions from Mississippi Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 1,948 $213.5 $270.9 $559.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Mississippi soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $946 Million in Output

 5,234 Jobs

 $478 Million in GDP

Exhibit 118: Total Economic Contributions from Mississippi Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 5,234 $330.5 $478.0 $946.3

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
115 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 119 and Exhibit 120 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Mississippi soybean produced for 

exports via inland waterways.

 As expected, oilseed farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Mississippi soybean production for 

exports via inland waterways.

 Oilseed Farming

 Employment: 1,948

 GDP: $271 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 816

 GDP: $32 Million

Exhibit 119: Top 10 Industries Affected by Mississippi Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,948 $2,086 $270,934 $559,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 816 $22,114 $31,901 $41,960

440 Real estate 160 $1,114 $19,424 $28,940

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $18,697 $28,865

395 Wholesale trade 115 $6,410 $15,373 $24,749

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 50 $3,145 $6,278 $10,930

482 Hospitals 64 $3,730 $4,688 $9,032

475 Offices of physicians 53 $4,273 $4,542 $7,150

172 Pesticide and other agricultural 

chemical manufacturing 12 $947 $3,991 $15,581

437 Insurance carriers 12 $1,100 $3,986 $6,580

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 120: Top 10 Industries Affected by Mississippi Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,948 $2,086 $270,934 $559,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 816 $22,114 $31,901 $41,960

440 Real estate 160 $1,114 $19,424 $28,940

10 All other crop farming 144 $590 $1,430 $3,194

395 Wholesale trade 115 $6,410 $15,373 $24,749

502 Limited-service restaurants 112 $1,659 $3,972 $8,103

501 Full-service restaurants 82 $1,452 $1,736 $3,688

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 69 $2,027 $3,923 $9,276

482 Hospitals 64 $3,730 $4,688 $9,032

411 Truck transportation 64 $2,531 $3,605 $9,539

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
116 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

I. Missouri Economic Contribution of Corn and Soybean Exports Moved Along Inland Waterways

1. Missouri Corn Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Missouri corn produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $95 Million in Economic Output

 703 Jobs

 $7 Million in GDP

Exhibit 121: Direct Economic Contributions from Missouri Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 703 $3.2 $6.9 $95.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Missouri corn produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $171 Million in Output

 1,267 Jobs

 $50 Million in GDP

Exhibit 122: Total Economic Contributions from Missouri Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 1,267 $27.0 $50.4 $171.3

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
117 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 123 and Exhibit 124 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Missouri corn produced for exports 

via inland waterways.

 As expected, grain farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Missouri corn production for exports via 

inland waterways.

 Grain Farming

 Employment: 703

 GDP: $7 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 177

 GDP: $5.3 Million

Exhibit 123: Top 10 Industries Affected by Missouri Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 703 $1,555 $6,934 $95,000

440 Real estate 52 $522 $5,899 $8,980

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 177 $3,528 $5,330 $7,511

395 Wholesale trade 32 $2,271 $4,774 $7,375

172 Pesticide and other agricultural chemical 

manufacturing 3 $342 $2,261 $5,553

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 10 $720 $2,111 $3,002

437 Insurance carriers 8 $738 $1,864 $3,564

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $1,392 $2,148

438 Insurance agencies, brokerages, and 

related activities 9 $570 $960 $1,841

445 Commercial and industrial machinery and 

equipment rental and leasing 3 $88 $870 $1,097

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 124: Top 10 Industries Affected by Missouri Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 703 $1,555 $6,934 $95,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 177 $3,528 $5,330 $7,511

440 Real estate 52 $522 $5,899 $8,980

395 Wholesale trade 32 $2,271 $4,774 $7,375

10 All other crop farming 20 $94 $146 $403

62 Maintenance and repair construction of 

nonresidential structures 14 $549 $844 $1,912

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 10 $720 $2,111 $3,002

411 Truck transportation 9 $417 $715 $1,580

438 Insurance agencies, brokerages, and 

related activities 9 $570 $960 $1,841

501 Full-service restaurants 9 $184 $208 $422

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
118 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Missouri Soybeans Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Missouri soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $922 Million in Economic Output

 3,474 Jobs

 $202 Million in GDP

Exhibit 125: Direct Economic Contributions from Missouri Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 3,474 $76.1 $201.6 $922.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Missouri soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $1.6 Billion in Output

 8,280 Jobs

 $567 Million in GDP

Exhibit 126: Total Economic Contributions from Missouri Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 8,280 $278.7 $566.6 $1,564.9

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
119 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 127 and Exhibit 128 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Missouri soybean produced for 

exports via inland waterways.

 As expected, oilseed farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Missouri soybean production for exports 

via inland waterways.

 Oilseed Farming

 Employment: 3,474

 GDP: $202 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 1,215

 GDP: $37 Million

Exhibit 127: Top 10 Industries Affected by Missouri Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 3,474 $4,365 $201,632 $922,000

395 Wholesale trade 300 $21,355 $44,890 $69,348

440 Real estate 378 $3,801 $42,942 $65,367

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 1,215 $24,227 $36,600 $51,576

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 78 $5,889 $17,265 $24,552

172 Pesticide and other agricultural 

chemical manufacturing 25 $2,483 $16,408 $40,298

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $14,710 $22,710

437 Insurance carriers 50 $4,569 $11,539 $22,063

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 178 $7,084 $10,884 $24,658

411 Truck transportation 111 $4,927 $8,450 $18,663

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 128: Top 10 Industries Affected by Missouri Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 3,474 $4,365 $201,632 $922,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 1,215 $24,227 $36,600 $51,576

440 Real estate 378 $3,801 $42,942 $65,367

395 Wholesale trade 300 $21,355 $44,890 $69,348

10 All other crop farming 258 $1,240 $1,918 $5,292

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 178 $7,084 $10,884 $24,658

411 Truck transportation 111 $4,927 $8,450 $18,663

416 Warehousing and storage 105 $5,074 $7,486 $11,628

502 Limited-service restaurants 91 $1,574 $3,917 $7,279

501 Full-service restaurants 88 $1,813 $2,055 $4,163

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
120 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

J. Ohio Economic Contribution of Corn and Soybean Exports Moved Along Inland Waterways

1. Ohio Corn Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Ohio corn produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $27 Million in Economic Output

 212 Jobs

 $3.4 Million in GDP

Exhibit 129: Direct Economic Contributions from Ohio Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 212 $1.5 $3.4 $27.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Ohio corn produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $50 Million in Output

 381 Jobs

 $17 Million in GDP

Exhibit 130: Total Economic Contributions from Ohio Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 381 $8.6 $16.5 $49.9

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
121 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 131 and Exhibit 132 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Ohio corn produced for exports via 

inland waterways.

