River Transportation in Iowa prepared by Office of Advance Planning, Planning and Research Division, May 1979

(1979) River Transportation in Iowa prepared by Office of Advance Planning, Planning and Research Division, May 1979. Transportation, Department of

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Abstract

The navigational development of the Upper Mississippi and Missouri Rivers was important for Iowa and the Midwest. Navigation channels provide Iowans with a low-cost transportation system for moving bulk commodities in addition to providing areas for outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife habitat. Future commercial development and waterway improvements must take into account opportunities to enhance the fish and wildlife resources of the river system. This report identifies current issues in commercial navigation which affect Iowa and the Midwest. Bottlenecks in the river system, such as imposed by Locks and Dam 26, are discussed in detail. Solving conflicts between developmental and environmental values are also discussed, e.g., dredging methods and dredge material disposal practices. Current Mississippi River planning considerations such as extension of the navigation season and conflicts between commercial and recreation river users are also explained. One major concern to Missouri River navigation interests is future water supply to support the navigation season. A major factor which may limit using the Missouri River for navigation is the continued growth of upstream consumptive use of water for irrigation, domestic, municipal, mining, and industrial purposes.