Infrastructure: Supporting Inland Waterways, Ports, and Rural Broadband
Inland Waterways and Ports: NGFA is redoubling its efforts to secure $7.1 billion to finance 17 congressionally authorized inland waterway navigation projects, including long-delayed lock-and-dam projects on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Waterway system.
Additional funds will be sought to finance the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ civil works program for coastal navigation and port improvement and dredging projects.
Further, NGFA will be vigilant to guard against the potential reemergence of proposals to finance inland waterway rehabilitation projects through ill-conceived tolling or lockage fees imposed on commercial users of the waterways.
Support Expansion of Rural Broadband: NGFA serves on the Steering Committee of the Rebuild Rural Coalition, which is advocating a series of rural-focused infrastructure initiatives, including expansion of rural broadband access.
In addition, NGFA is a member of the American Connection Broadband Coalition, which is focused on bridging the digital divide for areas that lack internet connectivity.