 As expected, grain farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by Ohio 

corn production for exports via inland 

waterways.

 Grain Farming

 Employment: 212

 GDP: $3.4 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 58

 GDP: $1.5 Million

Exhibit 131: Top 10 Industries Affected by Ohio Corn to Exports via Inland 

Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 212 $838 $3,358 $27,000

440 Real estate 14 $145 $1,919 $2,720

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 58 $1,102 $1,518 $2,237

395 Wholesale trade 9 $670 $1,326 $2,072

437 Insurance carriers 3 $269 $764 $1,330

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 2 $134 $666 $835

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $471 $727

156 Petroleum refineries 0 $25 $329 $848

169 Nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturing 1 $97 $262 $849

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 3 $139 $251 $520

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 132: Top 10 Industries Affected by Ohio Corn to Exports via Inland 

Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 212 $838 $3,358 $27,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 58 $1,102 $1,518 $2,237

440 Real estate 14 $145 $1,919 $2,720

395 Wholesale trade 9 $670 $1,326 $2,072

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 3 $139 $251 $520

502 Limited-service restaurants 3 $49 $121 $228

411 Truck transportation 3 $132 $214 $478

501 Full-service restaurants 3 $57 $65 $133

464 Employment services 3 $96 $155 $210

437 Insurance carriers 3 $269 $764 $1,330

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
122 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Ohio Soybeans Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Ohio soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $498 Million in Economic Output

 1,975 Jobs

 $105 Million in GDP

Exhibit 133: Direct Economic Contributions from Ohio Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 1,975 $60.7 $105.1 $498.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Ohio soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $882 Million in Output

 4,861 Jobs

 $327 Million in GDP

Exhibit 134: Total Economic Contributions from Ohio Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 4,861 $182.8 $327.2 $882.2

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
123 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 135 and Exhibit 136 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Ohio soybean produced for exports 

via inland waterways.

 As expected, oilseed farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by Ohio 

soybean production for exports via inland 

waterways.

 Oilseed Farming

 Employment: 1,975

 GDP: $105 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 811

 GDP: $21 Million

Exhibit 135: Top 10 Industries Affected by Ohio Soybeans to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,975 $4,470 $105,098 $498,000

440 Real estate 202 $2,170 $28,684 $40,669

395 Wholesale trade 173 $12,687 $25,099 $39,209

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 811 $15,322 $21,113 $31,117

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 30 $2,228 $11,118 $13,936

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $10,154 $15,676

437 Insurance carriers 35 $3,452 $9,796 $17,052

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 91 $3,645 $6,576 $13,639

411 Truck transportation 67 $3,079 $4,967 $11,105

156 Petroleum refineries 2 $384 $4,948 $12,767

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 136: Top 10 Industries Affected by Ohio Soybeans to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,975 $4,470 $105,098 $498,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 811 $15,322 $21,113 $31,117

440 Real estate 202 $2,170 $28,684 $40,669

395 Wholesale trade 173 $12,687 $25,099 $39,209

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 91 $3,645 $6,576 $13,639

416 Warehousing and storage 76 $3,641 $4,580 $7,587

10 All other crop farming 70 $606 $838 $1,364

411 Truck transportation 67 $3,079 $4,967 $11,105

502 Limited-service restaurants 61 $1,030 $2,555 $4,808

501 Full-service restaurants 57 $1,160 $1,323 $2,687

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
124 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

K. Tennessee Economic Contribution of Corn and Soybean Exports Moved Along Inland 

Waterways

1. Tennessee Corn Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Tennessee corn produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $56 Million in Economic Output

 892 Jobs

 $7.7 Million in GDP

Exhibit 137: Direct Economic Contributions from Tennessee Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 892 $1.7 $7.7 $56.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Tennessee corn produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $103 Million in Output

 1,284 Jobs

 $35 Million in GDP

Exhibit 138: Total Economic Contributions from Tennessee Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 1,284 $17.8 $34.9 $102.5

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
125 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 139 and Exhibit 140 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Tennessee corn produced for 

exports via inland waterways.

 As expected, grain farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Tennessee corn production for exports via 

inland waterways.

 Grain Farming

 Employment: 892

 GDP: $7.7 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 166

 GDP: $5.1 Million

Exhibit 139: Top 10 Industries Affected by Tennessee Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 892 $881 $7,699 $56,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 166 $3,345 $5,113 $7,160

440 Real estate 25 $307 $3,858 $5,347

395 Wholesale trade 17 $1,251 $2,829 $4,214

172 Pesticide and other agricultural chemical 

manufacturing 2 $308 $1,555 $3,364

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $930 $1,435

437 Insurance carriers 3 $332 $915 $1,639

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 5 $395 $599 $1,061

62 Maintenance and repair construction of 

nonresidential structures 8 $269 $493 $1,096

482 Hospitals 4 $286 $464 $738

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 140: Top 10 Industries Affected by Tennessee Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 892 $881 $7,699 $56,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 166 $3,345 $5,113 $7,160

440 Real estate 25 $307 $3,858 $5,347

395 Wholesale trade 17 $1,251 $2,829 $4,214

62 Maintenance and repair construction of 

nonresidential structures

8 $269 $493 $1,096

11

Beef cattle ranching and farming, 

including feedlots and dual-purpose 

ranching and farming

7 $3 $52 $171

10 All other crop farming 7 $15 $31 $65

464 Employment services 6 $183 $287 $404

501 Full-service restaurants 6 $127 $153 $292

411 Truck transportation 6 $286 $415 $941

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
126 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Tennessee Soybeans Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Tennessee soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $338 Million in Economic Output

 2,754 Jobs

 $72 Million in GDP

Exhibit 141: Direct Economic Contributions from Tennessee Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 2,754 $23.9 $71.7 $338.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Tennessee soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $596 Million in Output

 4,876 Jobs

 $221 Million in GDP

Exhibit 142: Total Economic Contributions from Tennessee Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 4,876 $113.8 $221.1 $595.7

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
127 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 143 and Exhibit 144 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Tennessee soybean produced for 

exports via inland waterways.

