Lock and Dam No. 25 on the Mississippi River near St. Louis is more than 80 years old and in need of renovation, so farm-funded groups are joining to try to get the work started by injecting $1 million into the process.
The United Soybean Board, the Soy Transportation Coalition, the Illinois Soybean Association, the Iowa Soybean Association, the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council are ponying up the funds to help pay for the cost of pre-engineering and design expenses to save the southernmost lock and dam on the Mississippi.
The recently enacted bipartisan infrastructure bill provides $2.5 billion for navigation projects. Lock and Dam 25 is first in line for money and ready for construction immediately, according to the Waterways Council.