Chris Bennett writing in Ag Web Farm Journal documented the projected return from dredging the lower reaches of the Mississippi River.  Expending $217 million on the most southerly 250 miles stretch will allow vessels to carry additional grains and soybeans.  Increasing the depth of the main channel by five foot will generate an additional $460 million annually and make the U.S. more competitive than Brazil and Argentina. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that for every dollar expended, the return will amount to $7.20.  Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition cited in the article stated, “This project is a big deal for the export strength of U.S. agriculture in the future, and it’s also significant for farmers in the near-term since the project is going to mean better prices for famers at their elevators.”  The U.S. will be able to land soybeans cheaper into ports including Shanghai based on a lower combination of truck and barge costs compared to Brazil that is heavily dependent on truck transport from major growing areas to export terminals.

The infrastructure plan includes allocation of funding to improve locks and other facilities that would further increase the efficiency of the waterway system.