James Oberstar: “I oppose the amendment. An efficient, modern, intermodal transportation system is vital to the economic well being of…”

“I oppose the amendment. An efficient, modern, intermodal transportation system is vital to the economic well being of the Nation. Our inland waterways are a critical component of that system. This amendment sacrifices any hope of regaining a leadership role in world grain markets for Midwest producers. I can appreciate the concerns of the gentlemen that offer this amendment. The Upper Mississippi River-Illinois Waterway Navigation Study has been the costliest and most controversial study ever undertaken by the Corps of Engineers. It has had whistleblower complaints, an investigation by the Office of Special Counsel, an investigation by the Army Inspector General, three National Academy of Sciences reviews, Congressional hearings, and more newspaper articles and editorials than one could imagine. Throughout all this, the Corps remained thorough, professional, and exemplary in its review of alternatives and its willingness to adapt to new information presented to it. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and its predecessors, has consistently supported a diverse and efficient national transportation system. This includes ports, highways, rail, aviation, and the inland waterway system. Each of these modes contributes to the overall transportation system that fuels the world's leading economy. In pursuing the national transportation system, we cannot stand still. We did not build the Interstate Highway System and then walk away.…”