 As expected, oilseed farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Tennessee soybean production for 

exports via inland waterways.

 Oilseed Farming

 Employment: 2,754

 GDP: $72 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 766

 GDP: $24 Million

Exhibit 143: Top 10 Industries Affected by Tennessee Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 2,754 $1,538 $71,670 $338,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 766 $15,436 $23,597 $33,041

440 Real estate 122 $1,495 $18,805 $26,060

395 Wholesale trade 106 $7,796 $17,624 $26,252

172 Pesticide and other agricultural 

chemical manufacturing 9 $1,499 $7,574 $16,390

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $5,992 $9,251

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 67 $2,317 $4,248 $9,446

437 Insurance carriers 14 $1,373 $3,781 $6,772

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 27 $2,139 $3,247 $5,753

411 Truck transportation 45 $2,232 $3,238 $7,345

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 144: Top 10 Industries Affected by Tennessee Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 2,754 $1,538 $71,670 $338,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 766 $15,436 $23,597 $33,041

440 Real estate 122 $1,495 $18,805 $26,060

395 Wholesale trade 106 $7,796 $17,624 $26,252

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 67 $2,317 $4,248 $9,446

10 All other crop farming 60 $129 $270 $572

416 Warehousing and storage 54 $2,426 $3,028 $5,161

411 Truck transportation 45 $2,232 $3,238 $7,345

502 Limited-service restaurants 37 $618 $1,586 $2,940

501 Full-service restaurants 36 $787 $948 $1,802

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
128 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

L. Wisconsin Economic Contribution of Corn and Soybean Exports Moved Along Inland 

Waterways

1. Wisconsin Corn Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Wisconsin corn produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $6 Million in Economic Output

 36 Jobs

 $1 Million in GDP

Exhibit 145: Direct Economic Contributions from Wisconsin Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 36 $0.6 $0.8 $6.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of corn for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Wisconsin corn produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $11 Million in Output

 72 Jobs

 $4 Million in GDP

Exhibit 146: Total Economic Contributions from Wisconsin Corn to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Corn Exports 72 $2.2 $3.7 $11.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
129 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 147 and Exhibit 148 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Wisconsin corn produced for 

exports via inland waterways.

 As expected, grain farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by 

Wisconsin corn production for exports via 

inland waterways.

 Grain Farming

 Employment: 36

 GDP: $1 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 12

 GDP: $425,000

Exhibit 147: Top 10 Industries Affected by Wisconsin Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 36 $154 $815 $6,000

440 Real estate 3 $23 $475 $646

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 12 $288 $425 $573

395 Wholesale trade 2 $138 $268 $429

437 Insurance carriers 1 $54 $174 $290

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $120 $186

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 1 $47 $83 $147

172 Pesticide and other agricultural chemical 

manufacturing 0 $17 $71 $290

62 Maintenance and repair construction of 

nonresidential structures 1 $32 $57 $114

461 Management of companies and 

enterprises 0 $44 $54 $91

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 148: Top 10 Industries Affected by Wisconsin Corn to Exports via 

Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

2 Grain farming 36 $154 $815 $6,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 12 $288 $425 $573

440 Real estate 3 $23 $475 $646

395 Wholesale trade 2 $138 $268 $429

62 Maintenance and repair construction of 

nonresidential structures 1 $32 $57 $114

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 1 $47 $83 $147

501 Full-service restaurants 1 $12 $14 $30

411 Truck transportation 1 $30 $48 $104

482 Hospitals 1 $42 $51 $92

10 All other crop farming 1 $6 $9 $15

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
130 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

2. Wisconsin Soybeans Produced for Exports via Inland Waterways

 Direct Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways.

 In 2016, Wisconsin soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways directly contributed:

 $463 Million in Economic Output

 1,397 Jobs

 $179 Million in GDP

Exhibit 149: Direct Economic Contributions from Wisconsin Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 1,397 $155.5 $178.8 $463.0

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

 Total Economic Contributions stem from the production of soybeans for exports via inland waterways, from companies 

operating in the supply chain of direct contributors and spent wages from individuals employed by those companies.

Total Economic Contributions include direct, indirect, and induced contributions.

 In 2016, Wisconsin soybeans produced for exports via inland waterways in total contributed:

 $831 Million in Output

 4,097 Jobs

 $388 Million in GDP

Exhibit 150: Total Economic Contributions from Wisconsin Soybeans to Exports via Inland Waterways, 2016

Activity Employment Labor Income

($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

Soybean Exports 4,097 $273.8 $387.7 $830.8

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
131 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Exhibit 151 and Exhibit 152 show the top 

10 (ranked by employment and GDP 

gains) IMPLAN industries that benefit 

from Wisconsin soybean produced for 

exports via inland waterways.

 As expected, oilseed farming and support 

activities for grain farming rank near the 

top of the list for jobs supported by

Wisconsin soybean production for 

exports via inland waterways.

 Oilseed Farming

 Employment: 1,397

 GDP: $179 Million

 Support Activities

 Employment: 553

 GDP: $20 Million

Exhibit 151: Top 10 Industries Affected by Wisconsin Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by GDP

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,397 $3,431 $178,826 $463,000

440 Real estate 169 $1,358 $27,807 $37,835

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 553 $13,279 $19,582 $26,402

395 Wholesale trade 140 $9,782 $18,940 $30,380

441 Owner-occupied dwellings - - $15,350 $23,698

437 Insurance carriers 29 $2,899 $9,282 $15,444

482 Hospitals 74 $5,142 $6,286 $11,300

433 Monetary authorities and depository 

credit intermediation 49 $3,335 $5,906 $10,431

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 68 $2,909 $5,200 $10,449

475 Offices of physicians 36 $4,284 $4,335 $6,096

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 152: Top 10 Industries Affected by Wisconsin Soybeans to Exports 

via Inland Waterways by Employment

IMPLAN 

Sector Description Employment Labor Income ($ Million)

GDP

($ Million)

Output

($ Million)

1 Oilseed farming 1,397 $3,431 $178,826 $463,000

19 Support activities for agriculture and 

forestry 553 $13,279 $19,582 $26,402

440 Real estate 169 $1,358 $27,807 $37,835

395 Wholesale trade 140 $9,782 $18,940 $30,380

501 Full-service restaurants 76 $1,339 $1,571 $3,379

482 Hospitals 74 $5,142 $6,286 $11,300

62 Maintenance and repair construction 

of nonresidential structures 68 $2,909 $5,200 $10,449

502 Limited-service restaurants 68 $1,129 $2,975 $5,468

411 Truck transportation 53 $2,596 $4,180 $9,064

10 All other crop farming 51 $480 $747 $1,309

Source: IMPLAN, Agribusiness Intelligence
132 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

IX. OTHER ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE INLAND WATERWAYS SYSTEM

 Without adequate waterways capacity, congestion on roadways and the rail network will increase.

