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Portal to the Waterways is designed to provide authoritative information about the inland waterways system, its users and beneficiaries, and the public value of water resources management, including water recreation, flood control, water supply, and hydropower. Our aim is to illustrate the waterways' contribution to the American economy and environmental quality, to rally support for modernization of the inland waterways infrastructure, and to encourage adequate investment for its proper maintenance as well as for timely improvements to maintain efficiency and keep U.S. products competitive in international markets.

Lower water transportation costs put more money in farmers' pockets and keep utility rates low, hold down airborne pollution, and move freight off congested overland routes. Why are European nations trying to shift more freight traffic to their waterways? Isn't it time that we stress the significance of our unparalleled network of shallow-draft ports and navigation channels? The public needs to understand the widespread benefits produced by wise and prudent water resources development. We intend to add this perspective to our website.

Portal to the Waterways is laid out in such a manner as to allow the reader to go quickly to subjects he/she wishes to explore. We provide the menu; you just click.

When individuals are asked to speak about the river industry, there is sometimes a mad dash to collect facts so they can talk specifics and quote sources. Portal to the Waterways provides those facts and those sources.