Lower Monumental navigation lock receives $14
million in stimulus funds
PNWA
has led the region in advocating for a new downstream lock gate at Lower
Monumental (LoMo) for several years.
Today, we are very pleased to announce that LoMo will receive $14
million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This injection of stimulus money should allow
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers enough time to design and construct a new
downstream lock gate for placement during the planned 16-week Columbia Snake
River System extended lock outage that will begin in December 2010. That lock outage will also include placement
of a new downstream gate at John Day, as well as major gate and lock repairs at
The Dalles.
"U.S.
Senator Patty Murray was the key reason LoMo received this funding. The region owes a big thank you to her for
her diligent work with the Corps and Administration to secure this funding,"
said Glenn Vanselow, executive director of Pacific Northwest Waterways
Association (PNWA). "The entire Northwest delegation has been supportive of
this project and we thank them for their continued support of navigation on the
Columbia and Snake Rivers," Vanselow added.
In a
press release sent out today, Senator Murray reinforced the importance of this
project, stating that the stimulus funds "will help farmers and business owners move their products to market,
and will help keep our hydroelectric system strong." LoMo supports the movement of over 3.8 million tons of cargo valued at $750
million and helps to sustain
the largest U.S. gateway for wheat and barley exports.
Just
one typical 4-barge tow on the Columbia Snake River System moves cargo that
would otherwise have to be shipped in 140 jumbo hopper rail cars, or 538
tractor trailers. Maximizing navigation capabilities is the best solution for
meeting America's need for environmentally responsible, efficient and
affordable transportation. It is the
least polluting and most fuel efficient mode of transportation. Each year, barging on the Columbia and Snake
Rivers keeps 700,000 trucks off the highways running through the sensitive
airshed of the Columbia River Gorge.
Barges get 576 ton-miles to the gallon. That is better than rail and
truck combined. Supporting navigation
means fewer trucks on the road, less road congestion, greater public safety,
and a cleaner environment.
PNWA staff contact: Kristin Meira
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