 Barge traffic is capable of moving large volumes of cargo over long distances. One barge can transport 1,750 tons 

or 58,333 bushels or 1,555,000 gallons. It would take 16 rail cars or 70 large semis/tractor trailers to move that 

same amount of cargo.31 A typical 15-barge tow can therefore haul approximately 26,250 tons of cargo. It would 

take 216 rail cars or 1,050 trucks to move the equivalent volume.

 Water transportation has a less negative environmental impact than other modes of transportation.

 A study by the Texas Transportation Institute released in January 2017 compared the fuel efficiency and greenhouse 

gas emissions of Inland Towing, Railroads and Truck movements.32 The inland waterways have a distinct advantage 

over railroads and trucks in terms of fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, with the lowest carbon 

footprint.

 The Texas Transportation Institute study also performed a safety assessment of fatalities and injuries for each mode of 

transportation. 

 On a million ton-mile basis, there are 21.9 rail fatalities and 79.3 truck fatalitiesfor every 1 fatality on the waterways

system associated with the transportation of goods. 

 Similarly, for every injury per million ton-mile on the waterways, there are 80.9 injuries on rail and 696.2 injuries 

on truck.33

 31 https://iowadot.gov/compare.pdf, accessed February 2019. 32 Texas Transportation Institute, “A Modal Comparison of Domestic Freight Transportation Effects on the General Public: 2001-2014,” January 2017. 33 Texas Transportation Institute, Average from 2001 to 2014.
133 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 153: Modal Comparison of Fuel Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Mode Ton-Miles per Gallon CO2 Emissions

(Grams per Ton-Mile)

Inland Towing 647 15.62

Railroads 477 21.19

Truck 145 154.08

Source: Mid-America Freight Coalition

 Diversion of waterways freight would result in increased traffic and deterioration of road surfaces requiring additional 

maintenance and surfacing. Passenger cars inflict minimal damage on roadways, whereas roadways must be designed 

to handle the heavier loads carried by truck. An increase in truck volume will speed the deterioration of the road surface 

if not designed to carry these heavier loads. 

 The U.S. interstates, State highways, and county roads are used by 80,000-pound trucks. Exceptions and permits for 

higher truck weights are available on small segments of the interstate system. Most States provide weight limit 

exemptions for various types of vehicles and commodities, including agriculture on State and local roads. Some 

exemptions or higher weights are allowed through specific permits, including segments of the interstate.34

A priority of the agricultural community is an infrastructure that can handle heavier trucks with an additional sixth axle.

This requires additional study and funding.

35

 34 Compilation of Existing State Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws. May 2015. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/policy/rpt_congress/truck_sw_laws/index.htm. 35 Research to Support Evaluation of Truck Size and Weight Regulations. Transportation Research Board Special Report 328. June 2019. 

http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/178439.aspx.
134 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 A study completed by the Mid-America Freight Coalition in 2014 states that the wear-and-tear of one average five-axle 

truck on flexible pavement equates to approximately 4,000 cars. For rigid pavements, this ratio increases to 

approximately 6,200 cars for one truck.36

 Meanwhile, from 2003 through 2017, the share of bridges that either require shoring, closing or posting declined from 

16.2 percent to 14.5 percent. Improvements have been slow, but steady. Additional freight on roadways, due to

inadequate waterways capacity, has the potential to reverse this trend.37

 36 Understanding Freight Vehicle Pavement Impacts: How do Passenger Vehicles and Trucks Compare? Mid-America Freight Coalition. National Center for 

Freight & Infrastructure Research & Education. University of Wisconsin-Madison http://midamericafreight.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ESALs.pdf. 37 Shoring is the process of temporarily supporting a structure when in danger of collapse or during repairs or alterations. Posting of bridges is the means of 

enforcing weight limits when a bridge is no longer capable of supporting designed load limits. Closing a bridge is to close that bridge to all traffic.
135 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 154: State Comparison Share of Bridges with Shoring, Closing and Posting Status

Note: The share amount is the annual average for the selected soybean producing States.

Source: Agribusiness Consulting
136 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

X. U.S. AGRICULTURAL COMPETITIVENESS WITH BRAZIL

 The United States and Brazil compete directly for export corn and soybean business. Given the fungible nature of 

commodity supplies, the corn and soybean prices in the United States and Brazil are interrelated. 

 Improvements to Brazil’s infrastructure will result in less expensive and more competitive grain and soybeans to 

the end user, and on the margin, more demand for Brazilian corn and soybeans, and less demand for U.S. corn and 

soybeans. 

 Infrastructure problems in the United States will increase the total commodity price to the end user and make U.S. grains 

and soybeans less competitive in global markets. 

 The method used to recapture the demand lost is to lower the representative corn or soybean basis, which reduces

the farmer’s income from the marketplace. 

 Likewise, improvements in the U.S. infrastructure, such as a more efficient inland waterways system, will contribute 

to improved farm income. 

 Major grain exporting companies examine where to deploy capital on a global basis. The United States is in direct 

competition with Brazil, therefore infrastructure investment can have a tremendous impact on a farmer’s profitability in 

both countries. 

 The first step in building any agriculture facility is to determine the ability of the facility to source inputs and sell 

outputs. A company will want to have as many transportation options as possible at the proposed site and 

confidence the options will be maintained over the life of the facility. 

