The Water System That Moves 669 Million Tons a Year

●The Mississippi River Lock and Dam System spans 1,200 river miles across five states, comprising 29 locks on the Mississippi River and additional locks on connecting waterways. Constructed primarily in the 1930s, this system maintains a dependable 9-foot navigation channel that moves 47% of all U.S. inland waterborne commerce. The system handles 669 million tons of cargo annually, including 60% of all U.S. grain exports, with lock operations running continuously year-round. A single 15-barge tow replaces 1,050 semi-trucks or 216 rail cars, making it the most efficient freight corridor in the United States.

WHY IT MATTERS :
● Handles 669 million tons of cargo annually
● Moves 60% of all U.S. grain exports to global markets
● 1,200 miles of navigable waterway infrastructure
● 29 locks on Mississippi River, 42 locks total in system
● One 15-barge tow = 1,050 semi-trucks in capacity
● Provides $6.2 billion in annual domestic transportation savings
● 51 shallow-draft ports and 7 deep-draft ports
● Constructed in 1930s, still operational today

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