The increased water flow, called a spring rise, would create a greater potential for flooding and would jeopardize the ability of barges to navigate the river, Mr. Bond said. The senator placed an amendment on a bill in the Senate that would prevent the spring rise, and a vote will be taken on the issue next week, Mr. Bond said. The spring rise could be especially destructive to Missouri farmers. Farmers are concerned that the increased spring flow could cause larger scale flooding and make it impossible to farm land along the river, said Steve Alexander, who farms just north of Maryville and is president of the Missouri Soybean Association. The increased water flow could also threaten the ability of barges to transport freight down the river.
Barges are generally the least expensive way to transport crops and fertilizer.
Without competition from barges, rail and truck prices likely would increase, meaning another added expense for farmers.