 A lack of U.S. infrastructure investment, combined with infrastructure investment in Brazil, ultimately reduces the 

competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products compared to Brazil and lowers the prices paid to farmers. A company 

would be expected to have more confidence building a facility on a river segment that has new locks versus the 

promise of new locks.

 The U.S. infrastructure advantage over other countries is disappearing. 
137 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Multinational corporations are investing heavily in the Brazilian grain and soybean transportation and handling system 

including barge equipment, barge loading elevators, the rail network, and export elevators. 

 Across northern Brazil, the result is a recorded export increase from 1.6 million metric tons of soybeans in 2002 to 

15.4 million metric tons, with the potential capacity to exceed 60 million metric tons. 

 Meanwhile in southern Brazil at the ports of Paranagua and Santos, infrastructure investments continue to improve 

export capabilities.

 Any improvement to ocean freight rates from the United States versus ocean rates from Brazil will translate into a more 

competitive price. Dredging the Mississippi River to 50 feet will make U.S. ocean freight rates more competitive. 

 The U.S. currently has an advantage of $5.35 per metric ton over North Mato Grosso, Brazil, when shipping soybeans 

from Davenport, Iowa, to Shanghai, China, via the inland waterways system as seen in Exhibit 155. The U.S. total soybean 

landed cost in Shanghai is $397.45 per metric ton compared to $402.80 per metric ton from Brazil.

 The farm value of soybeans in the fourth quarter of 2018 is used as a starting point for the comparison. 

Transportation costs to port are added, followed by the cost of ocean freight.

 Combined transportation charges for truck and barge movement from Davenport, Iowa to the export location on

the inland waterways system is $36.38 per metric ton compared to $79.37 per metric ton for the truck movement 

in Brazil.

 The high inland transportation charge in Brazil is offset partially by an ocean freight rate of $30.00 per metric ton 

from Brazil as opposed to $47.52 per metric ton from the U.S.

 If the current spending trend is continued through 2045, the landed cost from the U.S. increases to nearly $400.00 per 

metric ton with all other costs except barge costs remaining constant. The U.S. advantage declines to $3.03 per metric 

ton before any improvements in Brazil infrastructure are considered.

 With increased spending, U.S. barge costs decline by $4.18 per metric ton of soybeans compared to the current status 

quo cost. Ocean freight benefits from deeper drafts, resulting in a $13.02 per metric ton savings. The total cost reduction 

is $17.20 per metric ton compared to the status quo. 
138 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Increased investment in the waterways system results in a $22.55 per metric ton U.S. advantage over Brazil with all 

other items unchanged.

 Reduced investment increases barge costs to $33.52 per metric ton for a total landed cost in Shanghai of $406.69 per 

metric ton.

 Shipments of soybeans from the United States would be $3.89 per metric ton higher than from Brazil. To remain

competitive, the U.S. price would have to decline.
139 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 155: Comparison of Landed Costs of Soybeans Shipped to Shanghai, China

Source: USDA-AMS, IEG Vantage, Agribusiness Consulting Investment Effects Current Cost
140 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Soybean transportation costs to China from Brazil are decreasing at a faster rate than those from the U.S. as seen in 

Exhibit 156, and demonstrate that if U.S. transportation costs increase, the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture is in 

jeopardy.

 China’s investment in Brazil hit a seven-year high in 2017.38

 China invested $20.9 billion in Brazil in 2017, the most since 2010 as a recession helped push down asset prices and 

attracted investors.

 A bilateral fund launched in 2017 to direct $20 billion in financing from state-owned Chinese and Brazilian banks. 

The fund focuses on railways and infrastructure to help bring grain to ports as China is the dominant buyer of 

Brazilian soybeans, but also considers manufacturing, technology, and agricultural projects.

 Brazil wants Chinese investment in infrastructure projects if investors create local jobs and play by Brazilian rules.39

 It was reported in 2015 that China was investing $50 billion in Brazil.40

 The investment would be used to build a railway link from Brazil's Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast of Peru to 

reduce the cost of exports to China.

 Higher and consistent inland waterway funding is needed to ensure the long-term prosperity of U.S. agriculture.

 Project engineering and design (PED) funding is urgently needed for NESP to start design on new locks, which are 

essential for the competitiveness of the heartland corridor.

 38 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-china-investment/china-investment-in-brazil-hit-seven-year-high-in-2017-idUSKBN1F7387 39 https://finance.yahoo.com/news/brazil-wants-china-invest-infrastructure-194842132.html 40 https://www.bbc.com/news/business-32747454
141 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

Exhibit 156: Soybean Transportation Costs to China: United States vs. Brazil

Source: USDA-AMS, IEG Vantage, Agribusiness Consulting
142 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

XI. CONCLUSIONS

 The inland waterwayssystem carrieslarge volumes of bulk commodities over long distances mainly for export or import.

 The inland waterwayssystem is of vital importance to numerous industries, with 532.8 million tons moved on the system 

in 2017. That volume is forecast to increase to 618.8 million tons by 2045.

 America’s primary inland waterways system feeds to the export grain complex of elevators from Baton Rouge 

through New Orleans to Myrtle Grove, LA on the Mississippi River in the Center Gulf, which handles 57 percent of 

U.S. corn exports by volume (valued at $4.8 billion) and 59 percent of U.S. soybean exports ($12.4 billion), and 55 

percent of soybean meal exports and 72 percent of DDGS exports.

 Due to its efficiency and lower costs, the inland waterways system saves between $7 billion and $9 billion annually 

over the cost of by other modes. 

 The waterways infrastructure, however, is aging and needs major rehabilitation and construction to restore it to its 

full capability, while accommodating opportunities for growth.

 The U.S. economy depends on farmers using that infrastructure to maintain their competitive position in the global 

export market place.

 The rail system is near capacity with limited ability to expand. Diversion from the waterways system would shift traffic 

to the rail and truck networks, which results in higher freight rates for shippers.

 Historically, barge traffic has grown, but lagging infrastructure maintenance and improvement needs have resulted in 

more frequent delays, with the percentage of vessels delayed increasing from 35 percent in 2010 to 49 percent in 2017. 

Delays can cost up to $739 per hour for an average tow, or more than $44 million per year.

 Using IMPLAN analysis of the U.S. inland waterways system demonstrates that in 2016 the system had direct output of 

$17.5 billion with over 55,200 jobs and a GDP impact of $7.7 billion. Construction and O&M activity increases those 

figures to $18.4 billion of direct output, almost 60,300 jobs, and a GDP impact of almost $8.3 billion.
143 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 The total economic contribution of the inland waterways system, after considering indirect impacts, amounts to

almost 256,000 jobs and $27.2 billion in GDP.

 Every $1 of output from waterways activity results in an additional $1.89 in economic activity across the United States.

 The forecasted growth is over 312,000 jobs by 2029 and $37.2 billion for the GDP impact.

 By 2045, the impact grows to almost 395,000 jobs and more than $54 billion in GDP.

 Increased investment in the inland waterways system would allow for the transportation of increased volumes of 

commodities with farm products growing from 14 percent of commodity volumes on the system in 2016 to 25 percent 

by 2029 and 29 percent by 2045.

 With the completion of the Olmsted Locks-and-Dam project, projects identified and approved by Congress would be 

completed over the next 10 years, NESP construction funding could be approved and dredging to 50-feet depths 

would begin.

 Dredging alone would result in a 12-13 cent per bushel improvement in the basis (price) of corn and soybeans 

received by producers, all things being equal. An improvement in basis could result in an increase in land value in 

the draw area for the inland waterways system.

 Completion of approved projects would allow for reduced delays, decreased locking times, and heavier loads.

 Under the increased investment scenario, the economic impact of the inland waterways system would increase from

312,000 jobs and a GDP impact of $37.2 billion in 2029 for the status quo scenario to more than 346,000 jobs and a GDP 

impact of $41.0 billion.

 In 2045, the employment impact would exceed 472,000 jobs as opposed to 395,000 jobs if current spending 

continues, with a GDP impact of $64.6 billion as opposed to $54 billion.

 The increase in employment and GDP would more than offset the cost of completing all of the proposed projects.

 A reduced investment scenario with no new builds or additional dredging would have a negative effect on the inland 

waterways system.
144 Agribusiness Consulting | Agribusiness Intelligence

 Delays on the system would occur at an even higher rate than have previously occurred, resulting in a diversion of 

traffic to rail or truck at an additional cost to shippers and their farmer-customers.

 The draw area around the inland waterways system would tighten as the cost to ship on the river increased.

 An increase in crushing of soybeans or use of corn for ethanol would occur because of the increased shipping cost. 

Both would result in a shift in feeding patterns for poultry and livestock.

 Ultimately, the price received by farmers would see a decline, up to $0.24 per bushel for corn, due to the increase 

in shipping costs.

 Under the reduced investment scenario, the economic impact of the waterways system would decrease from 312,000

jobs and a GDP impact of $37.2 billion in 2029 for the status quo scenario to 290,000 jobs and a GDP impact of $34.7 

billion.

 In 2045, the employment impact of reduced investment would be 323,000 jobs, as opposed to 395,000 jobs under 

the status quo. The GDP impact of the reduced investment would be $44 billion as opposed to $54 billion under 

status quo.

 Reduced investment in the inland waterways results in a decline of the market value of corn and soybeans of $58 billion 

from status quo investment levels. However, increased investment results in a $39 billion increase in market value from 

the status quo. The two scenarios therefore have a range of $97 billion.

 The United States and Brazil compete directly for export business. As a result, the corn and soybean prices in the United 

States and Brazil are intertwined. 

 Any investments in U.S. transportation infrastructure, such as a more efficient inland waterways system, will 

contribute to improved farm income.

 A lack of infrastructure investment in the United States will increase the price of U.S. grains and soybeans to the 

end-user and lower demand for U.S. grains and soybeans, thereby depressing farm income.

 Similarly, improvement to Brazil’s infrastructure will result in less expensive and more competitive grain and 

soybeans to the end user, and could result in less demand for U.S. grains and soybeans.
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 Multinational corporations have invested heavily in grain and soybean collection infrastructure, including barge 

equipment, barge loading elevators, the rail network, and export elevators.

 The United States currently has an advantage of $5.35 per metric ton over Brazil when shipping soybeans from 

Davenport, Iowa, to Shanghai, China, via the inland waterways system. 

 If the current U.S. investment trend continues through 2045, the U.S. advantage declines to $3.03 per metric ton 

before any improvements in Brazilian infrastructure are factored in.

 With increased U.S. investment in the inland waterways system, the U.S. advantage increases to $22.55 per metric ton 

over Brazil with all other items unchanged.

 Reduced U.S. investment results in an increase in shipping costs, $3.89 per metric ton higher than from Brazil. To be 

competitive, the U.S. soybean price would have to decline.

 The inland waterways system has other economic impacts that were not included in this study.

 It would require 216 rail cars or 1,050 trucks to move the equivalent volume of a standard 15-barge tow leading to 

increased congestion of the rail and road systems. In aggregate, this is the equivalent of an additional 21.4 million

trucks.

 The inland waterways have an environmental advantage in fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, as well. 

Inland towing can move 647 ton-miles per gallon as opposed to 477 ton-miles for rail and only 145 ton-miles for 

truck. Inland towing CO2 emissions are only 15.62 grams/ton-mile compared to 21.19 for rail and 154.2 for truck. 

This is an emissions reduction of 2.8 million grams/ton-mile.

 Water transport is safer. On a million ton-mile basis there are 21.9 rail fatalities and 79.3 truck fatalities for every 1 

on the water. A shift from water to truck would increase fatalities by more than 475 per year, an 11 percent 

increase. Injury data show that for every 1 on the water, there were 80.9 on rail and 696.2 on truck.

 Increased investment of $6.3 billion in the inland waterways system over the 10 years ending in 2029, would result in 

$1.2 billion increase in GDP in 2029 and would increase to $3.0 billion per year by 2045 on a direct basis. The cumulative 

economic contribution would be an additional $3.75 billion by 2029, growing to an additional $10.47 billion by 2045.
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 Reduced investment would result in almost 12,337 fewer jobs in 2045 and a GDP that will be over $2.6 billion lower than 

is estimated for the current investment trend. When total economic contributions are considered, 72,240 fewer jobs will 

be created and GDP will be nearly $9.7 billion lower.

Exhibit 157: Direct Economic Contributions by Investment Scenario and Timeframe

Status Quo Investment Trend Increased Investment Reduce Investment

2016 2029 2045 2016 2029 2045 2016 2029 2045

Employment 60,285 65,734 70,850 60,285 74,810 84,233 60,285 60,062 58,513

Labor Income $5,232 $7,261 $10,534 $5,232 $8,023 $12,462 $5,232 $6,740 $8,852

GDP $8,263 $11,372 $16,508 $8,263 $12,504 $19,554 $8,263 $10,594 $13,888

Output $18,367 $25,623 $37,226 $18,367 $28,231 $44,463 $18,367 $23,883 $31,089

Note: Values in million dollars

Exhibit 158: Total Economic Contributions by Investment Scenario and Timeframe

Status Quo Investment Trend Increased Investment Reduce Investment

2016 2029 2045 2016 2029 2045 2016 2029 2045

Employment 255,782 312,121 394,993 255,782 346,129 472,287 255,782 289,916 322,753

Labor Income $16,606 $22,796 $33,121 $16,606 $25,122 $39,515 $16,606 $21,242 $27,163

GDP $27,188 $37,226 $54,095 $27,188 $40,977 $64,563 $27,188 $34,716 $44,416

Output $52,833 $72,757 $104,520 $52,833 $80,176 $125,078 $52,833 $67,847 $85,965

Note: Values in million dollars
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XII. APPENDIX A: ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION ANALYSES DETAIL

M. Status Quo Scenario Analysis Results, 2016

Exhibit 159: 2016 Economic Contribution – All Activities

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 60,285 $5,232,019,088 $8,263,069,499 $18,339,206,051

Indirect Effect 82,010 $5,594,090,984 $8,657,506,747 $16,075,880,336

Induced Effect 113,486 $5,779,907,326 $10,267,425,916 $18,390,443,631

Total Effect 255,781 $16,606,017,398 $27,188,002,162 $52,805,530,019

Exhibit 160: 2016 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Status Quo

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 55,231 $4,817,833,046 $7,692,831,237 $17,486,953,433

Indirect Effect 79,862 $5,456,908,041 $8,432,641,363 $15,634,667,542

Induced Effect 107,786 $5,489,587,516 $9,751,706,196 $17,466,689,503

Total Effect 242,880 $15,764,328,604 $25,877,178,795 $50,588,310,479

Exhibit 161: 2016 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Status Quo

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 5,054 $414,186,042 $570,238,263 $852,252,618

Indirect Effect 2,148 $137,182,943 $224,865,384 $441,212,794

Induced Effect 5,700 $290,319,810 $515,719,720 $923,754,128

Total Effect 12,901 $841,688,795 $1,310,823,366 $2,217,219,539
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N. Status Quo Operations Scenario Analysis Results, 2029

Exhibit 162: 2029 Economic Contribution – All Activities, Status Quo

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 65,734 $7,260,572,413 $11,372,393,580 $25,586,891,594

Indirect Effect 102,813 $7,604,801,999 $11,766,501,586 $22,198,377,786

Induced Effect 143,574 $7,930,382,239 $14,087,513,324 $24,935,455,360

Total Effect 312,121 $22,795,756,651 $37,226,408,490 $72,720,724,740

Exhibit 163: 2029 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Status Quo

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 59,780 $6,728,726,785 $10,640,012,569 $24,484,549,330

Indirect Effect 100,284 $7,429,526,804 $11,479,242,640 $21,632,480,219

Induced Effect 136,833 $7,558,018,911 $13,426,053,265 $23,764,617,637

Total Effect 296,898 $21,716,272,501 $35,545,308,473 $69,881,647,186

Exhibit 164: 2029 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Status Quo

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 5,954 $531,845,627 $732,381,011 $1,102,342,264

Indirect Effect 2,529 $175,275,194 $287,258,946 $565,897,567

Induced Effect 6,741 $372,363,328 $661,460,059 $1,170,837,724

Total Effect 15,223 $1,079,484,150 $1,681,100,016 $2,839,077,554
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O. Status Quo Operations Scenario Analysis Results, 2045

Exhibit 165: 2045 Economic Contribution – All Activities, Status Quo

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 70,850 $10,534,081,768 $16,507,897,674 $37,176,551,664

Indirect Effect 135,356 $11,064,376,363 $17,118,155,381 $31,922,657,186

Induced Effect 188,787 $11,522,757,144 $20,469,000,386 $35,371,126,917

Total Effect 394,993 $33,121,215,274 $54,095,053,441 $104,470,335,766

Exhibit 166: 2045 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Status Quo

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 63,428 $9,800,875,232 $15,497,944,573 $35,663,508,517

Indirect Effect 132,190 $10,821,640,590 $16,720,343,243 $31,151,833,398

Induced Effect 180,367 $11,008,798,756 $19,556,013,318 $33,793,422,593

Total Effect 375,985 $31,631,314,578 $51,774,301,134 $100,608,764,508

Exhibit 167: 2045 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Status Quo

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 7,422 $733,206,536 $1,009,953,101 $1,513,043,147

Indirect Effect 3,166 $242,735,773 $397,812,137 $770,823,788

Induced Effect 8,420 $513,958,388 $912,987,068 $1,577,704,324

Total Effect 19,008 $1,489,900,697 $2,320,752,307 $3,861,571,259
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P. Increased Investment Scenario Analysis Results, 2029

Exhibit 168: 2029 Economic Contribution – All Activities, Increased Investment

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 74,810 $8,022,827,949 $12,503,771,096 $28,192,399,118

Indirect Effect 113,153 $8,362,667,005 $12,953,833,906 $24,475,777,688

Induced Effect 158,166 $8,736,267,488 $15,519,108,450 $27,469,313,928

Total Effect 346,129 $25,121,762,442 $40,976,713,453 $80,137,490,734

Exhibit 169: 2029 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Increased Investment

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 64,350 $7,243,052,603 $11,453,306,574 $26,356,082,571

Indirect Effect 107,950 $7,997,419,894 $12,356,685,140 $23,286,008,951

Induced Effect 147,292 $8,135,733,592 $14,452,304,744 $25,581,121,231

Total Effect 319,592 $23,376,206,089 $38,262,296,458 $75,223,212,753

Exhibit 170: 2029 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Increased Investment

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 10,460 $779,775,347 $1,050,464,522 $1,836,316,547

Indirect Effect 5,203 $365,247,111 $597,148,767 $1,189,768,737

Induced Effect 10,874 $600,533,895 $1,066,803,706 $1,888,192,697

Total Effect 26,537 $1,745,556,353 $2,714,416,995 $4,914,277,980
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Q. Increased Investment Scenario Analysis Results, 2045

Exhibit 171: 2045 Economic Contribution – All Activities, Increased Investment

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 84,233 $12,461,763,777 $19,553,550,642 $44,435,825,287

Indirect Effect 162,823 $13,306,347,811 $20,588,925,606 $38,415,905,862

Induced Effect 225,231 $13,747,047,367 $24,420,247,588 $42,198,912,001

Total Effect 472,287 $39,515,158,955 $64,562,723,835 $125,050,643,151

Exhibit 172: 2045 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Increased Investment

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 76,299 $11,789,625,818 $18,642,719,464 $42,900,191,134

Indirect Effect 159,013 $13,017,520,401 $20,113,161,907 $37,473,026,702

Induced Effect 216,966 $13,242,655,881 $23,524,233,708 $40,650,635,584

Total Effect 452,278 $38,049,802,100 $62,280,115,079 $121,023,853,420

Exhibit 173: 2045 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Increased Investment

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 7,934 $672,137,959 $910,831,177 $1,535,634,153

Indirect Effect 3,810 $288,827,410 $475,763,699 $942,879,160

Induced Effect 8,265 $504,391,486 $896,013,880 $1,548,276,417

Total Effect 20,008 $1,465,356,855 $2,282,608,756 $4,026,789,731
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R. Reduced Investment Scenario Analysis Results, 2029

Exhibit 174: 2029 Economic Contribution – All Activities, Reduced Investment

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 60,062 $6,739,989,940 $10,594,097,418 $23,858,219,437

Indirect Effect 96,038 $7,110,313,182 $10,992,192,836 $20,722,490,933

Induced Effect 133,816 $7,391,440,352 $13,130,129,342 $23,240,895,905

Total Effect 289,916 $21,241,743,474 $34,716,419,596 $67,821,606,274

Exhibit 175: 2029 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Reduced Investment

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 56,753 $6,388,064,787 $10,101,329,983 $23,244,945,498

Indirect Effect 95,207 $7,053,384,701 $10,898,071,511 $20,537,270,950

Induced Effect 129,906 $7,175,371,508 $12,746,319,003 $22,561,462,509

Total Effect 281,866 $20,616,820,996 $33,745,720,497 $66,343,678,957

Exhibit 176: 2029 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Reduced Investment

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 3,309 $351,925,153 $492,767,435 $613,273,938

Indirect Effect 831 $56,928,482 $94,121,325 $185,219,983

Induced Effect 3,910 $216,068,844 $383,810,339 $679,433,396

Total Effect 8,050 $624,922,479 $970,699,100 $1,477,927,317
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S. Reduced Investment Scenario Analysis Results, 2045

Exhibit 177: 2045 Economic Contribution – All Activities, Reduced Investment

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 55,956 $8,551,428,381 $13,467,769,851 $30,545,709,545

Indirect Effect 111,930 $9,159,157,879 $14,156,975,019 $26,381,990,253

Induced Effect 154,867 $9,452,468,567 $16,791,338,766 $29,016,029,418

Total Effect 322,753 $27,163,054,827 $44,416,083,636 $85,943,729,215

Exhibit 178: 2045 Economic Contribution – Water Transportation Activities, Reduced Investment

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 53,398 $8,250,934,557 $13,047,051,759 $30,023,571,147

Indirect Effect 111,285 $9,110,272,928 $14,076,136,528 $26,225,386,263

Induced Effect 151,843 $9,267,833,324 $16,463,364,981 $28,449,226,387

Total Effect 316,526 $26,629,040,810 $43,586,553,268 $84,698,183,797

Exhibit 179: 2045 Economic Contribution – Construction and O&M Activities, Reduced Investment

Impact Type Employment Labor Income Total Value Added Output

Direct Effect 2,558 $300,493,823 $420,718,092 $522,138,398

Indirect Effect 646 $48,884,951 $80,838,490 $156,603,989

Induced Effect 3,024 $184,635,242 $327,973,785 $566,803,031

Total Effect 6,227 $534,014,017 $829,530,367 $1,245,545,419
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XIII. APPENDIX B: INLAND WATERWAYS TRUST FUND

 The Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF) was created as 

part of the Inland Waterways Revenue Act of 1978. 

 The IWTF was established to finance construction and major 

rehabilitation on the nation’s inland waterways.

 IWTF earned $114.4 million in FY 2017.41

 The inland marine towing industry paid $113.73 million into 

the fund.

 Interest earned on the fund was $0.675 million.

 Barge operators on the waterway network pay a $0.29 per 

gallon federal fuel tax that covers half the cost of new 

construction and major rehabilitation projects (lock repairs 

over $20 million) through the IWTF. 

 The other half is covered by general funds.

 The annual transfer from the IWTF to the Corps was $108.0

million in 2016 and $108.4 million in 2017.

 The transfer in 2018 from IWTF to the Corps was only $49.3 

million due to delays in appropriations.

 FY2018 funding for IWTF lock and dam modernization 

projects will be $399 million, enough for the four User 

Board’s ongoing construction projects and the LaGrange 

Lock and Dam rehabilitation.42

Exhibit 180: Inland Waterways Trust Fund End-ofYear Balance

Note: “According to the Corps, the current IWTF Fund balance buildup is temporary and largely due to lack of final FY 2018 appropriations 

amounts until the Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 115-141), 

which was signed March 23, leaving too little time before the end of 

FY 2018 to allocate and spend the newly-appropriated funding.”

Source: INLAND WATERWAYS USERS BOARD 31st ANNUAL REPORT, 

December 2018

 41 US Army Corps of Engineers, The U.S. Waterway System: 2016 Transportation Facts & Information

42 The Inland Waterways Users Board makes recommendations while OMB makes the spending amounts – More than 50 percent of the IWTF projects comes 

from higher Federal shares- as Olmsted was finished with 85 percent Fed and only 15 percent IWTF.
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